Kurents' Jump (Opening Ceremony)
Experience the dramatic kickoff; arrive early for a close view of the fire-lit ceremony.
~0:00
Ptuj Carnival (Kurentovanje)
Kurentovanje
Ptuj, Slovenia
Feb 3 - 9, 2027ConfirmedSource
Each winter, the Slovenian town of Ptuj fills with the Kurents, shaggy sheepskin figures hung with cowbells and crowned with feathers or horns, who leap and clang to chase away winter. Their Kurentovanje is the country's biggest carnival and a UNESCO-honored rite, drawing crowds to one of Slovenia's oldest towns.
Key moments
Day 1 · Feb 3
Day 4 · Feb 6
International Kurent Carnival Parade
High energy parade; stand along the route early to get good views and follow the marchers to the square.
~10:00 - 12:00
Day 7 · Feb 9
Burning of Pust (Closing)
Join locals for the dramatic conclusion; respectful observation and plenty of warmth and music follow.
~13:00
Where it happens
Mestni trg
Ptuj, Slovenia
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Respect local boundaries
Respect personal space of participants; follow any guidance by organizers when joining publ...
Ask before close-up photos
Ask permission
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
Central areas (main square, parade route) get very crowded, but peripheral streets are calmer.
Weather
Cold weather; light rain or snow possible. Event runs rain or shine.
Transport
Local buses (Arriva) and the free city bus; national trains to Ptuj station.
Tickets
Free events are available.
Safety & access
Slovenia is very safe; festival has strong crowd control and police presence.
Reviewed mediaMAJOR COMMUNITY & FOLK LIFE
Ptuj Carnival (Kurentovanje)
Kurentovanje
Ptuj, Slovenia
Each winter, the Slovenian town of Ptuj fills with the Kurents, shaggy sheepskin figures hung with cowbells and crowned with feathers or horns, who leap and clang to chase away winter. Their Kurentovanje is the country's biggest carnival and a UNESCO-honored rite, drawing crowds to one of Slovenia's oldest towns.
AnchorCultural anchor
Feb 3 - 9, 2027Confirmed dates
Verified this year
Saved locally on this device. A free account keeps your shortlist across devices.
The story behind it
Kurentovanje stems from ancient Slavic rites of spring. Every winter, Kurent figures appear to ‘chase away evil and winter’; UNESCO notes the Kurent processions as intangible heritage of humanity. The event turns Ptuj into a living ethnographic museum, celebrating the region’s rural folklore and carnival customs.
Key moments to know
Day 1Feb 3~0:00Expected
Kurents' Jump (Opening Ceremony)
Experience the dramatic kickoff; arrive early for a close view of the fire-lit ceremony.
Day 4Feb 6~10:00 - 12:00Expected
International Kurent Carnival Parade
High energy parade; stand along the route early to get good views and follow the marchers to the square.
Day 7Feb 9~13:00Expected
Burning of Pust (Closing)
Join locals for the dramatic conclusion; respectful observation and plenty of warmth and music follow.
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Respect local boundaries
Respect personal space of participants; follow any guidance by organizers when joining public dances.
Ask before close-up photos
Ask permission
Essentials at a glance
Date window
Feb 3 - 9, 2027
Confirmed
City / Area
Ptuj
Styria (Štajerska)
Access
Maribor Airport (MBX) · 20 km from festival
Cost
Free entry
Budget: €50-80, Mid: €100-150, High: €200+
Atmosphere
Lively and festive atmosphere long into the evening, with music and...
Central areas (main square, parade route) get very crowde...
Good for
Families, culture enthusiasts
Very High visitor welcome
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