Kurentovanje 2027 – Carnival Festival Slovenia

What to expect in 2027

Kurentovanje 2027 will transform Ptuj, Slovenia’s oldest town, into a lively carnival centre from 3–9 February 2027. The 67th edition brings together traditional Slovenian carnival customs, ethnographic characters, colourful masks, parades, live entertainment, exhibitions, markets and family activities throughout the historic town centre. The official programme combines public carnival events with activities presented through ArtFest, EtnoFest and KarnevalFest.

The defining character of the festival is the Kurent, a traditional figure associated with driving away winter and bringing good fortune. Kurent door-to-door rounds were added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2017, making the carnival particularly significant for visitors interested in Slovenian folklore and living cultural traditions.

Visitors can expect the atmosphere to build throughout the week. Evening displays introduce traditional carnival characters, Friday brings a night spectacle featuring fire and mysterious carnival figures, Saturday combines a market, art activities, a carnival promenade and children’s celebrations, while Sunday hosts the major International Ethnographic and Carnival Parade.

The programme then continues with a children’s parade on Monday and the traditional Shrove Tuesday celebrations on 9 February. The closing day includes live music, a DJ programme and the symbolic handover of power and burial of the carnival figure.

Event dates

Kurentovanje 2027 takes place from 3–9 February 2027 in Ptuj, Slovenia. The official programme also includes Kurent’s/Korant’s Jump at midnight from Tuesday 2 February into Wednesday 3 February, marking the beginning of the carnival season.

Key dates include:

• 2–3 February: Kurent’s/Korant’s Jump at midnight
• 3 February: Day of Kurent and Korant Groups with handover of power
• 4 February: Evening display of traditional carnival characters
• 5 February: Traditional-character display and Night Spectacle
• 6 February: Kurent Fair, Ex-tempore, Saturday Carnival Promenade and Children’s Carnival Ball
• 7 February: International Ethnographic and Carnival Parade
• 8 February: Children’s Parade
• 9 February: Shrove Tuesday celebrations and closing ceremony

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Venue & event locations

Kurentovanje is not confined to a single enclosed venue. Much of the programme takes place throughout Ptuj’s historic centre, allowing visitors to experience the carnival while walking between squares, streets, galleries and cultural sites.

Important 2027 locations include Mestni trg, Novi trg, Glavni trg, the Town Hall and various parade routes through the old town. The official programme identifies Mestni trg as an important location for evening displays, the Saturday promenade, the children’s carnival party and Shrove Tuesday activities.

The Carnival Hall is another important part of the wider festival programme, particularly for concerts and other organised entertainment. The hall programme is organised separately from the public part of Kurentovanje, so visitors attending specific indoor events should check the individual event information before travelling.

Full holiday programme

The 2027 programme begins with Kurent’s/Korant’s Jump at midnight from 2 to 3 February. Kurents put on their bells beside a fire and begin the traditional carnival ritual associated with chasing away winter and evil.

On 3 February, hundreds of Kurents and Korants are expected for the Day of Kurent and Korant Groups. The programme begins at 6 PM along the parade route, with the handover of power forming part of the ceremony.

On 4 February at 6 PM, visitors can see traditional carnival characters at Mestni trg. The same type of presentation returns on 5 February at 6 PM.

Friday evening continues with the Night Spectacle at 8 PM. This event combines a fire show with Krampuses, Kurents and Korants, creating one of the more dramatic evening experiences of the festival.

Saturday is particularly busy. The Kurent Fair runs from 10 AM to 6 PM at Novi trg, while the charity stew cook-off begins around 10 AM at Glavni trg. Ex-tempore takes place at the Town Hall at 10 AM, followed by the Saturday Carnival Promenade at 11 AM and the Children’s Carnival Ball at 3 PM.

Sunday’s International Ethnographic and Carnival Parade begins at noon and is followed by entertainment at Mestni trg.

