Kurentovanje Carnival in Ptuj, Slovenia

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What is the Kurentovanje of Ptuj?

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The Kurentovanje is a historical and cultural celebration typical of Slovenia that takes place mainly in Ptuj. This carnival-style event is a large cultural celebration that is intended to scare away winter and make way for spring. The Kurentovanje is aunique legacy of the Ptuj carnival, which is deeply rooted in the mystical pagan character of Kurent and many other characters that is combined with attractive local elements throughout the festival, such as music, dance, local cuisine and high-quality wines.

Although the Ptuj or Kurentovanje carnival features various characters, none is like the Kurent. This character represents the Slovenian pagan god of pleasure and hedonism. He is represented by people wearing sheepskin costumes and holding sticks made of wood and hedgehog skin. By hitting both sticks, it is believed that the noise is able to drive away winter. The masks, costumes and characters have become an identity feature of great importance to the local people.

The Kurentovanje allows locals to escape from everyday life and enter into anincredible spectacle for all the senses that brings together the different cultural and unique elements of the village. Throughout the festival, numerous events are held in the squares and streets of the town and its surroundings, such as parades, character performances, concerts, masked dances and performances.

The Kurentovanje celebration has been in constant development, attracting many more visitors to witness the city’s magical event. In previous years the Kurentovanje celebration of the Kurentovanje Carnival has welcomed more than 60,000 spectators who line the sides of the street to watch the various events, shows and the rounds that the Kurenti perform from January until the end of the festivities.

Due to theircultural importance and the hard work of preservation of the traditions, the rounds of the Kurenti, known as “Door-to-door rounds of Kurenti” have been listed as Unesco Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2017. The Kurentovanje has a lot of cultural elements of great value, which makes it to be considered as one of the most important and largest carnival celebrations.

 

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When is the Kurentovanje of Ptuj?

The Ptuj Kurentovanje is a carnival-style spring celebration that takes place 11 days before Ash Wednesday and culminates on Carnival Tuesday.

Ethe Kurentovanje will take place from approximately February 6 to 16. The celebration also features events prior to the official carnival that take place from Candlemas Day.

 

 

History of Kurentovanje from Ptuj

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Although there is no concrete record of when the Korant was created, many people believe that it has been present since thePtuj settlements. There are various theories about the origin and some people indicate that it isan age-old tradition related to the worship of the goddess Cybele mixed with the ancestors of the Slovenes in the 6th century and with the arrival of the Uskoks in the 16th century.

The first records of the ancient carnival date back to 1610, when variousactivities with masks and games were held. However, the celebration was quickly suppressed by the authorities for not being related to Christian values. In the year 1873 the first parade with characters was held. The parade had carriages, revelers accompanying the celebration and drinking throughout the day.

At the end of the 19th century, the character of Korant, who would later become an independent and main figure of the carnival, was introduced for the first time in the spring. This character was introduced by those who believed in the original traditions that fired winter andgave way to spring along with cultivations and a warmer climate. At first, these kurenti were not well received by the authorities, as they were believed superstitious characters, so they had to enter the city on the sly.

The counterpart of the more refined carnival, it did everything possible to celebrate the festivities with dances and enhancing it with new elements. In addition, every year the carnival had different themes. During the Second World War, the Kurents were almost extinct, although they emerged again through some celebrations on the outskirts of the city.

 

The organized Kurentovanje

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After theSecond World War the carnivals entered an even more critical state, being completely suppressed. However, a generous number of people wanted to maintain the traditions, so they held an organized parade. In the year 1960 this parade was held, which was composed of the main character Kurent and other characters such as fairies, bears and other funny or historical characters.

The Kurentovanje continued to be held in the city, counting with some intermittency some years for different reasons. In addition, many more cultural and tourist organizations began to be part of the festivities, contributing to its development and establishment as a tourist attraction. The carnival was expanding until it reached a duration of 11 days and integrated a first inaugural parade, integrating thousands of people and artists.

