Kurentovanje

Kurent or Korant, the most known and popular traditional carnival character in Slovenia, Kurentovanje, Ptuj 2023. Author: Stanko Vozel

The masked rite of spring known as Kurentovanje has been held since 1960, every February for 10 days leading up to Shrove Tuesday. It is the most popular Mardi Gras celebration in Slovenia, with most of the festivities centered in and Ptuj, Slovenia's oldest town, which has hosted Kurentovanje for around six decades. The Carnival was admitted into the European Federation of Carnival Cities in 1991. In 2017, the Door-to-door rounds of the Kurent were inscribed on the UNESCO representative list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

Groups from Germany, Austria, Croatia, Italy, Macedonia, Romania, and Bulgaria usually participate in the event, assisting local people in building up the Land of the Kurent. The rite itself is accompanied by a full agenda of concerts, activities, and other attractions, ensuring that the event is attended by more than 100,000 visitors every year.

Faries at the opening procession, Ptuj 2023. Author: Stanko Vozel

Carnival events for children, Kurentovanje in Ptuj, 2023. Author: Stanko Vozel

Meet traditional carnival characters: the Devil with Kurents, Ptuj 2023. Author: Stanko Vozel

The origins

The name Kurentovanje derives from the festival's central figure, the Kurent, who, in earlier times, was believed to possess the power to chase away winter and usher in spring. The origins of both the Kurent and the Kurentovanje festivities are obscure, potentially stemming from earlier Slavic, Celtic, or Illyrian customs. Similar traditions are found throughout the region, extending to parts of Croatia, Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, and elsewhere. The Kurent costume is simple, consisting of a sheepskin hat and outfit, cow bells hanging from a chain belt, red or green wool socks, and black boots. However, the creation of the Kurent mask is a significant folk art in Slovenia, with only two masters of Kurent masks remaining – Master Klinc from Spuhlja and Master Zelenik from Markovci. The mask, crafted from leather, features two holes for the eyes and one for the mouth, surrounded by red paint. A trunk-like nose, whiskers made of twigs, and teeth made of white beans are attached, with the final touch being a long, red tongue.

Studies of the Kurent tradition have been conducted at Ptuj – Ormož Regional Museum and BISTRA Scientific Research Centre, Ptuj.

Kurents' door-to-door rounds, Kurentovanje in Ptuj, 2023. Author: Stanko Vozel

Becoming a kurent! by Visit Ptuj on YouTube

European Capital of Culture 2012

Kurentovanje Festival has been included in the programme of the Maribor, European Capital of Culture 2012, Ptuj being one of its partner cities. The aim is to turn the festival in the largest ethno carnival in Europe. The ethnological guidelines were developed by Janez Bogataj and Aleš Gačnik, two scientists who acknowledge the constant metamorphoses and transformations of this tangible heritage.

Kurents at the Ptuj Ring monument, Ptuj 2023. Author: Stanko Vozel

Meet traditional carnival characters: Ploughmen, Kurentovanje in Ptuj, 2023. Author: Stanko Vozel

Kurent´s door-to-door rounds by Visit Ptuj on YouTube

External links

Gallery

Procession of children from kindergartens, Ptuj 2023. Author: Stanko Vozel

Opening ethno procession, Ptuj 2023. Author: Stanko Vozel

Shrove Tuesday and Burial Shrove: surrender of power and burial of Mardi Gras, Ptuj 2023. Author: Stanko Vozel

Mardi Gras, Ptuj 2023. Author: Stanko Vozel

Meet the indigenous carnival characters and masks, Ptuj 2023. Author: Stanko Vozel