The Economic Impact of Carnival Festivals: Beyond the Revelry
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Kurentovanje Carnival
When is the 2024 Kurentovanje Carnival?
The Kurentovanje Carnival will occur from February 3, 2024, to February 13, 2024.
Where is the Kurentovanje Carnival celebrated?
The Kurentovanje Carnival is celebrated in Ptuj, Slovenia, where it originated.
What is Kurentovanje Carnival?
Kurentovanje, often referred to as the Kurentovanj Carnival, is a traditional Slovenian carnival celebrated primarily in Ptuj, the oldest town in Slovenia. The carnival has ancient roots dating back to pre-Christian times when it was associated with the rites of spring and fertility. Over the centuries, the celebration evolved and incorporated elements from various cultural influences.
The central figure of Kurentovanje is the Kurent, a mythical and colorful character adorned in a sheepskin garment, a mask with a long red tongue, and large cowbells around the waist. The Kurent is believed to possess the power to chase away winter and evil spirits, symbolizing the arrival of spring and fertility.
Kurentovanje has gained recognition not only in Slovenia but also internationally, attracting visitors who are eager to experience this unique and culturally significant carnival. The celebration serves as a testament to the preservation of Slovenian traditions and the joyful expression of community spirit during the carnival season.
What to Expect at Kurentovanje’s Carnival?
At Kurentovanje’s Carnival, brace yourself for a lively and culturally rich experience. The festivities kick off with a mystical event as the locals, known as kurents, don vibrant costumes and bells, symbolically warding off winter and evil. The carnival procession features an array of traditional characters, such as spearmen, gypsies, ploughmen, Russians, pizzerias, bears, and more, parading through the streets of Ptuj. The atmosphere is imbued with the aroma of stew, reflecting a spirit of charity, while the celebration also includes the International Art Award Ex-tempore, showcasing the creative prowess of artists. Whether you’re drawn to the historical costume parade, the dynamic children’s procession, or the captivating play of darkness and light during the nighttime festivities, Kurentovanje’s Carnival promises a vibrant and diverse celebration that captures the essence of Slovenian culture and tradition.
Kurentovanje Carnival Schedule
Kurent/korant jump
Date: Feb 2, 2024
Location: N/A
The onset of the carnival season is marked by a uniquely mystical occurrence. As the clock strikes midnight and the fire casts its glow, the locals adorn themselves with bells for the inaugural time. They commence the ritual of warding off winter and dispelling malevolence by resounding the bells with vigor.
Opening ethnic procession
Date: Feb 3, 2024
Location: N/A
Experience an exceptional ethnographic spectacle as authority is relinquished, providing a rich glimpse into vibrant carnival traditions spanning various regions. Wander through the streets and squares of Ptuj, where a multitude of traditional carnival figures, including kurents, spearmen, gypsies, ploughmen, Russians, pizzerias, bears, and more, will be your lively companions.
Traditional charity Obarjada of the Lions Club of Ptuj
Date: Feb 3, 2024
Location: New Square
The aroma of stew, infused with a spirit of charity, will fill the air. A humanitarian essence, blended with carnival vibes, promises moments of joy for those who require them the most.
Meet indigenous carnival characters and masks
Date: Feb 4, 2024
Location: Town Square
Apart from the Kurent, participants wear a variety of traditional masks and costumes representing different characters from Slovenian folklore. These costumes often incorporate vibrant colors, intricate designs, and cultural symbols.
Meet indigenous carnival characters and masks
Date: Feb 5, 2024
Location: Town Square
Apart from the Kurent, participants wear a variety of traditional masks and costumes representing different characters from Slovenian folklore. These costumes often incorporate vibrant colors, intricate designs, and cultural symbols.
Meet indigenous carnival characters and masks
Date: Feb 6, 2024
Location: Town Square
Apart from the Kurent, participants wear a variety of traditional masks and costumes representing different characters from Slovenian folklore. These costumes often incorporate vibrant colors, intricate designs, and cultural symbols.
Day of Kurent and Korant groups
Date: Feb 7, 2024
Location: N/A
In the midst of Kurentovanje, each year designates Wednesday for the celebration of the Day of Kurent and Korant groups. This special day witnesses the city come alive with the presence of numerous horned and feathered Kurents/Korants, parading through the streets.
Meet indigenous carnival characters and masks
Date: Feb 8, 2024
Location: Town Square
Apart from the Kurent, participants wear a variety of traditional masks and costumes representing different characters from Slovenian folklore. These costumes often incorporate vibrant colors, intricate designs, and cultural symbols.
Meet indigenous carnival characters and masks
Date: Feb 9, 2024
Location: Town Square
Apart from the Kurent, participants wear a variety of traditional masks and costumes representing different characters from Slovenian folklore. These costumes often incorporate vibrant colors, intricate designs, and cultural symbols.
Ex-tempore Ptuj carneval 2024: Exhibition opening
Date: Feb 10, 2024
Location: Magistrat Gallery
Ex-tempore Ptuj Carnival 2023 presents the International Art Award. Winners will be honored with prizes, and the exhibition showcasing their latest creations will be unveiled during the 63rd Kurentovanje celebration.
Saturday carnival corso and kurenti
Date: Feb 10, 2024
Location: Vrazov trg-Mestni trg
You are welcome to participate in the parade of historical costumes and masks at your own discretion.
Childbirth
Date: Feb 10, 2024
Location: Town Square
An enjoyable kids' celebration featuring masks and costumes.
A night spectacle
Date: Feb 10, 2024
Location: Town Square
The night possesses a unique allure, especially during carnivals! It draws numerous enigmatic characters to the festively adorned streets of Ptuj, creating a mesmerizing interplay of darkness and light.
International Carnival Parade
Date: Feb 11, 2024
Location: N/A
The highlight of the carnival is the grand Kurentovanje Parade. Participants, including Kurents and various other costumed characters, march through the streets of Ptuj, creating a lively and festive spectacle.
A procession of children from kindergartens
Date: Feb 12, 2024
Location: N/A
The kids' carnival procession is jointly arranged with the Ptuj Kindergarten and involves children from the 2nd age group across Slovenia. Together, they bring the spirit of spring to the streets of the oldest Slovenian city.
Meet indigenous carnival characters and masks
Date: Feb 12, 2024
Location: Town Square
Apart from the Kurent, participants wear a variety of traditional masks and costumes representing different characters from Slovenian folklore. These costumes often incorporate vibrant colors, intricate designs, and cultural symbols.
Shrove Tuesday and Burial Shrove
Date: Feb 13, 2024
Location: Town Square
The ceremonial handover of authority and the symbolic burial of the HOST in Ptuj mark a particularly jubilant occasion. Around noon, work takes a backseat as the community gathers for lively celebrations in the city and its bars. You're invited to be part of this distinctive urban carnival that extends into the late evening hours, witnessing both the relinquishment of power and the culmination of the carnival season.
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