The Chocolate Festival brings together two of your favourite things!

True chocoholics like to spend their free time in the safety of their own homes with a bar of chocolate in hand, but a visit to the Chocolate Festival is a must at least once!

Especially for those of you who have never been to one before, you will be amazed by the varied offer and the lively events. Of course, it''s a real festival, and it''s all about chocolate! So, kiss your friends and family and plan your next chocolate adventure now. Then find out what''s in store for you at chocolate festivals here and around the world.

Chocolate Festival in Radovljica

The chocolate capital of Slovenia is undoubtedly Radovljica. It''s where the annual Chocolate Festival takes place, attracting a crowd of sweet tooths from all over the country to the Gorenjska region. Just as the ascent of Triglav is a must for nationally conscious mountaineers, Radovljica will be flocked by irresistible chocoholics - and not only from Slovenia, but also from abroad! It''s probably quite clear why a trip to Gorenjska in April every year smacks of them - it presents an incredible collection of chocolates and chocolate products to be eaten.

The Chocolate Festival in Radovljica has been delighting chocoholics for five years now, but the event is just the crowning glory of a long sweet tradition in this place. It''s almost 100 years since chocolate production was revived in Lesce! The first family-run chocolate company was founded by Adolf Zavratnik in 1922, and then Gorenjka, today one of Slovenia''s most famous brands, took over the tradition.

True chocoholics like to spend their free time in the safety of their own homes with a bar of chocolate in hand, but a visit to the Chocolate Festival is a must at least once!

It was at the initiative of Gorenjska that the first Chocolate Festival was held in 2012 - a one-day event where various Slovenian chocolatiers presented their offer. The attendance was overwhelming, and the positive reactions of the visitors surprised both the exhibitors and the organisers. It was clear that an annual festival was born, and it will only grow with each edition. Over the following years, the Chocolate Festival in Radovljica has expanded to three days, and the number of locations and events is growing.

What can you expect at the Chocolate Festival 2017? There will be a lot going on in Radovljica from 21 to 23 April! Gorenjka''s chocolate giant will be waiting for you on Linhart Square, and as befits a chocolate capital, there will also be a chocolate throne! The real sweet tooth will probably quickly turn to Vurnikov trg, where cooking shows will be taking place and chocolate sculptures and paintings will have you drooling. There''s also a chocolate roulette for the curious, and a presentation of the chocolate''s journey from cocoa bean to finished product will be no less interesting. The accompanying programme at the various locations will be no less interesting and sweet: don''t miss the chocolate fashion show, the beauty tent with various chocolate preparations, the chocolate scooter race and other amazing adventures!

So book the penultimate weekend in April to visit Radovljica. Be sure to fast at least a few days beforehand, as there will be over 100 types of chocolate products available for tasting.

Chocolate festivals abroad

Although Slovenia is by no means just a thumbprint on the chocolate map (as evidenced by the record for the biggest bar of chocolate!), chocoholics will of course also be keen to check out chocolate festivals abroad. There are several annual festivals held nearby, and those who want to enjoy their sweets on holiday or when travelling to faraway lands will also be in luck. Just browse the local event schedules and you''re sure to find something sweet!

In December, we recommend a short trip to our southern neighbours - that''s when the Chocolate Festival in Opatija takes place. But even more than the Croats, our other neighbours, especially the Italians and Austrians, are famous for their chocolates. The chocolate capital of Italy is Perugia, where EuroChocolate, one of Europe''s biggest chocolate festivals, has been held every year since 1993. In our northern neighbours, Milka is in charge of the festivals, although many other producers of course also present their products at the various events.

A visit to a chocolate festival is an enjoyable experience for everyone. Of course, it''s especially the candy lovers who will be in for a treat, but the rich accompanying programme ensures a varied programme of events and a wonderful outing for the whole family!