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Experience one of the largest European Ethno Carnivals from the inside out. Meet Kurenti, a unique local living cultural heritage, and find out why the people of Ptuj take annual holidays in Winter.

Highlights

• Ptuj — Best Cultural Heritage Town in Europe 2026
• Chase the Winter away with Kurenti
• UNESCO cultural heritage

Description

Ptuj is known as Slovenia's oldest town due to the Roman monuments scattered throughout its medieval streets. But only a few know that this tranquil, picturesque town on the Northeastern side of the country transforms into its Carnival Capital at the end of winter. In 2026, Ptuj holds the title of Best Cultural Heritage Town in Europe. Locals put their work and everyday lives aside to celebrate the fifth season, squeezed between Winter and Spring. They dance away evil spirits, bad vibes, and cold days, welcoming spring—the season when nature (and life) awakens. This celebration of renewal brings warmth and fresh beginnings, embracing the promise of longer days, blossoming landscapes, and newfound energy. Many traditions are carried on for generations and passed from father to son and mother to daughter. In 2017, the ritual Door-to-Door Rounds of Kurenti was inscribed in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list. Meanwhile, the modern-day carnival is accompanied by parties, concerts, and organised processions. Opening Ethno Parade with traditional characters from across Europe and the Balkans will take place on Saturday, 7 February 2026. A week later, on Saturday, 14 February 2026, we will visit the countryside and participate in village carnival in Markovci. On Sunday, 15 February 2026, the International Carnival Parade will take over the streets and roads of the historic town, uniting about 100 carnival groups with 2,500 characters from all over Europe. The tradition lives with people, and the vibes are felt everywhere, in the city and even more so in the surrounding villages. This activity will take you inside the carnival and allow you to experience it as the locals do. We will visit traditional places, such as bars and pubs, streets, and squares, where the carnival is happening at the moment of your visit. Weekends are busier than weekdays, apart from the 'Pustni torek,' the last Tuesday of the carnival, when Ptuj transforms into one giant street party. Next one scheduled for 17 February 2026.

Includes

Walk around Old Town with a local who will speak about traditional characters, customs, and personal experience. Meet & greet with 1 Kurenti group, and some other traditional characters and urban masks along our route. 2x Carnival Cocktail per person in different locations.

Important Information

• This is a carnival, the time of collective madness in Ptuj. People wear masks and costumes, and you are welcome to wear them, too. Please leave your face open while on tour and when driving, entering the bank, post office, grocery store, etc, as this is a legal requirement.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund