Kurentovanje (Ptuj Carnival)
Kurentovanje
Slovenia's largest carnival, where Kurents wrapped in sheepskin and hung with heavy bells parade in groups to drive out winter.
Kurentovanje takes place in Ptuj every February and lasts about ten days, peaking with the international carnival parade on Sunday. The main figure, the Kurent, is wrapped in a whole sheepskin and wears a mask with horns and a long tongue. Heavy bronze bells hang at the waist, clanging loudly as the Kurent leaps forward, symbolizing the driving away of winter and the arrival of spring. The custom of Kurents going from house to house has been inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. During the festival the old town hosts concerts, markets and night parties, so book accommodation well in advance. At other times of year, the mask exhibition can be seen in the castle museum.
Opening hours
During Carnival in February each year
Nearby sights
- Ptuj Old Town
- Ptuj Town Tower & Orpheus Monument
- St. George's Church, Ptuj
- Ptuj Castle
- Minorite Monastery, Ptuj
- Ptuj Wine Cellar
- Dominican Monastery, Ptuj
- Terme Ptuj