Program
Kurentovanje in Ptuj
22 February-4 March 2025
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 INSTITUTION PTUJ
CARNIVAL HALL Organizer: Radio Tednik Ptuj doo
02.02.2025
Sunday, 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.
03.02.2025
Monday, 11.00, Ptuj Wine Cellar
PRESENTATION OF THE MISTIK WINE
Od začetka februarja do konca Kurentovanja
10.00-20.00, mestna tržnica
PUSTNI KROFI
Od začetka februarja do konca Kurentovanja se bodo pustni krofi vsak dan (razen v primeru slabega vremena) med 10.00 in 20.00 prodajali na mestni tržnici.
06.02.2025
6-19 February, Magistrat Gallery
A PHILATELIC EXHIBITION
Organizer: Philatelic Society Ptuj
06.02.2025
Thursday, 4:30 PM, meeting point: TIC Ptuj (Mestni trg 4)
GUIDED CARNIVAL TOUR OF THE TOWN
Jaaa, posladkali se bomo tudi s pravim
ptujskim pustnim krofom! Price: 5,00 €/person.
Pre-registration required by 27 February, 4
PM, at info@visitptuj.eu. Organizer: Visit Ptuj (Javni zavod Ptuj)
07.02.2025
Friday, 5 PM, Hotel Mitra Ptuj
KURENT MADE OF SUN, AN ART EXHIBITION
Opening of an exhibition of painter Anamarija
Toš's art featuring the Kurentovanje motifs. Organizer: Hotel Mitra Ptuj, Galerija Toš
07.02.2025
Friday, 6 PM, Hotel Mitra Ptuj
PORTAL KURENTOVANJE, THE CARNIVAL
HERITAGE OF THE ŠTAJERSKA REGION
The presentation of the portal which showcases
the carnival heritage of Ptuj and the Štajerska
region through photos and videos. Authors:
Mihael Toš, Peter Vesenjak, Janez Bogataj.
Organizer: Hotel Mitra, Mihael Toš Tosch
08.02.2025
8 February-4 March, by arrangement
CARNIVAL-THEMED TOURS
Organizer: Mihael Toš Tosch, info@tosch.tv, +386 70 712 896
08.02.2025
Saturday, 7 PM, Hotel Mitra Ptuj
HUDOBNI VOLK # PTUJ: PREMIERE OF
THE SONG AND MUSIC VIDEO PTUJ
Organizer: Hudobni Volk
13.02.2025
Thursday, 5 PM, meeting point: TIC Ptuj (Mestni trg 4)
THE STORY OF CARNIVAL PRINCE
FRANCESCO GUFFANTE
Join us for a free guided tour with a local tourist
guide and the 19th Carnival Prince. Organizer:
Visit Ptuj (Javni zavod Ptuj)
14.02.2025
Friday, 6 PM, tunnel under Ptuj Castle
WINE-TASTING IN THE DARK WITH THE
SPARKLING WINE UNTOUCHED BY LIGHT
Organizer: TuRA Ptuj, turaptuj@gmail.com, +386 70 539 431
15.02.2025
Saturday, 10-12 AM, Stara steklarska youth centre (Ulica Tomaža Šalamuna 1)
EXCHANGE OF CARNIVAL COSTUMES
AND FACE PAINTING
Organizer: CID Ptuj (Javni zavod Ptuj)
21.02.2025
Friday, 4 PM, meeting point: TIC Ptuj (Mestni trg 4)
CARNIVAL-THEMED GUIDED TOUR ON
INTERNATIONAL TOURIST GUIDE DAY
Ptuj’s guides will celebrate International Tourist
Guide Day with a free carnival tour. Organizer: local tour guides
21.02.2025
Friday, 21 February 2025, 9 PM, Campus Carnival Hall
NEDA UKRADEN, ŽELJKO BEBEK, ROCKMANTIKA
Every day by appointment
Every day by appointment
ORGANIZED TOURS OF THE TOWN
Book a tour: +386 2 779 60 11, info@visitptuj.eu. Organizer: Visit Ptuj (Javni zavod Ptuj)
By appointment
By appointment
AWAKEN THE KURENT WITHIN YOU
Experience the mystique of the Kurent in the
UNESCO Heritage town through a guided 5-hour
boutique experience, available throughout the
year. Price: 99 €-232 € (depending on the number of visitors). Reservation: info@visitptuj.eu. Organizer:
Visit Ptuj (Javni zavod Ptuj)
22.02.2025
Saturday, 9.00-16.00, old town centre
EX-TEMPORE PTUJ KARNEVAL 2025 ART SYMPOSIUM
Artists will capture the carnival feel of Slovenia's oldest town on their canvases.
