The 20th Prince of Ptuj Carnival
Jakob Volovšek, Captain of Destrnik
Ptuj is a town of many traditions, rich history, cultural heritage, and the Kurentovanje carnival. The traditions of winemaking and viticulture hold a special place here, which is why celebrating St. Martin’s Day in Slovenia's oldest town is always a festive occasion.
On 11 November 2025 at 11:11 a.m., at the traditional St. Martin's celebration, the new 20th Prince of Ptuj Carnival, Miro Kokol, ceremonially took his oath – bearing the princely title JAKOB VOLOVŠEK, CAPTAIN OF DESTRNIK.
Within the European Federation of Carnival Cities (FECC), which brings together more than 550 towns and carnival organisers across 46 national associations, the figure of the carnival prince is an important part of carnival tradition and protocol. In Ptuj, carnival princes have been enthroned since 1999. The title is awarded to someone who has distinguished themselves through their dedication to Kurentovanje and the preservation of ethnographic tradition, through their work within their association, and their involvement in the organisation, execution, and promotion of the festival.
Since 2003, with the help of historian Marija Hernja Masten, the Prince of Ptuj Carnival has represented a historical figure from his home area, thus annually reviving a part of local history and enriching the carnival tradition.
Jakob Volovšek, Captain of Destrnik, received his princely authority from the 19th Prince of Carnival, Marko Šamperl – Francesco Guffante, Ptuj city judge. During the 66th Kurentovanje, held from 7 to 17 February 2026, he will receive the keys to the city from the Mayor of the Municipality of Ptuj, Nuška Gajšek.
At the inauguration, the new prince proudly addressed the gathered crowd: “With great pride, respect, and gratitude, I accept the honorary title of the 20th Prince of Ptuj Carnival. This is not merely a crown and a cloak—it is a symbol of trust, tradition, and joy. With pride and anticipation, I look toward Kurentovanje 2026, when I will have the honour of representing Ptuj and its rich carnival heritage. As Jakob Volovšek, Captain of Destrnik, I am aware of the honour bestowed upon me, and I promise to protect our tradition with heart and a smile, to spread joy, and to unite all who carry the spirit of carnival in their hearts. Long live Ptuj, long live the carnival—let the preparations for the festive season begin!”
WHO IS THE 20TH PRINCE OF PTUJ CARNIVAL, JAKOB VOLOVŠEK, CAPTAIN OF DESTRNIK?
The new Prince of Ptuj Carnival for 2026–2027 is Miro Kokol.. He comes from Destrnik and lives in Ptuj. He is a train driver employed by the Slovenian Railways. Together with his partner, Petra Kovač, he has a son, Žan, and a daughter, Tara. He is active not only in the Koranti Destrnik association—which was founded at his initiative—but also as a versatile football and futsal delegate, and as a Korant.
The Duties and the Mission of the Prince
The 20th Prince of Ptuj Carnival has an important role: he represents Ptuj and all surrounding carnival events at home and abroad. He is the ceremonial master of protocol at the main carnival events on behalf of the organisers and masks. During Kurentovanje, he takes the keys to the city and symbolic authority from the mayor, returning them ceremonially before Ash Wednesday.
THE PRINCE OF PTUJ CARNIVAL REPRESENTS A REAL HISTORICAL FIGURE FROM THE 17TH CENTURY
According to history, JAKOB VOLOVŠEK was the son of Jurij Volovšek of Sveti Urban, a wealthy mayor and influential trader in leather and hides, as well as an innkeeper and butcher. Jakob was a prudent, intelligent, resourceful, and courageous man.
As the mayor’s son, he had to enter the service of his lord —Count Leslie, the nobleman of Ptuj Castle.. Leslie soon recognised his virtues and promoted him to captain. Jakob travelled the world with his lord, gathering experience and wisdom.
After returning to Ptuj, he continued his service as captain and, during his rounds, met his great love, Helena..
A story of revenge with a heroic ending then unfolded in Destrnik.
A violent blacksmith named Tomaž increasingly focused his attention on Helena. She rejected him, as her heart belonged to Jakob. Offended, Tomaž plotted a cruel revenge with his friends: they set fire to Helena’s homestead and took her away.
Together with his men, the brave Captain Jakob found the hideout and rescued his beloved, while the cowardly Tomaž fled.
For centuries afterwards, people whispered that it was dangerous to walk through the forests around Ptuj at night, lest you encounter the wicked Tomaž still seeking a chance for his revenge.
The Rich Princely Attire
Prince Jakob Volovšek wears a costume from the late 17th century: a white shirt with delicate lace around the collar, a blue-and-yellow vest, wide black trousers, and tall boots. On his head he wears a hat, and over his shoulders a fur-lined cloak.
The Princely Coat of Arms and Banner
His coat of arms features an ox, symbolising both the family name Volovšek and their historical trades—butchery and leatherworking.
The Prince’s Entourage
The prince is accompanied by his lady, Helena, dressed in a rich gown with a fur cloak, and by his guard. All costumes were sewn by Krojaštvo Šmigoc from Spuhlja.