Since 2017 the carnival has been included in theUnesco Intangible Cultural Heritage list due to its important work in preserving and developing the festivities.

 

Where is the Kurentovanje of Ptuj

The Kurentovanje is celebrated in the city of Ptuj, Slovenia. However, it is also held in various areas of the country. Ptuj is one of the oldest cities in the entire region, first mentioned in records in 69 BC.

The city of Ptuj has a total area of 25.6 square kilometers with a population of 17,000 people.

 

 

How is the Kurentovanje of Ptuj celebrated?

The Kurentovanje is a comprehensive celebration that occupies various cultural elements. One of the features that this interesting carnival celebration contemplates is the main figure of the Kurent. However, Kurentovanje features many other characters and celebrations that occur from beginning to end in the city of Ptuj.

 

Characters

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The characters featured in the carnival may vary between regions of the country and are sometimes only integrated in some adjacent villages.

 

Kurent

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He is the main character of the carnival celebration. According to an ancient belief, the Kurent isa demon who haunts the winter and calls for spring. Because of its importance, it cannot be considered an ordinary carnival mask, as it still inspires mystical and powerful feelings.

The character wears a mask that extends in the shape of a beak and features a large sheep costume of various colors. He also has several colorful ribbons tied to the horns of his costume. During the events he has a wooden stick that he bumps into each other to scare away the spirits.

 

Orači or Labriegos

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This is another popular character of the festival. They usually are in groups and are closely related tofertility magic. Although its form may change depending on the region, it always has simple clothes, black pants and hat with some colorful headdress, mainly ribbons.The group is always followed by a Kurent.

 

Kureki in piceki or Roosters

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It is a character that bringshealth to the poultry. Their heads are covered by a conical cap made of paper which is decorated with colorful ribbons. In addition, they wear white pants and white tunic. When they parade down the street, they have a stick with the head of a hen carved on the front.

 

Nagajivi medved or Bears

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They are characters completely covered by ahairy costume. They represent the bears that once walked in the villages. The characters are always in groups, accompanied by trumpets, gift baskets and drums. They usually perform some tricks and fuss to the visitors.

 

Pokači

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It is one of the classic carnival characters. It is a person who announces the carnival festivities on Candelaria Day. The characters have large whips that they wave everywhere causing a great noise.

 

Ruse

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Ruse represents a horse, which brings fertility and health to the horses of the city. The horse is played by two children, one for the front legs and one for the hind legs. They are used to walk through the streets and houses selling things.

 

Radoživi dornavski cigani or Gypsies

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This is a fairly common character. Almost all people in the city dress like gypsies, assuming various roles such as amulators, musicians orchicken thieves.

 

Baba nosi deda

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It is a person disguised as an old woman who relies on a basket on her back to carry her husband.

 

Plodnost čarajo ploharji

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It is an ensemble costume and is composed of several people simulating a wedding. The grouping is led by acarriage with a musician and the bride’s best man. Behind them comes 3 young women with hoarse

 

Fairies

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It is a costume that represents fairies. The costume is worn by women in white clothes and crown who congregate to dance and sing.

 

The Devil

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It is a character who wears red outfit, sheepskin cap, horns and pointed nose. He has a net that he throws continuously to catch souls.

 

Jürek in Rabolj

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The characters are known throughout the country and in Croatia. They represent the victory of spring against winter. The costume comprises a whole grouping of several pairs, musicians and a person in charge of collecting coins.

 

Dancers

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This is a grouping withcolorful clothes and various members. The men have a conical hat with flowers and ribbons and the women a cloth covering their hair.

 

Kopjaši

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They correspond to a large group of men who have rods filled with colorful ribbons. They represent a groom at the wedding and entertain the audience.

 

Door-to-door rounds

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A few days before the official celebration, the Kurents visit residents’ homes to greet and perform some dances and shows. The event is accompanied by some traditional doughnuts and charcuterie sandwiches.

