Carnival in Cerknica – Carnival spectacle

Carnival in Cerknica is one of the most visible carnivals in Slovenia, boasting a half-century tradition. Learn about the traditions and typical carnival figures that populate Cerknica during the carnival.

Experience the carnival atmosphere in Cerknica

Carnival is one of the oldest folk traditions and holds a special place in Slovenia, summoning spring and joy to the country. At this time of year, you will find masqueraders, big and small, at almost every turn. Some places have a long tradition of carnivals and mardi gras customs, and their own distinctive carnival characters. Among the carnivals that are a feast for the eyes and truly worth a visit is the one in Cerknica. The jocular events are happening throughout the carnival week, culminating in a parade on Sunday through the streets of Cerknica with characteristic carnival characters and figures. This year’s event will be extra special as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. Will you join us?

pust v cerknici

What makes the carnival in Cerknica so special?

The people of Cerknica are very proud of their carnival and they live and breathe it not only during carnival time, but all year round. All generations. But what is it that makes the carnival in Cerknica so special? Perhaps it's the witches from the nearby Slivnica peak, who fly into the valley and take over the streets of Cerknica during carnival. Or Butalci, otherwise well-known thick-headed Slovenian literary characters who take over Cerknica on Fat Thursday. In any case, grown-ups and children alike are fascinated by the massive figures representing animals and mythological creatures roaming around the surroundings of Lake Cerknica. And, of course, the typical traditions such as the “sawing of the old hag” and the “burial of the Carnival king”.

Carnival means an awful lot to me and my family... A true carnival enthusiast never retires. As long as your mind works, as long as you think and talk... even when you are on your deathbed, you come up with an idea.

Miro Jenček, founder of the Cerknica Carnival Association

coprnica ursula

Ursula the Witch

The oldest and most prominent large figure of the Cerknica Carnival, the first of the witches that fly down from Slivnica peak, where they have their headquarters, meet and cook up storms.

coprnica liza

Liza the Witch

Ursula’s first-born, Liza is a witch of more modern views. Every year, she shows herself to the visitors of the Cerknica Carnival on her pig, which in reality is her bewitched suitor.

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There is a cave on Slivnica peak where storm is created. At its top, witches, crones and hags hold their dances and meetings. You can see them as tiny flying lights. Anyhow, the countryside around here is well stocked with witches.

Janez Vajkard Valvazor, Slovenian polyhistor in the Glory of the Duchy of Carniola

butalci

Butalci

Butalci (Dimwits) are one of the most well-known characters of the carnival in Cerknica. They are the inhabitants of the imaginary village of Butale, where different laws apply than elsewhere. They consider themselves very smart, but in reality they are dense. During the carnival, the mayor of Butale takes over the municipal authority. Other figures of Butale include policemen, firemen and a Butale family.

butalski jez

The Butale hedgehog

Butalci have always been special, and so they fattened hedgehogs, which were “processed” into lard and meat on St. Martin’s Day. Still, they kept one of the fattened hedgehogs, and it appears as a carnival figure.

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A three-hour walk behind the Shrove Sunday lies a village, but they call it a town... It is called Butale. Butalci are cunning folk; the year when two cows made a pair, they had a fallout with the wits, and it was Butalci who won – but of course! – and not the wits: that is the way they are.

Fran Milčinski, Slovenian writer, in Butalci

povodni moz jezerko

Jezernik the Lake Man

He is a character in the legend of the creation of Cerknica Lake – the story of two castles next to the Cerknica polje and of Romeo and Juliet of the Notranjska region (Inner Carniola). According to the legend, he suggested to a young prince how to get to his sweetheart from one end of the field to the other by boat, and is believed to be one of the main culprits that the lake sometimes exists and sometimes does not.

scuka velikanka

The Giant Pike Fish

Lake Cerknica has always been famous for its fish. There used to be a lot of pike in its waters, and they were very large. One of them (only as a carnival figure, of course) parades at the Cerknica Carnival, accompanied by Cerknica fishermen and a common rudd.

zabec rego vranjejamski

Rego Vranjejamski the Frog

Frogs are certainly the most typical representatives of the lake fauna, next to Jezernik and the pike. The biggest and most beautiful of them has been showcased at the carnival for many years: Rego Vranjejamski. A frog with a pedigree.

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zmaj

Dragon

The karst underground keeps many treasures. Even baby dragons, as olms used to be called. On Shrove Sunday, the dragon comes to the streets of Cerknica as one of the central figures of the carnival, and it is also depicted in the coat of arms of Butale. The “cave” carnival group is complemented by bats and cavemen.

In addition to the most recognisable characters and figures, the Cerknica Carnival also features the devil with a herd of dormice, the Upstarts, the Slovenian literary heroes Martin Krpan and Hribci (Hillies), as well as newer characters such as the (Carniolan) bees and a brand new carnival figure from the forests around Cerknica - the brown bear.

Find out more about the Cerknica Carnival characters

Take a peek into the master’s workshop

How costumes and figures for the carnival are made

There are no limits to Cerknica’s imagination. Carnival figures and costumes are the result of the diligent work of local craftspeople and enthusiasts. Preparations start months ahead of the event. Handmade carnival masks are made from papier-mâché or foam. The huge carnival figures, usually several metres high, are created from wooden frames, wire structures and textile elements to allow stability and movement.

v mojstrovi delavnici

Cerknica townsfolk have always drawn inspiration for new and old characters from local stories, nature and current events. Besides the local craftspeople, young people from schools and associations often participate, bringing the community together and strengthening the traditional spirit of Cerknica.

