Kurent (also known as korant) is the central traditional
carnival figure in this part of the world, and the most popular and widespread
traditional carnival figure in the areas of Ptujsko and Dravsko polje and
Haloze. The Ptuj carnival, called Kurentovanje, which is one of the most important
traditional events in Slovenia and Central Europe, stems from a
hundred-year-old tradition of celebrating the Carnival in the areas of Dravsko
and Ptujsko polje, and always brings magical joy and good humour.
The present
day kurent stems from folk tradition. In the old days, only unmarried men were
allowed to put on the kurent costume, while today anyone, even a woman, a
married man or a child, can wear it. The main role that kurents have today is
the preservation of carnival cultural heritage and tradition. In the lowland as
well as the mountainous part of Haloze in the Ptuj area, the kurent’s role has
always been to drive away winter by jumping from side to side, bell-ringing and
rituals, which is why they are thought to have supernatural powers. In the
country, the arrival of the kurent has
always announced the beginning of the new life which comes with the springtime.
Therefore, this creature has always been respected.
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| Chasing girls ... :) |