22.02.2025
Saturday, 9 AM onwards, Novi trg square
TRADITIONAL PTUJ LIONS CLUB’S CHARITY STEW COOK-OFF
It will smell of stew – and charity. Humanitarian,
with a touch of the carnival and moments of
happiness for those who need them the most.
Organizer: Lions klub Ptuj / Lions
Club Ptuj
22.02.2025
Sobota, 10.30, Mestni stolp
TOUR OF THE CITY TOWER IN COSTUMES
Book your tickets today at www.mestni-stolp.si.
Organizer: Ptujski mestni stolp in zvonik cerkve sv. Jurija, br. Andrej Feguš, Nadžupnija Ptuj - Sv. Jurij
22.02.2025
Saturday, 10 AM-4 PM, Ptuj Castle
PTUJ MASKS FROLICKING
Children and parents will color a paper Kurent hand puppet, assemble unique wooden puzzles with images of traditional carnival characters, read the picture book Mali Kurent, and visit the children's museum exhibition 'Carnival masks are frolicking, and coming to visit you'. Organizer: Ptuj-Ormož Regional Museum
22.02.2025
22 February-4 March, Ptuj City Tower
EXPERIENCE CARNIVAL PTUJ FROM ABOVE
We are presenting a new attraction in Ptuj – the City Tower! Experience the magical carnival view of Ptuj from the top of the tower and observe the Kurents and carnival events from the best perspective in town. Book your tickets today at www.mestni-stolp.si. Organizer: Ptujski mestni stolp in zvonik cerkve sv. Jurija, br. Andrej Feguš, nadžupnija Ptuj - Sv. Jurij
22.02.2025
Saturday, 10 AM onwards, Ptuj marketplace
LOKALKO - local craft fair
A fair of local artisans, where you can discover unique products by Slovenian craftsmen and creators. By visiting the fair, you will support Slovenian creators, and you will find carefully crafted souvenirs, traditional handcrafted items, and creators who tell unique stories through their work.
During Kurentovanje, Murkova ulica 3
BOUTIQUE LA DONNA
During Kurentovanje, the offer also includes
carnival accessories such as carnival glasses,
headbands, hats, and wigs. Opening hours
during Kurentovanje: all day on Saturdays, 22
February and 1 March, and Sunday, 2 March,
2025.
22.02.2025
Saturday, 7 PM, Hotel Mitra Ptuj
SCREENING OF THE DOCUMENTARY KURENT
Organizer: Mihael Toš Tosch
22.02.2025
Saturday, 22 February 2025, 9 PM, Campus Carnival Hall
Techno Masquerade: UMEK, SAMO'SIM, DJ JOCK, ERIK GROSS
23. 2. 2025
Sunday, 9.30 AM, meeting point: Slovenski trg square, by the City Tower
IN THE RHYTHM OF THE KURENT’S STEPS
Experience Ptuj through its stories, traditions,
and unique cultural heritage! Reserve your spot
and experience the carnival magic of the oldest
Slovenian town! Reservations required. Organizer: Gregor Valentan, gregorvalentan@gmail.com, +386 70 900 092
23.02.2025
Sunday, 10 AM, meeting point: TIC Ptuj (Mestni trg 4)
THE STORY OF CARNIVAL PRINCE
FRANCESCO GUFFANTE
Join us for a free guided tour with a local tourist
guide and the 19th Carnival Prince. Organizer:
Visit Ptuj (Javni zavod Ptuj)
23.02.2025
Sunday, 17:00-18:00, Mestni trg square
CARNIVAL EVENTS FOR CHILDREN
23.02.2025
Sunday, 18:00, Mestni trg square
MEET TRADITIONAL CARNIVAL CHARACTERS: WHIP-CRACKERS, RUSA, KURENTS, and KORANTS
24. 2. 2025
Monday, 4-7 PM
CARNIVAL TRADITIONS – A GUIDED TOUR
Visit to the Kurent House and Ptuj old town
center, with an emphasis on carnival traditions.
