Shrovetide in Slovenia: Explore Shrovetide customs and carnivals

Would you like to know how Slovenians usher in the spring? Visit the largest carnivals and discover some of the customs and dishes that are typical of Shrovetide in Slovenia.

What is Shrovetide?

Shrovetide represents a bridge between winter and spring. It was once believed that it lasted from the Epiphany to Shrove Tuesday. The Shrovetide date changes annually depending on the date of Easter. Although it is commonly connected to the arrival of spring, its name (in Slovenian: pust) reveals another meaning altogether – ‘pust’ and the international name ‘carnival’ both mean ‘leave meat’. The main day during Shrovetide is Shrove Tuesday, and the Shrovetide celebrations end on Ash Wednesday, which marks the 40-day Lent period of fasting before Easter. People wear different masks for Shrovetide – from traditional ones to masks that reflect modern social life. Shrovetide is connected to various traditions, Shrovetide dances, carnival parades, basically fun and tables laden with delicious Shrovetide dishes.

The most typical carnival characters in Slovenia

Although the streets are teeming with more or less original masks depicting various aspects of life, some Shrovetide masks are deeply rooted in the consciousness of the inhabitants and their Shrovetide traditions. Meet some of the most recognisable Shrovetide masks and carnival celebrations.

Kurentovanje

The biggest Slovenian carnival is Kurentovanje in Ptuj, where a typical carnival character – the Kurent – plays the main role. It is recognisable by the typical attire – kurentija consisting of a hat, a sheepskin suit, green or red knee-high gaiters, bells attached to a chain around the belt, and a ježevka (a thick stick with hedgehog spines). In addition to the Kurents, Kurentovanje features other traditional carnival characters such as ploughmen, spearmen, whip crackers, log haulers, and more. Photo: Stanko Kozel

Kurentovanje

The Cerkno laufarji

If you visit Cerkno during Shrovetide, you’re bound to run into laufarji (runners). The group of Cerkno laufarji comprises some 25 characters wearing various masks. They symbolise the characteristics and weaknesses of particular groups of people. The central character is called Pust. He is a horned creature clad in moss, carrying a small spruce tree in his hands. In addition to Pust, there are also other characters in the group dressed in various natural materials, such as ivy, hay and animal skins. The characters are mute, the only speaking one is ta star (the old man).

Škoromati

Škoromati are the oldest Shrovetide masks in Slovenia, especially typical of the Brkini area. Colourful hats made of paper flowers are the typical symbol of the Škoromati with bells. One of the central characters is also the Kleščar or Škopit, who chases after women, girls, and children with pincers.

The carnival costumes of Drežnica

In Drežnica and Drežniške Ravne near Kobarid, the carnival costumes of Drežnica summon the arrival of spring. They are divided into “the Ugly Ones” chasing young people to throw ashes on them, and “the Beautiful Ones”, who visit homes, dance, and gather gifts.

Shrovetide in Cerknica

The Carnival of Cerknica is undoubtedly one of the most distinctive carnivals in Slovenia. At that time, the streets of Cerknica are taken over by Ursula the Witch, Jezerko the Lake Man, the Giant Pike Fish, Butalci and other Shrovetide masks, which are always true eye-catchers for young and old.

Extensive Shrovetide celebrations in Slovenian towns

There’s never enough Shrovetide frolicking, so let’s showcase some of the major carnivals and parades organised in larger Slovenian towns. Make this Shrovetide your own.

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Attend carnivals in Slovenia

In addition to the grandest and most traditional carnivals, you can also dance into the spring with carnival masks in other Slovenian towns. Check out where else diverse carnival events and parades are being held.

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14Feb

In order to chase away winter and bring a good harvest with dancing, fun, and laughter, as tradition dictates, TIC Moravske Toplice is organizing lively...

Outdoor carnival celebrations in Moravske Toplice

Moravske Toplice Ni vstopnine

14Feb

Carnival revelry on the ice rink

Carnival celebrations at the Snovik thermal spa

Laze v Tuhinju Free of charge

14Feb

Put on your carnival costume and join the lively procession through Radovljica.

Shrovetide Carnival Procession through Radovljica

Radovljica

06Feb-16Feb

The Arena Campus Sava in Ptuj will once again be the center of the entertainment program during Kurentovanje. Ptuj will host the most famous Slovenian...

Carnival Hall

Ptuj

15Feb

This year, we will chase away winter with carnival masks on Sunday, 15 February 2026.

Pustni karneval: Ljubezen je v zraku

Bled Free of charge

14Feb

Saturday, February 14, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until evening.

Carnival Saturday in Slovenia's oldest town

Ptuj

15Feb

February 15, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., Ptuj streets and squares

International Carnival Parade in Ptuj

Ptuj o

15Feb

It will be happy and festive again in the carnival of Cerknica or in our Butale. The big carnival entitled GOLDEN WEDDING will take place on Sunday, February...

Carnival in Cerknica: Golden Wedding

Cerknica

14Feb

Carnival Saturday in Cerknica is traditionally reserved for the youngest. This year will be no different.

