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 program of Kurentovanje, Ptuj Tourism Institute planned out a variety of daily events which will start on February 2nd. The first two things on the program are the presentation of Mistik wine at Ptuj cellar at noon, and Kurent jump at midnight!

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 Saturday, February 3rd, at 11 a.m., the opening of the ethnic procession will mark the official commencement of the festival. Throughout the streets and squares of Ptuj, you’ll have the chance to encounter various carnival characters and masks until the end of the carnival days.

On February 7th, at 7 p.m., on the Day of Kurent, you will be able to see hundreds of Kurents parading through the city, ringing their bells.

Following this event, a Ptuj carnival exhibition will open on February 10th at 10 a.m. in the Magistrat Gallery.

On the same day, at 11 a.m. on Mestni trg, you are also invited to become part of the procession of historical costumes and masks, while your kids can enjoy a party in masks and costumes at 3 p.m.

On February 11th, groups from other countries will join the International Carnival Parade, and on February 12th, children from kindergartens from all over Slovenia will also participate.

The program will conclude on Shrove Tuesday, February 13th, with the handover of authority and the burial of the host, marking the end of the festive days.

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!