Crowds in Ptuj for carnival procession
Ptuj, 3 March - Tens of thousands of visitors descended on Ptuj, eastern Slovenia, on Sunday for a carnival procession that marks the apex of the Kurentovanje festival.
Ptuj
Kurents, the traditional costumes of Ptuj area.
Photo: Anže Malovrh/STA
File photo
Ptuj
Thousands flocked to Ptuj, eastern Slovenia, to witness the carnival procession, the apex of the Kurentovanje festivities.
Photo: Anže Malovrh/STA
Ptuj
Thousands flocked to Ptuj, eastern Slovenia, to witness the carnival procession, the apex of the Kurentovanje festivities.
Photo: Anže Malovrh/STA
Ptuj
Kurents, the traditional costumes of Ptuj area.
Photo: Anže Malovrh/STA
Ptuj
Kurents, the traditional costumes of Ptuj area.
Photo: Anže Malovrh/STA
Ptuj
Kurents, the traditional costumes of Ptuj area.
Photo: Anže Malovrh/STA
An international procession spearheaded by the Kurents, the signature sheep-skin costumes of the region, wound its way through the streets of the city.
Carnival groups showcased local costumes such as spearmen, gypsies and whip-crackers were joined by international troupes from Austria, Croatia, Czechia, Italy, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovakia.
But it was the Kurents who stole the show, as around 800 gathered for the procession, braving balmy spring temperatures in the thick, heavy animal skins.
While the procession is the highlight of any Kurentovanje, the festivities will continue until Tuesday, with a ceremonial burial of carnival and one final party into the night.