Kurentovanje

Kurentovanje is Slovenia’s largest and most significant carnival, held each year in Ptuj. For eleven days leading up to Shrove Tuesday, the city bursts with parades, traditional costumes, and rituals to drive away winter and welcome spring.

• Kurents wear sheepskin, bells, and towering masks to chase away winter.
• The festival lasts eleven days, ending on Shrove Tuesday.
• Recognized by UNESCO for its door-to-door Kurent rounds.
• Draws around 100,000 participants each year in Ptuj.
• Features parades, open-air performances, and the burial of Carnival.

What it is

Kurentovanje is a lively, eleven-day carnival rooted in the traditions of Ptuj, Slovenia’s oldest city. At its heart are the Kurents—figures clad in sheepskin, bells, and towering masks—who roam the streets making noise to chase away winter and invite spring’s return. The festival draws tens of thousands, blending ancient customs with modern celebrations. For locals, Kurentovanje is a cherished rite marking the end of winter, a time to honour community, heritage, and the promise of renewal.

Where it comes from

The modern Kurentovanje began in 1960, inspired by Drago Hasl and local cultural groups who sought to preserve disappearing carnival traditions. Its roots lie in older village customs, especially the figure of the Kurent, whose origins are tied to local folklore and the coming of spring. Over time, the festival expanded to include costumes and groups from across Slovenia and neighbouring countries, becoming a showcase of regional identity and creativity. In 2017, the door-to-door rounds of Kurents were recognized by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage.

How it is celebrated

Celebrations centre on colourful processions through Ptuj’s streets, where Kurents—dressed in heavy sheepskin, with chains of bells and elaborate masks—dance and clang their clubs to drive out winter’s chill. The festival features daily performances, open-air parties, and parades of both traditional and contemporary costumes. Highlights include the enthronement of the Prince of the Carnival, children’s parades, and the ceremonial burial of Carnival at the close. The atmosphere is festive and communal, with music, laughter, and the echoing bells of Kurents filling the city. Everyone, regardless of age or background, is invited to don a costume and join in.

Joining in

Visitors to Kurentovanje will find Ptuj transformed, with events unfolding in the town square, carnival tents, and along the main streets. The main processions and performances are open to all, and it’s common for guests to mingle with costumed locals. Expect a welcoming, energetic crowd, plenty of music, and a chance to witness unique traditions up close. The festival’s schedule changes slightly each year, but the biggest events are usually on the weekends and Shrove Sunday. Comfortable shoes and an open spirit are all you need to take part.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Kurentovanje, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Kurentovanje on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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