Carnival in Slovenia

By adminPublished On: 3. February, 2025Categories: Where to go?

A tradition of fun and joy

Carnival in Slovenia is one of the most colorful and joyful holidays, combining tradition, laughter, and fun. It is a time of mischief that begins on Shrove Thursday and lasts until Shrove Tuesday, when Carnival ends with the symbolic burial of Pust. Although the date changes every year, Carnival always falls in February or early March, depending on the date of Easter.

For 2025, the dates for Carnival events in Slovenia are as follows:

Shrove Thursday: February 27, 2025
Carnival Saturday: March 1, 2025
Carnival Sunday: March 2, 2025
Shrove Tuesday: March 4, 2025
Ash Wednesday: March 5, 2025

The Most Famous Carnivals in Slovenia

Slovenia is known for its numerous Carnival events, with the following standing out:

Kurentovanje in Ptuj – The largest Carnival event in Slovenia and one of the most important in Europe. The Kurenti, mysterious figures with bells, chase away winter and bring spring. Every year, thousands of visitors come to Ptuj to enjoy the Carnival parade, concerts, and fun activities. Kurentovanje will take place from February 22 to March 4, 2025. The event traditionally begins with the Kurent’s jump on February 2.
Cerkljanski Laufarji – In Cerkno, Carnival is special because of the Laufarji, traditional Carnival figures with wooden masks. The most famous of them is “Pust,” who is symbolically condemned and punished on Shrove Tuesday for the sins of the community. Events will take place from February 28 to March 2, 2025. Key events include Polslavnica on February 28, the children’s masquerade on March 1, and the Carnival parade “Pustoletje” on March 2.
Carneval v Drežnici – This lesser-known but incredibly authentic Carnival tradition features wild, handcrafted masks and unique Carnival games passed down from generation to generation. It’s a celebration deeply rooted in local customs and community spirit.
Carnival in Ljubljana, Celje, and other cities – Larger Slovenian cities also organize Carnival parades, where children, families, and numerous mask creators participate. These vibrant events bring the community together with fun costumes, music, and lively festivities.

Why do we celebrate Carnival?

Carnival has its roots in pagan rituals connected to the transition from winter to spring. Masks, noise, and laughter were meant to drive away winter and call for fertility and abundance. Today, Carnival is mainly a time for fun, imaginative masks, and an abundance of doughnuts, flancati, and other Carnival treats.

How to enjoy Carnival events worry-free?

Carnival events in Slovenia take place in various locations, making car rental a great solution for those who want to visit multiple Carnival events in one weekend without worry. With a car, you can avoid the crowds of public transportation and have complete freedom to explore different places. For example, if you rent a car in Ljubljana, you can quickly and comfortably drive to Kurentovanje in Ptuj, visit the Laufarji in Cerkno, or head to the Carnival parade in Celje. This way, you can experience several unique Carnival traditions and events across Slovenia in one weekend. Click here to find out where you can rent a car for your Carnival adventure.

What follows after Carnival?

On Ash Wednesday follows Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of the 40-day fast before Easter. Traditionally, people ate simple food on this day and prepared for the quiet period of fasting.

Carnival in Slovenia is definitely one of the most popular and colorful holidays, combining ancient traditions with modern entertainment. Whether you decide to visit Ptuj, Cerknica, or simply dress up and hit the streets, Carnival always brings joy and an opportunity for a few days of mischief.

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