In Slovenia, it's an official public holiday, meaning that it's a work-free holiday. All over the country, St. Stephen's day is also marked by horse owners blessing their animals.

Every year, the biggest blessing of horses is held in the SE town of Šentjernej, where owners bring their animals to churches for them to be blessed. Today, almost 150 horsemen and more than 3,000 people attended the event.

According to a legend, St. Stephen tamed a wild horse with a cross. In Central and Northern Europe, the saint is celebrated as the patron of horses and other farm animals.

From today on, the use of pyrotechnics is officially allowed during the holidays, until January 2nd.