KRES! more than a name
As a first generation Slovenian, “krés” has personal significance for me that I value with tremendous gratitude and pride. Not only is krés the first four letters of my last name, but it also has relevance in Slovenian language and culture. The Slovene word “krés” translates to “solstice” in English. Summer and winter solstices mean many things to many people, but to traditional growers and producers like us, it’s a time to celebrate God’s grace. We honor the mystical nature of summer solstice by receiving the gift of peak energy from the sun with gratitude and affirmation. Our thanks is manifested in the translation of this energy into food that nourishes.
Watch the Slovene to English translation of “KRÉS” as documented in this 1962 dictionary by Dr. Janko Kotnik from Ljubljana, Slovenia. I purchased this and several other cultural reference books right here in Cleveland, Ohio from the estate of Dr. Valentin Merśol. A most cherished find…
In Slovenia, solstice is celebrated at sunset with bonfires set to honor and support the sun by giving back its energy. An act of reciprocity and an acknowledgement of our participation in nurturing soil and plants for the development of peak flavor and medicinal potency. As part of our Slovenian culture, we celebrate the power of nature to nourish, heal and protect. Through our concurrent work in the kitchen, we capture and bottle this energy in our fermented foods; preserving the mystical powers of summer solstice so they can be enjoyed through the darkest days of the year - winter solstice.
“The daylight hinges on Krés.”
To be clear, we’re not the only KRES in Cleveland. We proudly share this dignified name with a very special group called Folklorna skupina Kres; a dance group that has entertained the Slovenian community of greater Cleveland since 1954. Their cultural dancing continues to delight our community and beyond. Our goal in upholding Kres is to genuinely contribute to the cultural traditions behind the word. From natural food cultivation to the Slovenian tradition of fermenting cabbage, we’re building on our heritage.
What resonates with me most about Slovenia is the country’s long and unwavering partnership with the natural world. A cherished tradition of working with nature, not against her. We similarly link arms with Folklorna skupina Kres… to jointly advance traditional art and culture, and to cultivate all that is Slovenia.
A few of my treks through Slovenia… a green country with stunning natural beauty. Go if you can!
© 2025 Kres Kitchen LLC. All rights reserved.