On Shrove Sunday, masks and figures come to life in the streets. The great Carnival is more than just an event – it is a celebration of creativity, tradition and community.

The people of Cerknica have always been there for us, helping and supporting us. Our work has always been recognised and appreciated, which has given me a lot of satisfaction and drive for the future. Cerknica was and is always ready for the carnival, which is exceptional.

Miro Jenček, founder of the Cerknica Carnival Association

From the “sawing of the old hag” to the “burial of the Carnival king”

Cerknica Carnival starts on Fat Thursday with the opening ceremony called “sawing of the old hag”. But do not worry. Nobody is being sawed, only Butalci take over the power in Cerknica. The name comes from a tale which says that housewives used to send their children to the town to go look for the old hag (witch) being sawed in half. Of course, this was just a pretext to keep the children busy so that they could prepare carnival delicacies in peace.

Life in Cerknica returns to normal after Ash Wednesday, when the Carnival king is buried. The burial of the Carnival king in Cerknica is considered the oldest moving carnival street show in Slovenia.

In addition to the main carnival event on Sunday, the opening ceremony and the burial of the Carnival king, the carnival week also features other events such as a children’s masquerade, carnival parties and exhibitions.

See the Cerknica Carnival programme

How did it all start?

There has always been a carnival in Cerknica. Interestingly, the idea of the carnival in Cerknica as we know it today developed from the ending of the carnival – the burial of the Carnival king. 50 years ago, the Cerknica Carnival Society was founded and since then, the carnival events, headed by the famous procession, have been stretched over the whole carnival week. The first major figure was Ursula the Witch, who was soon joined by other characters.

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Explore Cerknica and its surroundings

Located in Green Karst, Cerknica is the centre of the Notranjska Regional Park. Its surroundings are therefore anything but short of natural karst features. Among the best known is the intermittent Cerknica Lake, the largest disappearing lake in Slovenia, famous for its biodiversity. When you visit the Cerknica Carnival and other mardi gras events occurring at the carnival in Cerknica, take time to discover the other wonders of Cerknica’s nature and culture.

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Carnival around Slovenia

Carnivals and events in different parts of Slovenia involve different images, but what they all have in common is that they chase away winter, invite spring and create a joyful and playful atmosphere. And, of course, there are delicious carnival treats that are hard to resist.

Shrovetide masks to be found in Slovenia

See the unique ethnographic Shrovetide characters that chase away the dark forces and winter and call for spring. They are usually made of natural materials that were available in certain areas. Numerous characters reflect social developments and mutual relationships and it is interesting to see how certain ones remain “evergreen” or are always topical.

Shrovetide masks to be found in Slovenia

Shrovetide customs worth experiencing

Weighing on Fat Thursday, drawing of a log through a village where no girl got married during the pre-carnival period, door-to-door rounds in villages and towns, carnival parades, the burial of Pust, a stuffed Shrovetide character, on Ash Wednesday, and other special rituals typical of certain regions are integral parts of Shrovetide celebrations in Slovenia.

Largest Shrovetide carnivals

Parades of masks are organised in numerous towns on Shrovetide Saturday or Sunday, which may be further enriched with an accompanying programme in certain towns. Visit the largest Slovenian Shrovetide carnivals which combine traditional ethnographic figures and more contemporary masks.

Delicious Shrovetide and Lent dishes

Shrovetide in Slovenia is considered a time of abundant temptingly indulgent food, including roast and fried meat dishes, pork sausages and doughnuts. People are allowed to indulge in good food during Shrovetide, which is then followed by fasting during Lent. But Lent dishes in Slovenia are also delicious.

Doughnuts or "miške" dough balls: try making both

Fried delicacies are typical of Shrovetide in Slovenia. Doughnuts are the most popular, but Slovenians also make flancati, bobi and miške dough balls. If you wish to prepare Shrovetide delicacies in your own kitchen, check out two recipes for delicious doughnuts or less demanding miške balls.

Where to go for a carnival in Slovenia?

Join the carnival events around Slovenia. In every place you will come across interesting masks, be it traditional or such that reflect current topics. Take a look at the selection of carnival events and have a dance with the masks welcoming spring.

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Open Slovenia’s cultural treasure trove

Carnival in Cerknica is just one part of Slovenia’s rich tradition and cultural heritage. Discover the different facets of Slovenian culture at colourful festivals and in cultural institutions, take a stroll through old town centres and explore Slovenia’s world treasures.

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Festivals

You can enjoy the work of some of the most important creators and performers from all over the world if you visit festivals in Slovenia.

Ethnological festivals

Learn about life as it once was and as it is now at the most well-known ethnological festivals.

Galleries and museums

Museums and galleries in Slovenia – a treasure trove of art from prehistoric times until today.

UNESCO World Heritage

Slovenian treasure troves of world heritage

The Oldest in the world

Discover remarkable artefacts in Slovenia, believed to be the oldest in the world.

Charming old town centres of historic towns

Discover the old town centres of historic towns, living museums of time.

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Carnival in Cerknica – Carnival spectacle

Experience the carnival atmosphere in Cerknica