Experience
Kurentovanje
Ptuj is a city where thousands of years of history, heritage and culture are intertwined. Kurentovanje takes the highest place among the most visited experiences, when the city is transformed into the largest open-air ethnographic museum of intangible cultural heritage. It is an excellent opportunity not only to see the largest international carnival festival in Slovenia, but also to experience the many experiences that the oldest Slovenian city has to offer.
Experience Kurentovanje
Ptuj is a city where thousands of years of history, heritage and culture are intertwined. Kurentovanje takes the highest place among the most visited experiences, when the city is transformed into the largest open-air ethnographic museum of intangible cultural heritage. It is an excellent opportunity not only to see the largest international carnival festival in Slovenia, but also to experience the many experiences that the oldest Slovenian city has to offer.
Kurent House
MEET THE MOST POPULAR AND NUMEROUS TRADITIONAL SLOVENIAN ETHNOGRAPHIC CARNIVAL CHARACTER
Learn about the Kurent, the most popular and numerous traditional ethnographic carnival character in Slovenia, which can be found at the Ptujsko and Dravsko polje plains as well as in the Haloze and Slovenske gorice hills.
Using modern technologies, visitors can learn about the deep meaning of rituals that have been preserved from ancient times to the present day. You can explore the Kurent/Korant in an interactive, individualized and globally recognizable way, while the cultural heritage is presented in an experiential and innovative way, effectively preserving it for future generations.
OPENING HOURS
From February 2nd to February 22nd, the Kurent House will be open during regular working hours: every day (except Tuesdays) from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
During Kurentovanje, from February 22nd to March 4th, it will be open every day (including both Tuesdays: February 25th and March 4th) from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
BUY TICKETS
You can buy tickets in Kurento's house or through the online ticket purchase system, where free viewing times are visible.
Tours take place every full hour and by appointment.
Available for up to 15 persons at a time.
To buy tickets online click HERE.
CONTACT
+386 70 538 476 (during working hours of Kurent House)
Website for more information: Kurent House
Kurent House operates under the auspices of the Slovenian National Commission for UNESCO.
Kurent and culinary indulgence
Ptuj boasts a thousand-year history, numerous festivals and events, thermal water with a rich wellness offer, and excellent cuisine and wines. We are proud that the oldest Slovenian cellar - Ptujska klet - is right here. You are invited to a cultural and culinary tour of the city.
Find a boutique on Slovenski trg XOCOC chocolate shop, in which top chef Matevž Božič creates, who for more than a decade was an indispensable member of the team of Hiša Denk, a world-famous restaurant with a Michelin star. It will offer you exceptional chocolate pralines with unusual combinations (pistachio with horseradish, hazelnut with crackers, almonds and onion...). Be bold and bite into a delicious praline with a surprise filling.
• Discover your favorite chocolate flavor: in the XOCOC Chocolate Shop you can explore sweet creations.
New city acquisition, Kurent House, with its interactively designed story, enables a special experience of experiencing the mysticism of the Kurent. You will feel the tradition of Kurentovanje and the Kurents through digitized stories.
• Kurent's equipment is kurentija, consisting of sheep fur, kurent's hat, five bells and a wooden club. It can weigh up to 40 kg! Kurents are dressed in black boots, which are enlivened with red or green knitted leggings. According to the shape of the hat, we know two types of Kurents: the so-called feathered and horned. Tradition dictates that girls and women tie a handkerchief to the club - more handkerchiefs increase the reputation of the Kurent.
The building in which it is located today the Gostilna Ribič restaurant, hides many stories. "Ribič" has been known for its fish dishes for decades, and belongs to the very top of Slovenian cuisine. The creations on the plates impress with a mix of traditional and modern dishes, paying special attention to local ingredients. Excellent Ptuj winemakers are also present in the rich wine list. The charming banks of the Drava will entice you to sit on the renovated terrace under the warm rays of the sun.
• Gostilna Ribič is one of the two Ptuj recipients of 2 Gault & Millau toque. Gault & Millau is one of the most influential gastronomic guides in the world.
Hint: Treat yourself to delicious Ptuj donuts in Ptuj taverns and visit some other interesting tourist location. More information can be found at: www.visitpuj.eu
Kurent's Day in Ptuj
Are you interested in what traditional Ptuj carnival cuisine has to offer and what interesting experiences the Ptuj-Ormož Regional Museum at Ptuj Castle offers? Visit Ptuj during the carnival season and taste local dishes accompanied by excellent local wines. If you don't happen to catch Kurent on the city streets, you can definitely hear them in Kurent's House in Murkova Street.
Ptuj Castle above the city offers a wonderful view of the brick roofs of the city center. It houses one of the most visited museums in Slovenia. Walk through the rich collections of weapons, musical instruments, traditional carnival masks, feudal residential culture, glass paintings and castle galleries.