Visit to Markovci, the birthplace of the Kurent/
Korant. Registration required. Organizer: Klavdij Ferle, klavdij.ferle@gmail.com, +386 41 257 569
24.02.2025
Monday, 17:00-18:00, Mestni trg square
CARNIVAL EVENTS FOR CHILDREN
24.02.2025
Monday, 18:00, Mestni trg square
MEET TRADITIONAL CARNIVAL CHARACTERS: PLOUGHMEN, THE OLD WOMAN CARRYING THE OLD MAN, KURENTS, and KORANTS
25.02.2025
Tuesday, 18:00, Mestni trg square
MEET TRADITIONAL CARNIVAL CHARACTERS: GYPSIES, KURENTS, and KORANTS
Event partner: Cestno podjetje Ptuj d.d.
25. 2. 2025
Torek, 16.00-19.00
CARNIVAL TRADITIONS – A GUIDED TOUR
Visit to the Kurent House and Ptuj old town
center, with an emphasis on carnival traditions.
Visit to Markovci, the birthplace of the Kurent/
Korant. Registration required. Organizer: Klavdij Ferle, klavdij.ferle@gmail.com, +386 41 257 569
25.02.2025
Tuesday, 17:00-18:00, Mestni trg square
CARNIVAL EVENTS FOR CHILDREN
26.02.2025
Wednesday, 26 February 2025, 5-8 PM, Campus Carnival Hall
Poli party: ČUKI AND RIBIČ PEPE
26.02.2025
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
27.02.2025
Thursday, 4:30 PM, meeting point: TIC Ptuj (Mestni trg 4)
GUIDED CARNIVAL TOUR OF THE TOWN
Yess, we will also treat ourselves to a real Ptuj
carnival doughnut! Price: 5,00 €. Pre-registration required by 27 February, 4 PM, at info@visitptuj.eu. Organizer: Visit Ptuj (Javni zavod Ptuj)
27.02.2025
Thursday, 17:00-18:00, Mestni trg square
CARNIVAL EVENTS FOR CHILDREN
27.02.2025
Thursday, 18:00, Mestni trg square
MEET TRADITIONAL CARNIVAL CHARACTERS: SPEARMEN, FAIRIES, COCKERELS, BEARS, SERFS, KURENTS, and KORANTS
Event partner: Nova ljubljanska banka d.d.
28. 2. 2025
Friday, 5 PM, Fürst House
CARNIVAL WINE WANDERINGS
Discover the rich history of winemaking and wine trade in Ptuj through a walk around the town and a tasting of 5 wine samples. Organizer: TuRA Ptuj,
turaptuj@gmail.com, +386 70 539 431
28.02.2025
Friday, 17:00-18:00, Mestni trg square
CARNIVAL EVENTS FOR CHILDREN
28.02.2025
Friday, 18:00, Mestni trg square
MEET TRADITIONAL CARNIVAL CHARACTERS: JÜREK AND RABOLJ, LOG-HAULERS, KURENTS, and KORANTS
Event partner: Talum Kidričevo d.d.
28.02.2025
Friday, 28 February 2025, 9 PM, Campus Carnival Hall
Kurentanc: PRLJAVO KAZALIŠTE, LETEĆI ODRED, ČUKI
1. 3. 2025
Saturday, 9:30 AM, meeting point: Slovenski trg square, by the City Tower
IN THE RHYTHM OF THE KURENT’S STEPS
Experience Ptuj through its stories, traditions,
and unique cultural heritage! Reserve your spot
and experience the carnival magic of the oldest
Slovenian town! Reservations required. Organizer: Gregor Valentan, gregorvalentan@gmail.com, +386 70 900 092
1.03.2025
Saturday, 10 AM-4 PM, Ptuj Castle
PTUJ MASKS FROLICKING
Children and parents will color a paper Kurent hand puppet, assemble unique wooden puzzles with images of traditional carnival characters, read the picture book Mali Kurent, and visit the children's museum exhibition 'Carnival masks are frolicking, and coming to visit you'. Organizer: Ptuj-Ormož Regional Museum
01.03.2025
Carnival Saturday, 10 AM till evening, Ptuj marketplace
KURENT FAIR
A corner where you can enjoy the flavors of
culinary delights, find souvenirs from the
Kurentovanje festival and the Lokalko craft fair, experience a great atmosphere with a DJ, and have fun on a bouncy house with the little ones. From 2 PM to 5 PM, don't miss the Carnival festivities with a variety of activities for children.
