One of the most interesting carnivals in the world
Visit Ptuj in the winter, when it turns into the biggest open-air ethnographic museum showcasing intangible cultural heritage.
KURENTOVANJE 2023
11–21 February 2023
Lonely Planet singled out Kurentovanje as one of the ten best carnivals in the world, on par with those in Venice, Rio de Janeiro, and New Orleans. The carnival is an excellent opportunity to see not only the door-to-door rounds of Kurents that UNESCO put on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, but to also observe a number of folk and carnival parades, meet traditional and modern carnival characters, go to a masquerade and so much more. Kurentovanje features a number of parades, the carnival promenade, presentations of traditional costumes, concerts, masquerade balls, exhibitions, and so much more, divided into ArtFest, EtnoFest, and KarnevalFest.
WHEN
11–21 February 2023
WHERE
Ptuj, old town centre
Info
http://www.kurentovanje.net
protected by UNESCO
unique carnival figure of Kurent
an amazing ethnographic experience
costume parades and balls
Main events
Follow www.kurentovanje.net and our social channels on Facebook Kurentovanje / Visit Ptuj and on Instagram Kurentovanje / Visit Ptuj.
KURENT/KORENT’S JUMP
The carnival season kicks off with an especially mystical event. At midnight the Kurents first don their bells by the fire, and start chasing away the winter and evil.
OPENING ETHNO PARADE
Do not miss this unique adventure and get a valuable insight into the colorful carnival traditions from near and far. Ptuj streets will be filled with traditional carnival characters, such as Kurents, spearmen, Dornava Gypsies, ploughmen, rusas, cockerels, and bears.
NIGHT SPECTACLE
Power of the night – the carnival way! The illuminated and decorated Ptuj streets draw a motley crew of mysterious characters, who will create a fantastic play of darkness and light. We can also promise you an unforgettable fire and music show.
CITY CARNIVAL PROMENADE
It’s time to show off your mask! Become a part of this tradition, put on a mask, and join the promenade with masked townspeople. The promenade first started already in the 19th century, and now you can help us preserve this wonderful tradition.
INTERNATIONAL CARNIVAL PARADE
Do not forget to mark Kurentovanje on your calendar today. Ptuj’s streets and squares will be filled several thousands of carnival and traditional costumes, who will tell the stories of the past, future and present.
SHROVE TUESDAY AND BURIAL OF THE CARNIVAL
In Ptuj, the farewell from the carnival season is especially festive. We stop working at noon, and meet at numerous parties around the city. Why don’t you join the unique urban carnival celebrations that can last until wee hours.
MEET TRADITIONAL CARNIVAL CHARACTERS
Ptuj is the capital of traditions, and a place to meet traditional carnival characters in an intimate setting. In the evenings, the city center turns into the venue of a 101 course on Slovenian traditions, full of entertainment for kids.
