Kurentovanje in Ptuj

The idea of an organised carnival event in Ptuj came up in the 50’s of the last century, as the carnival masks spontaneously formed processions on Shrove Tuesday preceded by a band. That was how in 1959 Drago Hasl, strongly backed by those who shared his views, proposed to the Historical Society of Ptuj to take over the organisation and the implementation of the carnival event that should be named after the most well-known mask Kurent – Kurentovanje in Ptuj. Drago Hasl, indefatigable organiser of Kurentovanje since its beginnings until the 70’s of the past century, was strongly convinced that the organised event could prevent the extremely rapid progression toward extinction of carnival habits in the surrounding villages; on the other hand, such performances could meet expectations of numerous spectators. Has also made a draft regarding the content and outlined the major guidelines to be followed in order to transform Kurentovanje into an event of ethnographic importance containing the unique carnival figures and habits from the Ptuj region, which could have been joined at a later stage by other traditional Slovene masks, thus making the event grow into a festival of masks. He equally planned to expand the content of the event by introducing contemporary carnival masks. The conjunction of the aforementioned guidelines and efforts employed by the organisers has turned Kurentovanje into the Carnival of European dimensions, confirmed also by admitting the town of Ptuj into the European Federation of Carnival Cities (EFCC-FECC) in 1991.

In 2010 will be celebrated the 50th anniversary of the first organised procession of traditional carnival masks in Ptuj. The carnival, held from 6th to 16th February 2010, is being well prepared, for we are aware that only quality and variety of activities can decently celebrate such an important jubilee of the most ancient and popular carnival event in Slovenia.
We will go to the 50th INTERNATIONAL CANIVAL PARADE
The international carnival parade je the main event of Kurentovanje in Ptuj 2010.
The parade features various ethnographic and carnival groups both from home and abroad, as well as numerous Kurents, group masks representative of enterprises, such as Terme Ptuj, Perutnina Ptuj, Qlandija, groups from elementary schools, and many others.
The best group masks will be announced and awarded after the parade in the Carnival Tent.
Parade itinerary: Potrčeva ulica, Slomškova ulica, Miklošičeva ulica, Mestni trg, Krempljeva ulica, Minoritski trg, Dravska ulica, Cafova ulica, Prešernova ulica, Muzejski trg, ending in the carnival tent.

For more informations please contact the organiser: Tomaž Pahovec, tomazpahovec@gmail.com