Slovenia hosts a procession of a folk play performed as a procession on the streets of its medieval center during Lent and Easter. Over 900 local performers participate.
The play, Slovene: Kofja Loka passion, (Processio locopolitana), is the oldest Passion play in Slovene. Developed from an older tradition in 1715, and with small corrections until 1727, it was authored by Father Romuald (Lovrenc Marusic; 1676-1748), a Capuchin monk who lived in Škofja Loka Capuchin monastery in the town of Škofja Loka.
Originally performed every year on Good Friday until 1751, the event was re-staged in 1936 as part of an exhibition and revived in 1999, 2000, 2009, and 2015. It was a penitential Passion processional performance.
There are 869 verses from the passion of Jesus, written in the old Skofja Loka dialect. They are divided into 13 tableaux. The play belongs to the Baroque period, and it is the oldest preserved director's book in the world, which is kept in the Škofja Loka monastery.
The Škofja Loka Passion Play displays 20 scenes from the stations of the cross as well as examples from the Old and New Testaments. It is based on the ancient works of a Capuchin monk. Performed in the dialect of the time it was written, it is held in a series of different locations.
Over 400 other volunteers from the community participate in the play's production. Due to its complexity, the play is only held every six years. Even though this play is considered to be a crucial part of local identity, it also encourages social cohesion since residents who participate in the play are able to connect with each other and feel like they are contributing to the community.
Families who participate, and craftspeople assisting in the play's production are known to pass along their knowledge and skills to younger generations via classes, and by the people assisting in the play's production. Local schools also teach the Passion Play as part of their curriculum.
As a result of its participation in a volunteer project for the previous year, the National Youth Council in Slovenia 2010 awarded the Municipality of Kofja Loka a special recognition for the presentation of the tableaux in 20 scenes. Its repeat performances at Kofja Loka are the largest open-air theater productions in Slovenia.