The Kurenti of Slovenia – Pre-Lent celebrations with festivals and parades

In Slovenia the 2nd of February hails the start of the pre-lent celebrations with festivals and parades taking place across the country. The events celebrate the coming of spring and traditional folklore and feature masked characters from across both Slovenia and other European countries. The largest festival takes place in the town of Ptuj and is called the Kurentovanje named for the principle masked characters of the occasion, the Kurenti.

Kurenti in Ptuj, Slovenia by Andrejj

Origins

The precise origins of the Kurenti are rather obscure but they are clearly related to similar figures in Austria called the Krampusse and Croatian Zvoncari all being bell ringing groups who celebrate the coming of spring and ward off evil spirits. The Kurenti represent Kuren,t a mythical god of pleasure and hedonism mentioned in Slovenian folklore. They are believed to possess the power to chase away the winter. Their distinctive costumes feature leather masks with holes cut out for the eyes and mouth that are surrounded by red paint. They have a large nose like a trunk and whiskers made of twigs and most noticeably a long red tongue which drops down to the chest. The Kurenti wear black shoes and red socks and carry a ježevka which is a wooden club with hedgehog skin at the end. The body of the outfit is sheepskin and the whole costume can weigh over 40kgs!

Traditions

The Kurenti costume was historically worn by only by single men but this tradition has been somewhat relaxed although the weight of the costumes certainly favour the young and fit! The Kurenti journey from village to village and from house to house bringing joy wherever they go scaring off the evil spirits with their cow bells and clubs. During the parades a pre-elected leader wears the outfit of the devil and is wrapped in a net to symbolise the capture of the evil spirit and girls present theKurenti with hankerchiefs which they fasten to their belts. Kurents have the right to grab any girl on the street and dance with them unless they have presented them with a handkerchief. Housewives smash clay pots at their feet as tradition says this act brings health and good luck.

Kurenti in Ptuj, Slovenia by Ioscius

The Festival

Ptuj is a pretty medieval town close to Maribor and is the oldest town in Slovenia. Its history dates back to Roman times but is now best known for the Kurentovanje Festival which is the biggest and best known ethnic event in the country. The festival sees the streets filled with music, theatre, gatherings and parties where visitors can sample local foods and wines. There events every day during the festival including live performances, masked gatherings and several parades including the main International Carnival Parade which features around 2000 participants including 600 Kurenti. The festival attracts more than 100,000 visitors every year with as many as 70,000 watching the main parade.

Visiting

If you are thinking of visiting Slovenia in February, perhaps to go skiing, then consider making a trip to Ptuj to experience the unique carnival atmosphere and meet the sheepskin clad Kurenti for yourself!

Sally S loves to write about travel and finds the traditions and customs of other countries fascinating.

Tags: black shoes, coming of spring, cow bells, distinctive costumes, evil spirit, hankerchiefs, hedonism, krampusse, leather masks, mythical god, precise origins, ptuj, red paint, red socks, red tongue, sheepskin, similar figures, traditional folklore, ward off evil spirits, whiskers

Category: Slovenia