The Kurentovanje Carnival will take place from February 3, 2027, to February 9, 2027.
The Kurentovanje Carnival is celebrated in Ptuj, Slovenia.
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.
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.
The central figures of the carnival, Kurenti (fur-clad characters with masks, bells, and feathers), parade through the streets. Their lively dances and bell-ringing are meant to scare away winter and evil spirits, welcoming spring.
Local museums and galleries host exhibitions showcasing the history and significance of Kurentovanje, with displays of traditional masks, costumes, and artifacts.
A special parade for children, allowing them to dress up and join in the festivities with their own masks and costumes, fostering a sense of cultural heritage.
The highlight of the event, featuring over 800 performers, including Kurenti, other traditional Slovenian masks, and international guests. The parade showcases diverse folklore and carnival traditions from Slovenia and beyond.
Enjoy Slovenian carnival delicacies like krofi (doughnuts), pogača (flatbread), and warming mulled wine or schnapps, adding a culinary treat to the celebrations.
Throughout the festival, local and international musicians, folklore groups, and dance troupes perform in public squares, creating a festive and immersive atmosphere.
Date: Wednesday, February 3, 2027
Location: Ptuj, Slovenia
Time: 12:00 AM
The carnival season kicks off with an especially mystical event at midnight on the night of 2–3 February. The Kurents first don their bells by the fire and begin chasing away the winter and evil.
Date: Wednesday, February 3, 2027
Location: Mestni trg square, Ptuj
Time: 6:00 PM
Wednesday is reserved every year for the Day of Kurent and Korant Groups, when hundreds of horned and feathered Kurents fill the Mestni trg square. The handover of power to the Carnival Prince also takes place.
Date: Thursday, February 4, 2027
Location: Mestni trg square, Ptuj
Time: 6:00 PM
An opportunity to get up close to the Kurents and other traditional carnival characters, feel their mystique, and learn about their rituals.
Date: Friday, February 5, 2027
Location: Mestni trg square, Ptuj
Time: 6:00 PM
A second evening with the traditional characters, ahead of the night spectacle on the same square.
Date: Friday, February 5, 2027
Location: Mestni trg square, Ptuj
Time: 8:00 PM
The night has its own power, even for the carnival. Mysterious characters fill the carnival-decorated streets of Ptuj in a spectacular play of darkness and light.
Date: Saturday, February 6, 2027
Location: Town Hall, Ptuj
Time: 10:00 AM
The award ceremony and exhibition opening of the international art competition, marking 67 years of Kurentovanje. Work by the prize winners and finalists goes on display at the Magistrat Gallery and the Small Gallery of Ptuj City Gallery.
Date: Saturday, February 6, 2027
Location: Novi trg square, Ptuj
Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
The Carnival Saturday fair fills Novi trg square with stalls, crafts and carnival goods through the day.
Date: Saturday, February 6, 2027
Location: Glavni trg square marketplace, Ptuj
Time: 10:00 AM
The traditional charity stew cook-off, run by the Lions Club Ptuj — the whole square smells of stew, with proceeds going to those who need them most.
Date: Saturday, February 6, 2027
Location: Mestni trg square, Ptuj
Time: 11:00 AM
Carnival is deeply rooted in the life of Ptuj, and this is the day anyone can join in. Put on a costume and walk with townspeople, Romans, medieval merchants, kurenti, koranti and the rest.
Date: Saturday, February 6, 2027
Location: Mestni trg square, Ptuj
Time: 3:00 PM
The largest outdoor carnival ball for children, held in the town centre. Costumes and masks encouraged.
Date: Sunday, February 7, 2027
Location: Ptuj, Slovenia
Time: 12:00 PM
The highlight of Kurentovanje. The streets and squares of Ptuj fill with a procession of thousands of traditional characters and carnival masks, telling stories of the past, present and future. Afterwards there's a party with live music and a DJ on Mestni trg square, along with Carnival Frolicking.
Date: Monday, February 8, 2027
Location: Ptuj, Slovenia
Time: 10:00 AM
A children's carnival parade organised with Ptuj Kindergarten, bringing children aged 3–6 from all over Slovenia to summon the spring through the streets of the country's oldest town. Entry to the Carnival Hall is limited to participating children and kindergarten staff.
Date: Tuesday, February 9, 2027
Location: Mestni trg square and old town centre, Ptuj
Time: 12:00 PM
In Ptuj, saying farewell to carnival is a particularly festive occasion. At noon work is set aside and the city joins a street carnival that runs into the evening with live music and a DJ. The symbolic handover of power and the burial of the carnival figure take place at 1:00 PM.
Note: Changes to the schedule are beyond our control, so please check for updates before finalizing travel plans.
Ptuj is easy to reach whether you’re coming from within Slovenia, across Europe, or internationally.
Ready to lock in your flights? Use the search tool above to compare fares and find the best deal for your Carnival trip.
The best area to stay for Kurentovanje is in Ptuj’s historic town centre — the parades and processions wind through the old town streets, and staying here puts you in the middle of all the Carnival energy, steps from the castle, the squares, and the Kurent performances.
Use the above map to find and book stays near the Carnival parade route!
Getting around Ptuj during Carnival is easy thanks to its small size and walkable historic center:
After joining the lively Kurentovanje parades in Ptuj, take time to explore more of Slovenia’s beauty and culture. Wander the charming streets of Ljubljana (about 130 km / 1 hr 30 min from Ptuj) with its riverside cafés and the iconic Ljubljana Castle, or escape to Lake Bled for fairytale views and outdoor adventures. Wine lovers can head to the Maribor region for tastings and vineyard tours that show off Slovenia’s warm hospitality.
We’ve gathered some of our most useful Carnival travel blogs to help you plan for Kurentovanje and other Global Carnivals:
