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: ARENA EVENTS D.O.O.
31.01.2026
Saturday, 10.00-12.00, MKC Stara steklarska (Ulica Tomaža Šalamuna 1)
CARNIVAL CASTUMES EXCHANGE
Organizer: MC Javni zavod Ptuj
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.
03.02.2026
Tuesday, 11.00, Ptuj Wine Cellar
PRESENTATION OF THE MISTIK WINE
06.02.2026
Friday, 21.00, Arena Campus Sava Ptuj Carnival Hall
VILI RESNIK & MIRAN RUDAN, ZVITA FELTNA
07.02.2026
7.-17. februar, Grand Hotel Primus (avla)
A PHILATELIC EXHIBITION
Organizer: Philatelic Society Ptuj
07.02.2026
Saturday, 9.00-16.00, old town centre
EX-TEMPORE PTUJ CARNIVAL 2026 ART SYMPOSIUM
Artists will capture the carnival feel of Slovenia's oldest town on their canvases.
07.02.2026
Saturday, 10.00, Ptuj City Cinema
CARNIVAL CINEMA FOR KIDS: HOLA, FRIDA
The film screening will be followed by a painting workshop for children led by mentor Leonora Švagan. It will be even more fun if you come in costume!
07.02.2026
Saturday, 10 AM-4 PM, Ptuj Castle
WHAT WILL WE DRESS UP AS FOR CARNIVAL?
Museum visitors will be able to assemble unique wooden puzzles featuring carnival characters and colour a paper finger puppet in the shape of a Kurent. At 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, and 15:00, we will be joined by Ptuj native Nastja Glušič, who will read aloud her picture book WHAT WILL FRAN DRESS UP AS FOR CARNIVAL?
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.
07.02.2026
Saturday, around 13.00-16.00 (after the parade), Mestni trg
CARNIVAL FROLICKING
08.02.2026
Sunday, 17:00-18:00, Mestni trg square
CARNIVAL FROLICKING
After Carnival Frolicking, experience the Evening Display of Traditional Carnival Characters, which begins at 6 PM.
08.02.2026
Sunday, 18:00, Mestni trg square
EVENING DISPLAYS OF TRADITIONAL CARNIVAL CHARACTERS: WHIP-CRACKERS, RUSA, KURENTS, AND KORANTS
An opportunity to get up close to the Kurents and other traditional carnival characters, feel their mystique, and learn about their rituals. The evening displays are held under the honorary patronage of the Slovenian National Commission for UNESCO.
09.02.2026
Monday, 17:00-18:00, Mestni trg square
CARNIVAL FROLICKING
After Carnival Frolicking, experience the Evening Display of Traditional Carnival Characters, which begins at 6 PM.
09.02.2026
Monday, 18:00, Mestni trg square
EVENING DISPLAY OF TRADITIONAL CARNIVAL CHARACTERS: PLOUGHMEN, THE OLD WOMAN CARRYING THE OLD MAN, KURENTS, AND KORANTS
An opportunity to get up close to the kurenti and other traditional carnival characters, experience their mystique, and learn about their rituals. The evening presentations are held under the honorary patronage of the Slovenian National Commission for UNESCO. Event patron: Javne službe Ptuj d.o.o.
10.02.2026
Tuesday, 16.30, starting point: TIC Ptuj (Mestni trg 4)
GUIDED CARNIVAL TOUR OF THE TOWN
Yes—we’ll also treat ourselves to a real Ptuj Carnival doughnut! Price: €5.00 per person.
Registration required by 10 February at 4:00 PM via info@visitptuj.eu. Organiser: Visit Ptuj (Public Institute Ptuj).
10.02.2026
Tuesday, 17:00-18:00, Mestni trg square
CARNIVAL FROLICKING
After Carnival Frolicking, experience the Evening Display of Traditional Carnival Characters, which begins at 6 PM.
10.02.2026
Tuesday, 18:00, Mestni trg square
EVENING DISPLAY OF TRADITIONAL CARNIVAL CHARACTERS: GYPSIES, KURENTS, AND KORANTS
An opportunity to get up close to the kurenti and other traditional carnival characters, experience their mystique, and learn about their rituals. The evening presentations are held under the honorary patronage of the Slovenian National Commission for UNESCO. Event patron: Cestno podjetje Ptuj d.d.
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
12.02.2026
Thursday, 16.00, starting point: TIC Ptuj (Mestni trg 4)
THE STORY OF CARNIVAL PRINCE JAKOB VOLOVŠEK
You are invited to a free guided tour with a local tourist guide and the 20th Prince of the Ptuj Carnival.
