The ceremony was first performed as far back as 1947. It was a spontaneous event organized by the students without the presence of teachers and other people. Gradually it has turned into tradition which distinguishes Portorož and Piran from other places. It is very popular as crowds of people want to see it.
Friday, 7 September: NEPTUNE TAKES OVER CONTROL OF PIRAN
Ribiški trg, the main pier and plateau
10.00–16.00 Pirate games, presentation of seafaring skills, old boat, warship of the Slovenian armed forces, sea food
Tartini Square, Piran
10.00–16.00 Presentation of the 430th Naval detachment of the Slovenian armed forces
10.30 Young pirates awaiting Neptune
11.30 Music program: young pirates, group Flip, students of the GEPŠ
12.00 Arrival of the ship with Neptune and his entourage, meeting the mayor of Piran and the GEPŠ school principal, raising of the pirate flag.
20.00 Neptune’s concert, young groups
Saturday, 8 September: BAPTISM OF THE NEW GENERATION OF MARITIME HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Ribiški trg, the main pier and plateau
10.00–16.00 Pirate games, demonstration of seafaring skills, old boats and warship of the Slovenian armed forces, sea food
10.00–16.00 Presentation of the 430th Naval detachment of the Slovenian armed forces
10.00–12.00 Fish culinary workshop and tastings
11.00–12.00 Folklore group Val Piran
16.00 In anticipation of Neptune: group Flip, gathering of seamen
16.00-18.00 Neptune’s procession with pirates and novices
16.00 Gathering in front of the maritime high school in Portorož
16.30 Arrival at Bernardin, embarking and sailing towards Piran
17.00 Arrival at the main pier in Piran, procession in Piran
18.00-19.00 Neptune’s speech, oath and baptism
(beach in front of Hotel Piran)
19.30 Maritime-pirate party (Caffe Teater)
Sunday, 9 September: NEPTUNE AND THE PIRATES GIVE BACK POWER
Ribiški trg, the main pier and plateau
10.00–13.00 Pirate games
13.00 Lowering of the pirate flag and handing back of the power