Slovenia’s oldest city, Ptuj, turns into a spectacular carnival town every February during the celebration of Pust, Slovenia’s traditional carnival season. The highlight? The Kurent (or Korant) – a mysterious, fur-covered figure whose origins date back centuries. The Pust Kurent Festival isn’t just an event; it’s a living link to Slovenia’s ancient pagan past and a celebration of joy, spring, and renewal.
🌿 The Origin of Pust and Kurent
The word Pust refers to the Slovenian carnival period, marking the end of winter and the welcoming of spring. The central figure of this celebration is the Kurent, a mythical creature believed to chase away winter and evil spirits with noise, dance, and wild energy.
Historians trace the origins of the Kurent to prehistoric fertility rituals, later blended with medieval Christian traditions. Over time, it evolved into a unique symbol of Slovenia’s cultural identity — and Ptuj became its heart.
The first written record of Kurentovanje in Ptuj dates back to 1885, though locals had celebrated similar rituals long before. The modern Kurentovanje Festival officially began in 1960, and today it’s one of Europe’s most vibrant and authentic carnivals.
🎭 Who is the Kurent?
The Kurent is both fascinating and intimidating. Traditionally, the Kurent (Korant) is a man dressed in sheepskin, wearing:
- A huge mask with a red tongue and cow horns.
- A belt of heavy cowbells (“zvonci”) around the waist.
- Feathers or ribbons on the headpiece, depending on the local style.
- In his hand, a ježevka — a wooden club with hedgehog spines.
When a group of Kurents dances through the streets, their bells thunder, symbolically driving away winter and evil to welcome warmer, fertile days ahead.
In the past, only unmarried young men could wear the costume, but today both men and women — and even children — join the tradition.
🎉 Kurentovanje Festival in Ptuj
Kurentovanje is held every year in Ptuj, usually starting in February and lasting about 10 days before Ash Wednesday. It’s the largest carnival event in Slovenia, attracting tens of thousands of visitors and performers from around the world.
The festival features:
- The Grand Parade of Kurents, with hundreds of costumed groups.
- Traditional performances, folklore groups, and international guests.
- Street food, wine tastings, and live music.
- Workshops and exhibitions on Slovenian cultural heritage.
UNESCO recognized Kurentovanje and the Kurent tradition as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2017, highlighting its cultural importance and community spirit.
🏰 Why Ptuj is the Heart of Kurentovanje
Ptuj, Slovenia’s oldest recorded town, provides the perfect stage for this festival. Its medieval streets, castle, and Drava River backdrop make the celebration both magical and historical.
The Ptuj Castle Museum even has a permanent exhibition dedicated to the Kurent, where visitors can see original masks, costumes, and photos of past festivals.
🕰️ When to Visit
- Best time: February (exact dates change yearly depending on Lent).
- Main event: The Grand Parade of Kurents, usually held the weekend before Ash Wednesday.
- Where: Ptuj city center, with side events across Dravsko polje and Haloze region.
💡 Traveler Tips
- Book accommodation in advance – the city gets fully booked during Kurentovanje.
- Dress warmly — it’s wintertime!
- Try local treats like krofi (Slovenian doughnuts) and mulled wine during the festivities.
- Visit nearby Maribor or Jeruzalem wine hills after the carnival for a relaxing getaway.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Pust Kurent in Ptuj is more than a festival — it’s a living connection between Slovenia’s ancient traditions and modern joy. The thunder of bells, the laughter in the streets, and the energy of the Kurents make it an unforgettable cultural experience.
If you truly want to feel Slovenia’s soul, there’s no better time to visit than during Kurentovanje in Ptuj — when winter runs away, and Slovenia dances into spring
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