Fire Blower

Fire Blower

Kurents

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.

Source: http://www.slovenia.si/en/culture/tradition/kurents/

Chasing girls ... :)

 

 

 

Mickey & Minnie Mouses from Stojnci

Awarded 52. carnival parade groups:

1. Lego city from Mala vas

2. Turtles Frančki, Bukovci Vopošnica

3. Turks in Slovenia and attack on Ptujska Gora from Kulturno turistično društvo Soviče Dravci

4. Miki Mouses from Stojnci Siget

5. Juršinci Grapes

6. Music box puppets, Stojnci

7. Cirkus gimnazius Ptuj

8. Kostevski devils

9. Rabbits and carrots from Spuhlja

10. Borovje Devil

La la la la la ...

Clap your hands!

Come on everybody!

Humh ... one step left and to the right?

OMG!

Sleeping tight ...

Bears, Rabbits & Carrots

  

 

 

Lego

What's the slogan for Lego? Find your inspiration? Well, this carnival group certainly found it!

The LEGO city from Mala vas was one of my favourite ones this year and won the first place at the 52nd carnival parade. Congratulations!

 

First Carnival Impressions

First photos of the 52nd International Ethnographic and Carnival Parade in Ptuj. These lovely Mozart dolls finished at place 6.

Music Box Puppets / Lutke iz glasbene skrinjice, Stojnci (Kurentovanje 2012 © Suzie Blue Photography ) 

Music Box Puppets, Stojnci (Kurentovanje 2012 © Suzie Blue Photography )

Music Box Puppets, Stojnci (Kurentovanje 2012 © Suzie Blue Photography )

Music Box Puppets, Stojnci (Kurentovanje 2012 © Suzie Blue Photography )

Music Box Puppets, Stojnci (Kurentovanje 2012 © Suzie Blue Photography )

Music Box Puppets, Stojnci (Kurentovanje 2012 © Suzie Blue Photography )

Music Box Puppets, Stojnci (Kurentovanje 2012 © Suzie Blue Photography )

Music Box Puppets, Stojnci (Kurentovanje 2012 © Suzie Blue Photography )

Music Box Puppets, Stojnci (Kurentovanje 2012 © Suzie Blue Photography )

Music Box Puppets, Stojnci (Kurentovanje 2012 © Suzie Blue Photography )