 

Prince of Carnival

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The title of Prince of Carnival is awarded to some individual who has worked continuously and significantly in the preservation of the carnival tradition. In addition, he contributes in various social, cultural aspects and in the presentation of the characters of the festivities. Its role is not limited exclusively to the festivities, but it also represents the traditions in various international organizations.

At the opening of the festivities, the prince receives the key to the city as a symbolic token of authority during the carnival period.

 

Tips for going to the Kurentovanje in Ptuj

If you wish to attend the Kurentovanje in Ptuj, we advise you to plan your trip in advance, make an itinerary of activities and book the accommodation of your choice in advance. Also, be sure to pack comfortable clothes so that you can fully enjoy your carnival.

In addition, we advise you to pack warm clothes, since during Kurentovanje the temperature in the city stays below 10 degrees Celsius.

 

Events in Ptuj Kurentovanje

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Kurentovanje has a number of commemorative events that take place before the official carnival. The events can extendfrom the month of January until Shrove Tuesday, with the last 5 days being of major importance and activities.

 

Kurent Jumping

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The carnival season starts with an event of great importance for the traditions. Right at midnight, the Kurents place their bells by the fire and start chasing winter and evil.

 

Art exhibition

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At the beginning of the celebrations, an art and painting exhibition is held, reflecting the various cultural elements of the festivities. Usually, the best works are awarded and displayed in the Galería Magistrat..

 

Intercontinental Meeting of Traditional Carnival Characters

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This is a great event that integrates several characters from the rest of the continent. It is a wonderful cultural gathering where characters from various regions of Slovenia and the continent congregate for a parade.

 

Gathering of traditional carnival personalities

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A fewdays before the formal start of the festivities, the various characters run through the streets of the city in groups so that everyone can see them. In this way, visitors can familiarize themselves with the figures that will take to the streets in the coming days.

 

Night show

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It is a show that takes place before the start of the official carnivals. Everyone comes to the streets of the city in ghost and zombie costumes. The main characters also make an appearance at the event.

 

Parade of the bourgeoisie

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It is an event that has been going on for decades, Everyone wears ostentatious and period clothes. Big colorful and pompous dresses take to the streets with floats and masks.

 

International Carnival Parade

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It is the biggest event of the whole carnival. Thousands of groups take to the streets to parade in costume and perform grand dances. The main characters take to the streets to celebrate with shows and civil society wears costumes with different themes. Floats are also part of the event, decorated with different themes and carrying other characters, children and dolls.

 

Children’s Carnival

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It is an event aimed exclusively at the children of the city in company with their representatives. All kindergarten and primary children wear varioustypical carnival or free-themed costumes. Some children have miniature costumes of traditional characters, while others are free-themed with flowers and cheerful colors.

 

Carnival burial

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This is the last event of the Carnival festivities in Ptuj. From noon, the people of the city stop their activities to celebrate together and once the afternoon arrives, they perform a large funeral with a coffin. This ceremony commemorates the end of the carnival.

 

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Ptuj’s Kurentovanje parades

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During the time of Kurentovanje there are 3 main parades: International meeting of carnival characters, children’s parade and the international parade.

The most impressive parade is the International Carnival Parade, which is held on Carnival Sunday and is led by the city’s carnival royalty. In addition, hundreds of people take to the streets with various historical, adorable or funny characters. Dancing and performances are not to be missed, as dozens of groups take to the streets in fantastic costumes to dance, sing and party. The traditional historical carnival characters are the ones who steal the show, performing dances, walking from one side to the other and interacting with the public on the sides of the street.

The International Encounter of Carnival Characters is a highly symbolic ceremony that features the presence of other carnival characters from adjacent cities and the continent. These characters travel around the city all together so that people can get to know the great variety of cultures and traditions celebrating in the same place..

