Neptune’s Baptism (also known as the maritime or sailors’ baptism) is a traditional school event that has been held regularly since the school was founded. It represents one of the longest-standing traditions of its kind in Slovenia and, as of 2026, is also inscribed in the national Register of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The school wishes to mark this occasion in a particularly festive way, so the celebrations begin on Friday, when the pirates take control of Piran and raise the pirate flag, and conclude on Sunday, when the Mayor of Piran takes back control. Senior students dress up as pirates, with one of them taking on the role of Neptune, while first-year students become their “slaves”, dressed in sacks. In recent years, accompanied by a brass band, the procession has set off from the school in Portorož towards Piran – depending on the favour of the god of the sea, sometimes on foot and sometimes by boat. The god of the sea is granted the honour of being carried on a litter by selected first-year students. The event also features speeches by the headmaster and distinguished guests, followed by an oath to the god Neptune. The students are then “baptised” by being thrown or jumping into the sea.
Programme of the 80th Maritime Baptism
Friday, 4 September — Neptune takes control of Piran
Tartini Square, Piran
- 10.00 – Painting workshops for primary school pupils and first-year secondary school students
- 10.00 – Creative workshops for kindergarten children
- 11.30 – Arrival of Neptune and his entourage, takeover of Piran and ceremonial raising of the pirate flags
Saturday, 5 September — Neptune baptises a new generation of seafarers
Portorož, Bernardin, Piran
- 16.00 – Neptune’s procession departs from the maritime school towards Piran
- 16.35 – Awaiting Neptune’s procession: musical programme in front of the Piran Harbour Master’s Office
in front of Tartini Theatre, Piran
- 15.30 – DJ Benjamin Shock
- 15.30–19.00 – Face painting with pirate and maritime motifs
- 15.30–20.30 – Food and culinary stalls
- 17.00 – Arrival of Neptune’s procession
- 17.15 – Ceremonial programme: addresses by the headmaster, guests and Neptune. Oath and traditional maritime baptism.
Organizer: Piran Grammar School, Electrical Engineering and Maritime School – Portorož Electrical Engineering and Maritime School Unit (GEPŠ Piran)