Organiser: Visit Ptuj (Public Institute Ptuj)
12.02.2026
Thursday, 17:00-18:00, Mestni trg square
CARNIVAL FROLICKING
After Carnival Frolicking, experience the Evening Display of Traditional Carnival Characters, which begins at 6 PM.
12.02.2026
Thursday, 17.00, Arena Campus Sava Ptuj Carnival Hall
POLI PARTY: DEJAN DOGAJA BAND, VILA EKSENA, ANIMATION
12.02.2026
Thursday, 18:00, Mestni trg square
EVENING DISPLAYS OF TRADITIONAL CARNIVAL CHARACTERS: SPEARMEN, FAIRIES, COCKERELS, BEARS, SERFS, MERCHANTS, KURENTS, AND KORANTS
An opportunity to get up close to the kurenti and other traditional carnival characters, experience their mystique, and learn about their rituals. The evening presentations are held under the honorary patronage of the Slovenian National Commission for UNESCO. Event patron: Nova Ljubljanska Banka d.d.
13.02.2026
Friday, 17:00-18:00, Mestni trg square
CARNIVAL FROLICKING
After the fun Carnival Parade, enjoy the Evening Presentation of Traditional Carnival Characters, which begins at 6 PM in the Town Square, followed by the Night Spectacle with a fire show, krampusi, kurenti, and koranti at 7 PM. After the Night Spectacle, the evening will be enlivened by the Young Ptuj muziCARJI.
13.02.2026
Friday, 18:00, Mestni trg square
EVENING DISPLAYS OF TRADITIONAL CARNIVAL CHARACTERS: JÜREK AND RABOLJ, LOG-HAULERS, KURENTS, AND KORANTS
An opportunity to get up close to the kurenti and other traditional carnival characters, experience their mystique, and learn about their rituals. The evening presentations are held under the honorary patronage of the Slovenian National Commission for UNESCO. Event patron: Talum Kidričevo d.d.
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.
13.02.2026
Friday, 21.00, Arena Campus Sava Ptuj Carnival Hall
KURENTANC: PETAR GRAŠO, TABU, KINGSTON
14.02.2026
Saturday, from 9.00 onwards, Glavni trg (marketplace)
TRADITIONAL PTUJ LIONS CLUB’S CHARITY STEW COOK-OFF
It will smell like stew - and charity. Humanitarian, with a touch of carnival and moments of happiness for those who need them the most. Organizer: Lions club Ptuj
14.02.2026
Saturday, 10 AM-4 PM, Ptuj Castle
WHAT WILL WE DRESS UP AS FOR CARNIVAL?
Museum visitors will be able to assemble unique wooden puzzles featuring carnival characters and colour a paper finger puppet in the shape of a Kurent. At 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, and 15:00, we will be joined by Ptuj native Nastja Glušič, who will read aloud her picture book WHAT WILL FRAN DRESS UP AS FOR CARNIVAL?
14.02.2026
Saturday, 10:00, Town Hall
EX-TEMPORE
Award ceremony for the winners of the International Ex-tempore Ptuj Carnival 2026 Art Prize and the opening of the exhibition of their current works during the 66th Kurentovanje. The exhibition of the winners and finalists will be on display at the Magistrate Gallery and the Small Gallery of the Ptuj City Gallery from February 9 to 27.
14.02.2026
Carnival Saturday, 10.00-18.00, Novi trg square
KURENT FAIR ON CARNIVAL SATURDAY
Don’t miss the diverse family activities, including an inflatable playground and face painting. You can also enjoy sweet treats and warm drinks. Between 2 PM and 6 PM, join the Carnival Parade with additional animation points and fun games with entertainers.
14.02.2026
Saturday, 11:00, Mestni trg square
SATURDAY CARNIVAL PROMENADE
Carnival is deeply rooted in the life of the city of Ptuj. Take this unique opportunity to put on a carnival costume and join the parade with townspeople, Romans, medieval merchants, kurenti, koranti, and many other carnival characters.
14.02.2026
Saturday, 12:30, Mestni trg square
DISPLAY OF TRADITIONAL CARNIVAL CHARACTERS: KURENTS AND KORANTS
An opportunity to get up close to the kurenti, experience their mystique, and learn about their rituals. The evening presentations are held under the honorary patronage of the Slovenian National Commission for UNESCO.
14.02.2026
Carnival Saturday, 13.30-17.30, Ptuj Cty Tower
WORKSHOP: PAINTING KURENT HANDKERCHIEFS AND FACE-PAINTING
What will we do? Using special paints, we will decorate handkerchiefs. Every Kurent will be delighted with such a gift! We will paint our faces, transform into fairy-tale creatures, or simply add a small Carnival detail.
