One of the best carnivals in the region is about to start! Are you ready for 12 days of pure fun?

We have already announced the beginning of the carnival season with our recent article about Crikvenica and its traditions, and now it’s time to head to the northeast of Slovenia, to the city of Ptuj, where, according to Lonely Planet, one of the best world carnivals is about to unfold!

Kurentovanje is an incredibly captivating tradition that began precisely 64 years ago when Drago Hasl and different associates from cultural and educational organizations organized the first carnival. Already known as a city with a long heritage and cultural significance to Slovenians, Ptuj, is a perfect place for manifestation such as this one.

Kurentovanje, Photo: Marko Pigac, archive of the Ptuj Institute of Tourism, www.slovenia.info

Although Kurentovanje has many different ethnographic characters, the most famous one, after which the carnival got its name is Kurent or Korant. No one knows exactly what it is, but in many old Slavic traditions it has been interpreted as a god or a mystical creature, that was taking away evil and bringing prosperity, warm spring, and abundant harvest.

The lesser characters are Old Woman Carrying Her Man, Gypsies, The Devil, Jurek and Rabolj, The Straw Bride, Spearman, Kurike and Piceki, The Mischievous Bear, Ploughmen, Log- Haulers, Whip Crackers, Rusas, Fairies, and Carnival dancers. 

Kurentovanje, Photo: Marko Pigac, archive of the Ptuj Institute of Tourism, www.slovenia.info

Being a “kurent” became a significant honor over the years of holding the carnival. Initially, it was a tradition exclusively for men, but as time passed, both women and children expressed eagerness to participate, leading to changes in the rules.

For this year’s carnival program, the  Ptuj Tourism Institute has planned various daily events that will start on February 3rd, but the Kurentovanje program starts on February 22nd and will last until March 4th. The first thing on the program is the presentation of Mistik wine in the Ptuj cellar at 11 a.m.

Kurent Jump is an interesting opportunity for you to witness Kurents getting dressed and putting on their bells for the first time.

Kurentovanje, Photo: Marko Pigac, archive of the Ptuj Institute of Tourism, www.slovenia.info

On the streets and squares of Ptuj until the end of the carnival days, you will have the opportunity to meet various carnival characters and masks, and hundreds of Kurents will also arrive at Kurentovanje, who will walk around the city with the bells ringing.

There is also an international carnival parade where groups from other countries and children from kindergartens from all over Slovenia will join.

Kurentovanje, Photo: Marko Pigac, archive of the Ptuj Institute of Tourism, www.slovenia.info

Make sure to join numerous parties across the city as well! Find the entire program for 2025 here!