• With your purchase, take with you a memory of your visit to Ptuj Castle: the LITTLE KURENT picture book (€12.00) or the MASKS coloring book (€2.00), the CARD MASKS workbook (€2.00), Rožina Ptuj carnival flower made of paper (from €4.00).
The view of Slovenski trg is magical. Impressive buildings and a charming square remind of medieval days. V Kurent's house it is possible to experience a new dimension of the traditional carnival character. Digitized stories offer an insight into the tradition of Kurentovanje, Kurent's tours and character development over the decades.
• This year marks the 65th Kurentovanje, which has been co-created by many autochthonous carnival characters of Ptuj and the surrounding villages for decades, and is also enriched by exceptional characters from visiting countries of the world. During the Kurentovanje, you can also meet whip-crackers, ploughmen, spearmen, fairies, piceki, rusas, Dornava gypsies, log-haulers, Jürek and Rabolj, bears, and old woman carrying the old man on the streets.
Allow us to invite you again to a true Kurent's feast at the Inn at Tone Svenšek restaurant on Zadružni trg, which boasts a long tradition. They bet on authentic local flavors. Local specialties such as tünka meat, home-made sausages, koline and sweet delicacies such as hearth potica and buckwheat cake are a constant on their menu.
• Walk to the Ptuj Ring - a popular photo spot along the Drava River. May the view of the beautiful view of Ptuj remind you of our beautiful city for a long time.
Hint: Treat yourself to delicious Ptuj donuts in Ptuj taverns and visit some other interesting tourist location. More information can be found at: www.visitpuj.eu
In the rhythm of Kurent's steps
Explore the ancient charms of Ptuj and immerse yourself in the rich Slovenian cultural heritage through an experience with the legendary Kurent. This special experience takes you through the historical scenery of Ptuj, while revealing the attractions and secrets of this traditional carnival hero, a symbol of abundance and joy. Learn how this iconic figure brings people together and keeps local customs and culture alive over time.
The experience includes:
Visit to the Provincial Museum of Ptuj-Ormož and see the collection of traditional carnival masks
• Explore the fascinating collection of traditional carnival masks and immerse yourself in the diversity and richness of Slovenian carnival heritage.
• Experience a unique insight into the diverse masks and customs that are a key part of the Slovenian carnival celebration.
Guided tour of the historical sights of Ptuj
• Walk with a guide through the picturesque streets, where every corner tells its own story.
• Explore other attractions as well, such as the Dominican Monastery, the Orpheus Monument, the City Tower and more.
Visit to Kurent's house
• In Kurent House, which is dedicated to the iconic character of the Slovenian carnival, learn about the culture and history of Kurents.
• Explore the rich tradition of Kurents, from clothes to customs, which are key to the Slovenian carnival tradition.
WHY CHOOSE THIS EXPERIENCE?
• In-depth knowledge of Ptuj: Explore the historical and cultural gems of the city, imbued with the spirit of the past.
• A unique insight into the carnival tradition: Learn the secrets of the Kurent, the symbol of the Slovenian carnival celebration.
• Ideal for culture lovers: Experience Ptuj through the prism of its cultural heritage and unique traditions.
The management "In the rhythm of Kurent's steps" invites you on an unforgettable journey through history, culture and tradition.
Join us and experience Ptuj in a completely unique way!
PRICE LIST
• Group from 1 to 4 people: EUR 33 per person (the price shown applies to adults)
• Group from 5 to 15 people: 18 EUR per person (the price is for adults)
• Group of 16 or more people: EUR 16 per person (the price shown applies to adults)
Note: Prices for youth, pensioners and school groups may be different. Please contact us for more information and special offers.
RESERVATIONS AND CONTACT
Gregor Valentan: +386 70 900 092, gregorvalentan@gmail.com
Sweet-Toothed Carnival
That the carnival season is a true celebration of culinary vices is confirmed by the fact that half a million donuts are crunched in Ptuj and the surrounding area during Kurentovanje. Loyal companions of the carnival are also the carnival fliers and mice. A very special culinary specialty, which has been revived in recent years by Ptuj caterers based on old recipes, is ti curent soup. It is also impossible to imagine the carnival season without traditional dishes such as roast beef, blood sausage, pickled meat with sauerkraut or turnips.
Top 5 Ptuj carnival delicacies
Kurent's platter
The carnival season in Ptuj is also the time of local kolins. Kurento's plate, on which roast pork, blood sausage or roast pork, roasted potatoes and cabbage reign supreme, combines all the wealth of traditional carnival flavors.
Homemade doughnuts
Ptuj caterers have been keeping the tradition of baking homemade carnival donuts during Kurentovanje for decades. The exquisite taste of this most delicious carnival snack is mainly hidden in the method of preparation, which remains a well-kept secret for most.
Deep-fried dough balls
The sweet carnival trio also includes mice. It will be hard to resist the popular dessert offered by the culinary stalls of Ptuj during the carnival season while walking around the city.