Children's Masquerade in Cerknica

Cerknica 5,00 € na osebo

13Feb-14Feb

You are invited to the traditional carnival parties in "Butale"! On Friday, February 13, 2026, we will be entertained by DJ Prebil, Ines Erbus and Firbci!...

Carnival parties in Cerknica

Cerknica 10,00 - 15,00

14Feb

A children’s carnival celebration will take place in Kranjska Gora on Carnival Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 2 p.m. You are invited to the square in...

Children’s Carnival in Kranjska Gora

Kranjska Gora Free of charge

14Feb

The traditional Carnival parade will bring colorful masks, music, and joyful celebrations to Laško, featuring a fun children’s program and awards for...

Laško Carnival 2026

Laško Free of charge

14Feb

On Saturday, 14 February 2026, at 11:00 a.m., you are invited to the 16th Istrian Carnival Parade, which will fill the city with colours, laughter and...

16th Istrian Carnival Parade

Koper Free of charge

14Feb

You are invited to the Ptuj Valentine's Day Carnival Ball!

Ptuj Carnival Valentine's Dance

Ptuj 68

14Feb

Join us for an unforgettable evening of fun and elegance in the magical setting of the Dominican Monastery in Ptuj!

Valentine's Day Carnival Ball with dinner at the Dominican Monastery

Ptuj

14Feb-17Feb

Pust v Mariboru in okolici: Prepustite se norčavosti!

Maribor

14Feb

The Dragon carnival traditionally held in Ljubljana consists of a large Shrovetide carnival parade through the city's streets and a programme of entertainment...

Dragon Carnival in the streets of Ljubljana

Ljubljana

07Feb-17Feb

66. Kurentovanje

Kurentovanje in Ptuj 2026

Ptuj

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Shrovetide in Slovenia on Google Arts&Culture

Learn about the most recognisable Slovenian Shrovetide character, who, despite his fearful appearance, has a kind and good heart and who has also found his place on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. You can also find out more about other Shrovetide figures who bring spring to the land.

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A scary but friendly creature

One cannot imagine that behind this intimidating creature, wearing his sheep-skin suit and belt of cowbells, horns on his head and ježevka (a wooden bat covered with real hedgehog skin) in his hand, there...

Let’s summon the arrival of spring together!

Apart from the Kurent, Slovenia has many other traditional Shrovetide figures and interesting Shrovetide customs that are worth experiencing. Walk through the carnival period up until Ash Wednesday via...

Watch videoZaplešite s kurenti

Clownish carnival events

The main Shrovetide events take place between Fat Thursday and Ash Wednesday. Many interesting Shrovetide customs can be observed at that time. In some places, Shrovetide characters seize power from the local authorities. In other places, Shrovetide masked figures visit the locals and drive away evil spirits by bringing joy and laughter. Some areas keep alive the tradition of hauling a freshly cut log into the village if no wedding was held between Christmas and Shrove Tuesday. The Shrovetide events culminate in many Shrovetide processions and dances around Slovenia, while all the festivities end on Ash Wednesday when the carnival figure is found guilty and buried. Experience some interesting varieties of these customs.

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Cerknica

On Fat Thursday, the "sawing of the hag" takes place in Cerknica and the local authority is taken over by Shrovetide masked figures known as Butalci.

Door-to-door rounds of Kurenti

In the vicinity of Ptuj, Kurenti visit the locals during Shrovetide, bringing them luck and dispelling evil spirits. The door-to-door rounds of Kurenti have been entered on UNESCO’s List of Intangible...

Borovo gostüvanje

A special variety of log-hauling is borovo gostüvanje, a symbolic pine wedding, which you can experience in the areas of Ravensko and Goričko.

A doughnut on a white plate, underneath which is a red checkered tablecloth.

When the aroma of Shrovetide goodies spreads from the kitchen

Shrovetide menus usually include heavier, fatty and fried dishes. Pork dishes play a central role – pork soup, ričet (bean barley hotpot) with pork ribs, pork sausages, and pork roast. Among the fried dishes, fried leavened dough is predominant, as it is used to make krofi, bobi, flancati, miške, and other local delicacies. Ash Wednesday is followed by a 40-day fasting period centred around vegetable stews.

Try Shrovetide and Lent dishes

Try krofi and miške recipes

For a truly authentic Slovenian Shrovetide experience, the aroma of krofi (doughnuts) and miške (fried doughnut balls) should fill your kitchen, too. Try the recipes for these two popular fried Shrovetide dishes.

Spread the scent of krofi and miške

Open the treasure trove of inspiring stories from Slovenia

Just as carnival masks are typical of certain regions, every town in Slovenia has its own unique story. Their myths and legends have stirred people’s imaginations throughout history. Their cultural and natural treasures invite you to explore. Colourful festivals enrich the cultural scene throughout the year. Find your inspiration in Slovenia.

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Culture is an expression of human creativity. Slovenia features cities, towns and spaces designed for people. That is why people feel good wherever they are.

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Shrovetide in Slovenia: Explore Shrovetide customs and carnivals

What is Shrovetide?

The most typical carnival characters in Slovenia