Program
Kurentovanje in Ptuj
7-17 February 2026
Lonely Planet singled out Kurentovanje as one of the ten best carnivals in the world, on par with those in Venice, Rio de Janeiro, and New Orleans. The carnival is an excellent opportunity to see not only the door-to-door rounds of Kurents that UNESCO put on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, but to also observe a number of folk and carnival parades, meet traditional and modern carnival characters, go to a masquerade and so much more. Kurentovanje features a number of parades, the carnival promenade, presentations of traditional costumes, concerts, masquerade balls, exhibitions, and so much more, divided into ArtFest, EtnoFest, and KarnevalFest.
Carnival events
public part of Kurentovanje
Kurentovanje Program Organizer: PUBLIC INSTITUTE PTUJ
CARNIVAL HALL Organizer: Radio Tednik Ptuj doo
02.02.2026
Monday, at midnight
KURENT'S / KORANT’S JUMP
The carnival season kicks off with an especially mystical event. At midnight the Kurents first don their bells by the fire, and start chasing away the winter and evil.
07.02.2026
Saturday, 11:00, parade route
OPENING ETHNOGRAPHIC PARADE
Don’t miss this unique ethnographic experience, offering a valuable insight into picturesque carnival traditions from near and far.
On the streets and squares of Ptuj, you’ll be accompanied by numerous traditional carnival characters such as kurenti/koranti, ploughmen, ruse, piceki, bears, and many others. During the parade, the ceremonial handover of power will take place.
11.02.2026
Wednesday, 18:00, parade route
DAY OF KURENT AND KORANT GROUPS
Every year during Kurentovanje, Wednesday is reserved for the Day of Kurent and Korant Groups. At 6 PM, the Mestni Trg square will be filled by hundreds of horned and feathered Kurents/Korants. Event organizer: Ptuj Public Institute, organizational support: Association of Kurent Societies
14.02.2026
Saturday, 11:00, Mestni trg square
SATURDAY CARNIVAL PROMENADE
Putting on costumes is deeply rooted in the life of the city. You are welcome to put on a costume yourself and join the carnival promenade along with Ptuj's townspeople, Romans, medieval merchants, and many other carnival characters.
14.02.2026
Saturday, 15:00, Mestni trg square
CHILDREN’S CARNIVAL BALL
We invite all children to come to the town centre and join the largest outdoor carnival ball in costumes and masks!
13.02.2026
Friday, 19:00, Mestni trg square
NIGHT SPECTACLE: fire show, Krampuses, Kurents, and Korants
The night has its own power - even for the carnival! It will attract many mysterious characters to the carnival-decorated streets of Ptuj and conjure up a spectacular play of darkness and light.
15.02.2026
Sunday, 13:00, parade route
INTERNATIONAL CARNIVAL PARADE
Book your time today for the highlight of Kurentovanje!
The streets and squares of Ptuj will come alive with a parade of thousands of carnival masks and traditional characters, telling stories of the past, the present, and the future.
After the parade, the celebration continues with live music and a DJ on Mestni trg square.
16.02.2026
Monday, 10:00, parade route
CHILDREN'S PARADE
Children's carnival parade organized together with Ptuj Kindergarten, and attended by children aged 3–6 from all over Slovenia who summon the spring walking through the streets of the oldest Slovenian town. Entry to the Carnival Hall allowed only to participating children and kindergarten staff.
17.02.2026
Tuesday, noon and onwards, Mestni trg square and old town centre
SHROVE TUESDAY
In Ptuj, the farewell from the carnival season is especially festive. We stop working at noon and meet at numerous parties around the city. Why don’t you join the unique urban carnival celebrations that can last until wee hours. A DJ will entertain us. The handover of power along with the Burial of the Carnival takes place at 1 PM.