01.03.2025
Saturday, 10:00, Town Hall
EX-TEMPORE
Award-giving ceremony and the exhibition opening of the participants' current production marking 65 years of Kurentovanje. The exhibition of the prize winners and finalists will be on display at the Magistrat Gallery and the Small Gallery of Ptuj City Gallery.
01.03.2025
Saturday, 11:00 a.m., 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.
01.03.2025
Saturday, 12:30, Mestni trg square
MEET TRADITIONAL CARNIVAL CHARACTERS: KURENTS and KORANTS
Partner dogodka: Perutnina Ptuj d.d.
01.03.2025
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!
01.03.2025
Saturday, 10 AM onwards, Ptuj marketplace
LOKALKO - local craft fair
A fair of local artisans, where you can discover unique products by Slovenian craftsmen and creators. By visiting the fair, you will support Slovenian creators, and you will find carefully crafted souvenirs, traditional handcrafted items, and creators who tell unique stories through their work.
1. 3. 2025
Saturday, 7 PM, Dominican Monastery Ptuj
CARNIVAL BALL WITH DINNER AT THE PTUJ DOMINICAN MONASTERY
You are cordially invited to an unforgettable
evening of fun and elegance in the magical
ambiance of the Dominican Monastery in Ptuj!
Price: 50 EUR. The number of seats is limited.
Ticket purchase: Entrio.si. Reservations: iris.bombek@ dominikanskisamostan.si, +386 51 326 011. Organizer: Dominikanski samostan Ptuj
1. 3. 2025
Saturday, 7 PM, Grand Hotel Primus
PTUJ CARNIVAL BALL AT GRAND HOTEL PRIMUS
Carnival party with dinner and entertainment
program. The ticket price with dinner is 65 EUR
per person. Reservations and ticket purchase:
reception of Grand Hotel Primus, +386 2 74 94
506. Organizer: Sava Turizem d.d., Terme Ptuj
01.03.2025
Saturday, 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.
1. 3. 2025
Saturday, 9 PM, Stara steklarska youth centre (Ulica Tomaža Šalamuna 1)
CARNIVAL DISCO & LAGANINI
The only real carnival party with no entry fee! Organizer: CID Ptuj (Javni zavod Ptuj)
1. 3. 2025
Saturday, 9 PM-3 AM, Gostilna pri Pošti
CARNIVAL PARTY
DJ Boštjan 80' and 90'. Organizer: Gostilna pri Pošti
01.03.2025
Saturday, 1 March 2025, 9 PM, Campus Carnival Hall
Carnival Saturday: VLADO KRESLIN, MAMBO KINGS, BURYANA
02.03.2025
Sunday, 10 AM till evening, Ptuj marketplace
KURENT FAIR
A corner where you can enjoy the flavors of culinary delights, find souvenirs from the Kurentovanje festival and the Lokalko craft fair, experience a great atmosphere with a DJ, and have fun with the little ones on a bouncy house. Don't miss the Carnival frolicking (approximately between 4 and 6 PM).
03.03.2025
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.
3. 3. 2025
Monday, 4-7 PM
CARNIVAL TRADITIONS – A GUIDED TOUR
Visit to the Kurent House and Ptuj old town
center, with an emphasis on carnival traditions.
Visit to Markovci, the birthplace of the Kurent/
Korant. Registration required. Organizer: Klavdij Ferle, klavdij.ferle@gmail.com, +386 41 257 569
03.03.2025
Monday, 3 March 2025, 4 PM, Campus Carnival Hall
DPM Ptuj Carnival Ball: ALENKA KOLMAN AND CLOWNS
Carnival ball with Alenka Kolman and clowns from DPM Ptuj, doughnuts, prizes for the most beautiful costumes, and face painting.
03.03.2025
Monday, 17:00-18:00, Mestni trg square
CARNIVAL EVENTS FOR CHILDREN
03.03.2025
Monday, 18:00, Mestni trg square
MEET TRADITIONAL CARNIVAL CHARACTERS: KURENTS and KORANTS
Event partner: Zavarovalnica Triglav d.d.
4. 3. 2025
Tuesday, noon-midnight, Gostilna pri Pošti
CARNIVAL PARTY
DJ Boštjan 80' and 90'. Organizer: Gostilna pri Pošti
04.03.2025
Tuesday, 12 AM 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.
