Traditions

Kurent - Carnival spirit. Kurent, a fearsome "Pust" (carnival) figure bringing luck and abundant crops, comes from Ptujsko polje.

Kurent or Korant, as some name it, is the most typical and traditional mask of the region. The carnival is named after it. The mask is supposed to have supernatural power, for with its demonic figure, its jumping and ringing of bells, it chases the winter away and calls the spring in the country. The Kurent has become a symbol and mascot, in short an ambassador of Ptuj and its surroundings, and finally also of Slovenia.

Kurentovanje in Ptuj

The KURENT Carnival brings along magic joy and humour, and also a touch of mystery. It is one of the most important traditional events in Slovenia and central Europe and has a very long tradition in Ptuj and the Ptuj Plain.

A week before the Sunday Procession, carnival celebrations begin during which the tradition goes hand in hand with the present. The Carnival officially opens on Saturday with traditional carnival masks and figures typical of Slovenia. Masked balls, excellent wines and foods abound every night in the Carnival Hall. Every evening, the town becomes alive as various artistic and theatre performances take place on streets and squares, to say nothing of the ever-present Kurent masks.

Carnival Sunday is the culmination point of the event with the smell of doughnuts, deafening noise of dancing Kurents, smiling faces of little princesses, funny Pipi Longstockings, little Flowers, cats, and above all the awareness that very soon the spring will be back. More than 60,000 party-fans enjoy in the Procession of traditional carnival masks and figures from Slovenia and original masks from Austria, Italy, Hungary, Croatia, Macedonia and Bulgaria.