Kurent

Cultural sights, Ptuj - The Štajerska region

In the history of the Ptuj plain, the kurent stands out as an integral part of the Slovenian cultural heritage. Kurent, today one of the most recognizable sights of Ptuj, is a traditional carnival mask. In its original form, the kurent represented a supernatural power that could control the laws of nature. The demonic figure fiercely fought the winter, summoning spring to the land with its wild dancing and loud ringing of bells. The tradition is still alive today, as is the kurent mask – you can still meet playful kurents every year before the time of the carnival. Their appearance is impressive, even frightening: their sheepskin coat, mask with a long red tongue, stick (ježevka) and huge cow bells appear mysterious and mystical. The »kurentovanje« occurs every Carnival Saturday with a procession of traditional masks.