The bread baking competition was one of the main events, where baking enthusiasts competed to prepare the best bread in five categories. The displayed products impressed visitors, who had the opportunity to taste different types of bread and view an exhibition of all the breads, held for the first time in the castle cellar this year.
Musical accompaniment was provided by the Hervol ensemble, which, along with musical guest Lojze Ogorevc, celebrated his 50-year music career. Among the cultural highlights were performances by the folklore groups KUD Oton Župančič Artiče and Duplo Pišece, whose lively performances added to the event's atmosphere. In addition, numerous regional tourism and winemaking associations presented their products at the stalls. Special guests at the event were the 25th Cviček Princess Blažka Ilovar and the 7th Wine Queen of Bizeljsko Ana Kovačič.
A significant part of the event was the ceremonial presentation of certificates and awards for Županovo vino 2024 and recognition for the best homemade bread. The best-rated Cviček PTP was produced by Zdenka Mirtek from V.T.K. Gadova peč (score 16.23), while the award for the mayor's wine, white bizeljčan PTP, went to Mirko Kolar from the Vinogradniško društvo Pišece (score 17.50). In the Selected Mayor's Wine category (this year blue Franconian), the winner was Ferdo Pinterič from the Vinogradniško društvo Sromlje, with a score of 18.13.
This year, the bread baking competition received 41 different entries. In the wheat bread category, Marija Stopar won (43 points), in the mixed bread category, Terezija Gerjevič (41.90 points), in the special types of bread category, Primož Urbanč had the best preparation (44.60 points), in the festive bread category, Marija Žnideršič won (47 points), and in the bread leavened with other leavening agents category, Majda Jurše (43.75 points).
The event also included a professional committee from the Izvorno Slovensko Academy, chaired by Dr. Janez Bogataj, which evaluated the event according to numerous criteria essential for obtaining the "Brežice Selection / Izbrano" territorial collective trademark certificate.
Throughout the evening, a large number of visitors enjoyed the rich program and diverse local delicacies, and a free transportation line was established between Terme Čatež and Brežice. Dan kruha, vina in salam in Brežice once again demonstrated the importance and desirability of such events, which revive tradition and connect the community.