Monday brings the Children’s Parade at 10 AM. The festival closes on Tuesday, 9 February, when Shrove Tuesday activities begin from noon and continue through the afternoon and evening. The handover of power and symbolic burial of the carnival figure takes place at 1 PM.

Main attractions & highlights

Kurents and Korants

The Kurent is the central figure of Kurentovanje. These distinctive figures wear elaborate costumes, masks and large bells, creating a powerful visual and acoustic presence. Official festival information notes that as many as around 1,000 Kurents can participate in the carnival’s rituals.

International Ethnographic and Carnival Parade

The Sunday parade on 7 February is one of the central attractions of the 2027 programme. Thousands of traditional characters and carnival masks are expected to fill Ptuj’s streets and squares.

Saturday Carnival Promenade

The Saturday promenade offers visitors an opportunity to experience the carnival at street level, with townspeople, Romans, medieval merchants, Kurents, Korants and other carnival characters taking part.

Night Spectacle

Friday night’s fire show brings together Krampuses, Kurents and Korants in a dramatic evening performance at Mestni trg.

Shrove Tuesday

The closing day offers a final opportunity to experience the urban carnival atmosphere before the symbolic burial of the carnival figure marks the end of the festivities.

Markets, decorations & themed areas

Carnival decorations appear throughout Ptuj’s central streets and squares during the festival. The old town becomes the setting for parades, character presentations, entertainment and food stalls, creating a festival environment that extends beyond individual scheduled events.

The Kurent Fair on Saturday 6 February is scheduled at Novi trg from 10 AM to 6 PM. Visitors can browse carnival-related merchandise, local products and souvenirs while moving between the market and the main carnival activities.

Official festival information also highlights Kurent-themed souvenirs including handmade Kurents, Kurent hats, bells, key rings, magnets, cups, puzzles and Kurent wine. These can be found at locations including the Kurent House and the Kurent Fair.

Events & entertainment schedule

The published 2027 schedule currently includes the following major events:

• 2 February, midnight: Kurent’s/Korant’s Jump
• 3 February, 6 PM: Day of Kurent and Korant Groups with handover of power
• 4 February, 6 PM: Evening display of traditional carnival characters
• 5 February, 6 PM: Evening display of traditional carnival characters
• 5 February, 8 PM: Night Spectacle with fire show, Krampuses, Kurents and Korants
• 6 February, 10 AM–6 PM: Kurent Fair
• 6 February, 10 AM: Traditional Ptuj Lions Club charity stew cook-off
• 6 February, 10 AM: Ex-tempore
• 6 February, 11 AM: Saturday Carnival Promenade
• 6 February, 3 PM: Children’s Carnival Ball
• 7 February, noon: International Ethnographic and Carnival Parade
• 8 February, 10 AM: Children’s Parade
• 9 February, noon onwards: Shrove Tuesday
• 9 February, 1 PM: Handover of power and burial of the carnival figure

The programme may also include additional Carnival Hall, ArtFest, EtnoFest and KarnevalFest activities, so visitors should check the official programme for updates closer to the event.

Admission & ticket information

The main public Kurentovanje programme is centred on outdoor events, parades and activities in Ptuj’s streets and squares. The official 2027 programme does not currently publish a general admission ticket price for the public carnival events.

Paid activities can be organised separately, particularly Carnival Hall entertainment, special balls and individual cultural activities. Because 2027 prices are not yet fully published, previous-edition prices can be used only as a guide.

For example, a 2026 Valentine Carnival Ball at Ptuj Dominican Monastery was listed at approximately $68.82 per person, while a Valentine Carnival Ball with dinner at Grand Hotel Primus was approximately $78.03 per person. These were individual 2026 events and should not be treated as confirmed 2027 prices. The conversions use approximately $1.149 per €1.

The 2026 Ex-tempore art competition had an entry fee of approximately $17.24, with a reduced fee of approximately $11.49 for pupils, students and pensioners. Again, this is an example from the previous edition rather than a confirmed 2027 admission price.