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!
14.02.2026
Saturday, 19.00, Ptuj Dominican Monastery
VALENTINE’S CARNIVAL BALL WITH DINNER AT THE DOMINICAN MONASTERY
You are invited to an unforgettable evening of fun and elegance in the magical setting of the Dominican Monastery in Ptuj! Price: €60. Limited seating available. Tickets: Entrio.si, Dominican Monastery box office. Reservations: iris.bombek@dominikanskisamostan.si, +386 51 326 011
14.02.2026
Saturday, 7 PM, Grand Hotel Primus
PTUJ VALENTINE’S CARNIVAL BALL AT GRAND HOTEL PRIMUS
You are invited to the unforgettable Ptuj Valentine’s Carnival Ball. Choose your carnival costume according to your imagination and taste. Ticket price with dinner: €68 per person. Reservations and ticket purchase: +386 2 74 94 506. Organiser: Sava Turizem d.d., Terme Ptuj in cooperation with the Poetovio LXIX Association
14.02.2026
Saturday, 21.00, MKC Stara steklarska (Ulica Tomaža Šalamuna 1)
CARNIVAL DISCO & LAGANINI
The only real Carnival party with free entry! On Carnival Saturday, MKC Stara Steklarska comes alive to the rhythms of disco! The local funk masters Laganini are ready, we’ve already dusted off the disco ball, and there’s always room for doughnuts! Organiser: MC Public Institute Ptuj
14.02.2026
Saturday, 21.00 Arena Campus Sava Ptuj Carnival Hall
CARNIVAL SATURDAY: GRUPA VIGOR, TANJA ŽAGAR, TIL ČEH
15.02.2026
Sunday, 10.00-18.00, Glavni trg square (marketplace)
KURENT FAIR ON CARNIVAL SUNDAY
From 10 AM until 6 PM, Kurentova Market at the Main Square invites you to enjoy a variety of culinary offerings, souvenirs, a fair, and lively activities for the whole family. Between 4 PM and 6 PM, don’t miss the Carnival Parade with additional entertainment for children.
15.02.2026
Carnival Sunday, 10.30-13.30, Ptuj City Tower
WORKSHOP: PAINTING KURENT HANDKERCHIEFS AND FACE-PAINTING
What will we do? Using special paints, we will decorate handkerchiefs. Every Kurent will be delighted with such a gift! We will paint our faces, transform into fairy-tale creatures, or simply add a small Carnival detail.
15.02.2026
Sunday, 13:00, parade route
INTERNATIONAL CARNIVAL PARADE
Reserve your time today for the highlight of Kurentovanje! The streets and squares of Ptuj will be filled with a procession of thousands of carnival masks and traditional characters, telling stories of the past, the future, and the present.
After the parade, enjoy a party with the Carnival Band and a DJ at the Town Square, along with Carnival ringarajanja.
15.02.2026
Sunday, around16.00-18.00 (after the parade), Glavni trg square (marketplace)
CARNIVAL FROLICKING
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.
16.02.2026
Monday, 17:00-18:00, Mestni trg square
CARNIVAL FROLICKING
After Carnival Frolicking, experience the Evening Display of Traditional Carnival Characters, which begins at 6 PM.
16.02.2026
Monday, 17.00, Arena Campus Sava Ptuj Carnival Hall
CHILDREN'S CARNIVAL BALL BY DPM PTUJ: MALI-BU, ANIMATION
16.02.2026
Monday, 18:00, Mestni trg square
EVENING DISPLAY OF TRADITIONAL CARNIVAL CHARACTERS: KURENTS AND KORANTS
An opportunity to get up close to the kurenti, experience their mystique, and learn about their rituals. The evening presentations are held under the honorary patronage of the Slovenian National Commission for UNESCO. Event patron: Zavarovalnica Triglav d.d.
17.02.2026
Tuesday, noon and onwards, Mestni trg square and old town centre
SHROVE TUESDAY
In Ptuj, saying farewell to carnival is a particularly festive occasion. At noon, we put work aside and join the celebrations in the city. Take part in a unique urban carnival that continues into the evening. Entertainment is provided by Recesija Band and a DJ. The symbolic handover of power with the burial of the carnival figure takes place at 1 PM. At the Kurent Fair, you can enjoy culinary delights throughout the day.
17.02.2026
Shrove Tuesday, all day, Glavni trg square (marketplace)
KURENT FAIR ON SHROVE TUESDAY
At the Kurent Fair, you can enjoy culinary delights throughout the day.