Angel wings
Whether they are brittle or leavened - none of them will leave you indifferent. Along with doughnuts, flancats are considered one of the most popular carnival desserts, for which there is always room after a hearty lunch.
Kurent's soup
A very special culinary specialty that is being revived by Ptuj inns and restaurants is ti curent soup. Črtomir Rosić, the editor and founder of the Discover Ptuj web portal, discovered the original recipe for kurent soup in an old cookbook from the middle of the last century, and at his suggestion, it was revived for the first time after many years by renowned chef Vlado Pignar from Gostilna Ribič, who made the soup with the original still offers prescriptions.
Sweet-Toothed Carnival
That the carnival season is a true celebration of culinary vices is confirmed by the fact that half a million donuts are crunched in Ptuj and the surrounding area during Kurentovanje. Loyal companions of the carnival are also the carnival fliers and mice. A very special culinary specialty, which has been revived in recent years by Ptuj caterers based on old recipes, is ti curent soup. It is also impossible to imagine the carnival season without traditional dishes such as roast beef, blood sausage, pickled meat with sauerkraut or turnips.
Top 5 Ptuj carnival delicacies
Kurent's platter
The carnival season in Ptuj is also the time of local kolins. Kurento's plate, on which roast pork, blood sausage or roast pork, roasted potatoes and cabbage reign supreme, combines all the wealth of traditional carnival flavors.
Homemade doughnuts
Ptuj caterers have been keeping the tradition of baking homemade carnival donuts during Kurentovanje for decades. The exquisite taste of this most delicious carnival snack is mainly hidden in the method of preparation, which remains a well-kept secret for most.
Deep-fried dough balls
The sweet carnival trio also includes mice. It will be hard to resist the popular dessert offered by the culinary stalls of Ptuj during the carnival season while walking around the city.
Angel wings
Whether they are brittle or leavened - none of them will leave you indifferent. Along with doughnuts, flancats are considered one of the most popular carnival desserts, for which there is always room after a hearty lunch.
Kurent's soup
The original recipe for making kurent soup is more than two hundred years old, but it was revived from oblivion by Ptuj taverns and restaurants. The fullness of its taste is hidden in many ingredients, among which, according to the Ptuj tradition, smoked meat and grated porridge should not be missing.
Give yourself a memory of Kurentovanje
TIC Ptuj
Mestni trg 4, 2250 Ptuj
OPENING HOURS:
22. 2.-3. 3. 2025
Monday-Friday: 10.00-19.00
Saturday-Sunday: 9.00-19.00
4. 3. 2025
Shrove Tuesday: 10.00-13.00
T: +386 (0) 2 779 60 11
E: info@visitptuj.eu
At the Tourist Information Center Ptuj in the center of the city, among the diverse range of unique products on the subject of Ptuj, you can also find a rich selection of souvenirs with the theme of the tradition of Kurentovanje.
Among them are handkerchiefs that can be tied to the Kurent's wooden club, artfully made Kurents and Kurent hats made of natural materials, key rings with a Kurent bell, magnets with the image of a Kurent, cups, puzzles and the special Kurent wine Mistik.
You can also buy souvenirs at the Kurent House, at the Kurent Fair, at Ptuj Castle, at the Skrinjica
unikatov shop, at the Art Shop Rudolph, and at the ART Umetniški Atelje Studio.
Parking lots
During the Kurentovanje 2025, it is possible to park in the following parking lots:
22. 2.-4. 3. 2025:
- Parking lot Zadružni trg P+R, Zadružni trg (except 22. 2. 2025)
- Macadam parking lot Ob Drava (at Pomaranča Restaurant) (except 22. 2. 2025)
- Mercator brand, Novi trg 3
- Potrceva parking lot, Potrčeva cesta 6 (except 2. 3. 2025)
- Parking lot under the castle, Raičeva ulica 7
- Parkirišče Osojnikova, Osojnikova cesta
- Parkirišče Osojnikova, Osojnikova cesta 6 (train station)
- Supernova – Qlandia
- Mercator
- Merkur
2. 3. 2025:
- Eurospin
- Hofer, Zagrebška cesta
- Hofer, Ormoška cesta
Parking lots for buses:
- Parking lot Zadružni trg P+R, Zadružni trg 15 (except 22. 2. 2025)
- Parking lot under the castle: drop-off and pick-up (up to 15 min), Raičeva ulica 7
The list of parking lots will be updated.
SPREMENJENA LINIJA 1 MESTNEGA AVTOBUSA
Mestna avtobusna linija 1 bo nekatere dneve potekala po spremenjenem voznem redu zaradi prireditev v sklopu Kurentovanja 2025. Več here.
PUBLIC NOTICE OF TEMPORARY AND COMPLETE CLOSURES OF STATE AND LOCAL ROADS
Due to the safe and unobstructed execution of events within the framework of Kurentovanija, they will be at parades and other public events temporary partial or complete closures of national and local roads and closures of city streets, squares and entrances.