Special experiences & activities

Visitors can go beyond simply watching the parades by learning about the history and meaning of the Kurent tradition.

Kurent House provides an interactive way to understand the character, costume and rituals. During the carnival season, the Kurent House operates every day, and tours can be arranged according to availability.

The Saturday Ex-tempore event adds an artistic dimension to the festival. The 2027 programme includes the award ceremony and exhibition opening, with finalist and prize-winning works displayed at the Magistrat Gallery and the Small Gallery of Ptuj City Gallery.

Visitors can also combine the carnival with Ptuj’s historical attractions, including Ptuj Castle, the Orpheus Monument, Minorite Monastery, Dominican Monastery, city tower and Church of St. George.

Family & children’s activities

Kurentovanje has several activities specifically designed for younger visitors.

The Children’s Carnival Ball takes place on Saturday 6 February at 3 PM in Mestni trg. Children are invited to attend in costumes and masks and participate in the outdoor carnival celebration.

The Children’s Parade takes place on Monday 8 February at 10 AM. It is organised with Ptuj Kindergarten and involves children aged approximately 3–6 from different parts of Slovenia. The parade uses the streets of Ptuj as a setting for a child-focused carnival tradition.

Families should also allow time for the carnival market and street atmosphere, where children can see traditional masks and characters at close range. Parents should remember that Kurent costumes include large bells and can be loud when groups pass nearby.

Event rules

Visitors should follow instructions from event staff, police, security personnel and parade organisers, particularly around moving carnival groups and temporary road closures.

The carnival takes place in active public streets, so visitors should remain behind designated barriers or viewing areas when provided. Do not obstruct parade routes or attempt to enter restricted operational areas.

The organisers may photograph and film parts of the event for documentation and public communication. Visitors should also expect temporary road, street and square closures during parades and major public events.

For ticketed indoor events, visitors should follow the conditions attached to the individual event ticket. Programme times and locations can also change, so checking the official programme shortly before visiting is recommended.

How to get there

Ptuj is located in northeastern Slovenia and sits close to major routes connecting Austria, Hungary, Croatia and other parts of Slovenia. The city is positioned on important transport corridors including the Vienna–Graz–Zagreb route and the Trieste–Ljubljana–Budapest corridor.

By car, Ptuj can be reached from several directions using Slovenia’s motorway network. The city is approximately 130 km from Ljubljana, 95 km from Zagreb, 95 km from Graz, 280 km from Vienna and 330 km from Budapest.

For international visitors, Ljubljana, Graz, Zagreb and Vienna provide useful airport connections, after which travellers can continue to Ptuj by road or public transport.

Public transport & parking

Ptuj Railway Station is only a few hundred metres from the city centre, making train travel practical for visitors attending the central carnival programme. Regional and international buses also serve Ptuj, with the bus station located close to the city centre. Some FlixBus services pass through Ptuj.

During Kurentovanje, parking arrangements can change because of parades and temporary closures. For the 2026 carnival, official visitor information listed parking areas including Zadružni trg P+R, Potrčeva, the parking area under the castle, Osojnikova near the railway station, Supernova–Qlandia, Merkur and other locations.

The exact 2027 parking arrangements should be checked closer to the festival because parking restrictions can be introduced on major parade days.

Visitors with disabilities were provided designated parking at Ulica heroja Lacka during the 2026 edition, with viewing opportunities for major parades near the Minorite Monastery. The number of dedicated spaces was limited.

Accommodation areas

Staying in central Ptuj is convenient for visitors who want to walk between the main squares, parade routes, restaurants and cultural attractions. The historic centre places visitors close to Mestni trg, Glavni trg and other festival locations.

Accommodation around the railway station and bus station can also be practical because both transport hubs are close to the centre. Visitors arriving by car may prefer accommodation with private parking, especially during busy parade periods.