The children’s parade is an event that has been recently incorporated. All the children of the city from kindergarten to elementary school take to the streets with lots of themed costumes or miniature replicas of the main characters of the Kurentovanje in Ptuj.

 

Parade route

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The parades that take place at the carnival take various routes through the streets of the city.

Parade of the Intercontinental Meeting of traditional carnival characters

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Route:

1. Zadružni trg
2. Dravska ulica
3. Minoritski trg
4. Krempljeva ulica
5. Mestni trg
6. Ulica heroja Lacka
7. Trstenjakova ulica
8. Slomškova ulica

 

International carnival parade

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Route:

1. Potrčeva cesta
2. Vinarski trg
3. Ulica Heroja Lacka
4. Mestni trg
5. Minoritski trg
6. Dravska ulica

 

Children’s Parade

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Route:

1. Zadružni trg
2. Dravska ulica
3. Minoritski trg
4. Krempljeva ulica
5. Mestni trg
6. Murkova ulica
7. Slovenski trg
8. Prešernova ulica
9. Vičava

 

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What to eat at the Kurentovanje in Ptuj

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During the Kurentovanje festivities in Ptuj, it is common to consume donuts known as krofi. These donuts, as in many other areas of Europe, are one of the most consumed products during carnival and are made with a mixture of eggs, sugar, butter, milk and lemon and then fried. The product can be filled with jam or cream and covered with powdered sugar, usually in the shape of a star.

Another of the classic sweets of Slovak cuisine is the Prekmurska gibanica. This is a multi-layered cake dating back to the 19th century and the recipe is guardedly preserved. This cake can be sweet or savory, but the original composition is layered with strudel dough, poppy seeds, raisins, walnuts and apples. The recipe can vary according to the region of the country.

In addition, the city of Ptuj also offers you some options of places that you can visit during the holidays to learn a little more about the local gastronomy. The best known restaurants are: Gostilna Ribic, Gostilna Amadeus, muziKafe, Pomaranca and Gostilna Grabar.

 

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What to see and do inside Ptuj’s Kurentovanje

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If you extend your visit until late January and early February, you cansee the various events that take place as ceremonies commemorating the carnival. The events that take place before the official carnival are made up of theKurent Jumping, the art exhibition, the parade of the intercontinental meeting of carnival characters, themeeting of characters and thenightly shows with the people dressed as zombies.

Once the official carnival has begun, thekey presentation to the Prince of Carnival takes place with the Bourgeoisie Parade, the International Carnival Parade, Children’s Parade and the Carnival Burial.

 

What to see and do outside of Ptuj’s Kurentovanje

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Mother of God Basilica

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This is a Catholic church in the Slovene Gothic style. The building is from around the 15th century and has several columns and naves.

 

Monument to Orpheus

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It is a large structure measuring 5 meters long and 1.8 meters wide. The sculpture is a carved piece of marble. At the top of the monolith reflects scenes from the myth of Orpheus.

 

The castle of Ptuj

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It is the castle of the city which is located right next to the Drava River. The building was built in the 12th century and functioned as a defense against the Hungarians.

 

Weather in Ptuj’s Kurentovanje

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During Kurentovanje the weather in the city is quite cold, with temperatures ranging from -3 to 7 degrees Celsius.

 

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How to get to the Ptuj Kurentovanje

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The closest airport to Ptuj is Ljubljana Airport, which is more than 100 kilometers away. Once there, you can use the various means of transportation to reach the city center.

 

 

How to get there by train

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From Ljubljana Airport, you can take a bus to the city center of Ljubljana. Once there, transfer and take a train to Ptuj. The journey takes 4 hours.

 

How to get there by bus

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From the airport take a direct bus to Ljubljana. When you get there, transfer again until you reach Ptuj. This last leg will go through the city of Maribor, from where you can also take a bus.

 

How to get there by car

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From the airport you can take the A1 road to the city center. The drive is about an hour and a half.