Terme Ptuj is another option in the wider destination, combining accommodation with wellness and leisure facilities. The wider Ptuj area also provides guesthouses, hotels and rural accommodation around the wine-growing countryside.

Because Kurentovanje attracts substantial visitor numbers, booking accommodation early is advisable, particularly for the weekend of 6–7 February 2027.

Food, drinks & seasonal specialties

Food is an important part of the carnival experience, with visitors able to combine street events with local restaurants, cafés and seasonal carnival food.

One of the scheduled Saturday activities is the Traditional Ptuj Lions Club Charity Stew Cook-Off, beginning around 10 AM at Glavni trg. The event adds a community and culinary element to the carnival programme.

Traditional carnival treats such as doughnuts and other seasonal pastries are commonly associated with Slovenian carnival celebrations. Local restaurants and temporary food stands can also provide warm meals and drinks during the winter event period.

Ptuj is part of Slovenia’s wine-producing region, so visitors can also sample local wines while exploring the town. For a broader culinary experience, the surrounding Podravje wine country provides additional wine and food experiences beyond the carnival centre.

Accessibility

Kurentovanje is spread through the historic centre rather than being held at a single purpose-built festival venue. This means accessibility can vary between individual streets, squares, buildings and viewing areas.

Visitors with mobility requirements should check the accessibility of their chosen accommodation and specific indoor venues in advance. Cobblestones, crowds and temporary barriers can make movement more difficult during major parades.

The organisers provided dedicated parking for persons with disabilities during the 2026 edition at Ulica heroja Lacka, with viewing opportunities near the Minorite Monastery. Similar arrangements may be used in 2027, but the final 2027 details should be confirmed when the event information is updated.

Best days & times to visit

For the largest concentration of traditional carnival activity, Saturday 6 February and Sunday 7 February are particularly important dates.

Saturday combines the Kurent Fair, charity cook-off, Ex-tempore exhibition activities, Carnival Promenade and Children’s Carnival Ball. It is a good day for visitors who want a mixture of shopping, culture, family activities and street carnival.

Sunday 7 February is centred on the International Ethnographic and Carnival Parade at noon. The official programme describes this as the highlight of Kurentovanje, with thousands of traditional characters and carnival masks expected along the route.

For evening atmosphere, Friday 5 February is significant because of the 8 PM Night Spectacle featuring fire, Krampuses, Kurents and Korants.

Visitors seeking a more family-oriented experience can focus on Saturday afternoon and Monday morning, when the Children’s Carnival Ball and Children’s Parade take place.

Previous year’s highlights

The previous edition, Kurentovanje 2026, ran from 7–17 February and formed the 66th edition of the carnival. Its programme included a large number of ethnographic, cultural, artistic and entertainment activities throughout Ptuj.

The 2026 programme featured traditional Kurent activities, carnival parades, exhibitions, children’s events, Carnival Hall entertainment and other cultural programmes. The official 2026 information also included parking arrangements and dedicated facilities for visitors with disabilities.

The 2027 edition is more compact, with the principal public programme scheduled from 3–9 February. Its major parade, children’s programme, traditional-character displays, market and closing Shrove Tuesday celebrations are already listed in the official programme.

The continuing importance of the festival is closely connected to the UNESCO recognition of Kurents’ door-to-door rounds. The tradition was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2017.

Official event information

Kurentovanje 2027 is organised by the Public Institute Ptuj, with the main public carnival programme taking place in Ptuj from 3–9 February 2027. The official programme identifies the old town, Mestni trg, Novi trg, Glavni trg, Town Hall and parade routes as important locations.

For the latest programme changes, individual event announcements, ticket information and visitor arrangements, check the official Kurentovanje website before travelling.

Official organiser contact:

Public Institute Ptuj
Mestni trg 4
SI-2250 Ptuj, Slovenia
Telephone: +386 (0)2 779 60 11
Email: pr@kurentovanje.net

Official event website: Kurentovanje official website (https://kurentovanje.net/)