Slovenski etnografski muzej

Shrovetide

Shrovetide carnival customs represent the extremely varied Shrovetide heritage of Slovenia, which is characterised by small local celebrations and carnivals.

These are largely local customs that were once the preserve of men, but now men, women and children dress in traditional Shrovetide outfits and make the rounds of their own and neighbouring villages. They wish locals a good and fruitful harvest, and make a lot of noise to drive away all the bad aspects of the previous year. In some places carnival preparations begin as early as December, while Shrovetide begins on Candlemas (2 February) and lasts right until Ash Wednesday (the Wednesday after Shrove Sunday), when Lent begins.

The similarities and differences between these customs in Slovenia are visible at every step. The customs are also constantly changing, adapting to current conditions. This confirms their presence and vitality as important elements in preserving Shrovetide traditions and ensuring the feeling of identity of the bearers and their community.

Shrovetide custom in Zagorica
The Shrovetide group from Zagorica performs Shrovetide custom with elements of folk theatre. In Zagorica near...
The Shrovetide custom in Ponikve
Ponikve mačkare represent a Shrovetide carnival custom with elements of theatre in Ponikve in Dobrepolje. On Shrove...
Cerkljanska laufarija
The Laufarija (from the German laufen, to run) is a Shrovetide carnival event in the town of Cerkno, involving figures...
Mozirje Carnival
Mozirje Carnival is the collective name for the Shrovetide Carnival figures and customs present in Mozirje in the...
Borovo gostüvanje
The borovo gostüvanje or pine wedding is a characteristic Shrovetide event of the Prekmurje region. The symbolic...
The Carnival rounds of mowers, ploughmen and wedding guests
The Carnival rounds of mowers, ploughmen and wedding guests is a Shrovetide custom in the village of Loče near Dobova...
Rounds of the Shrovetide ploughmen
The parade of the Shrovetide ploughmen is a masked parade in the north-east of Slovenia. The Shrovetide ploughmen,...
Lig Carnival
Lig Carnival Lig Carnival is the Shrovetide custom in the Kanalski Kolovrat area and is known for its main figures,...
Škoromatija, a Shrovetide custom
Škoromatija is a Shrovetide custom on the southern edge of the Brkini hills and around Podgrad. On Shrove Saturday or...
Door-to-door rounds of kurenti
The parade of the imposing masked figures known as kurenti is a Shrovetide custom on the Ptuj and Drava plains, in the...
Shrovetide in Drežnica and Drežniške Ravne
These rituals and events take place at Shrovetide in Drežnici and Drežniške Ravne, on Jezerca and in Magozd. The main...
‘Pulling the plank’
‘Pulling the plank’ is a Shrovetide custom that symbolises marriage and is staged when during the pre-Shrovetide period...
Šelmarija, a Shrovetide custom
Šelmarija is a Shrovetide custom characteristic of Kostanjevica na Krki that takes place between Shrove Sunday and Ash...
Shrovetide custom in Vrbica
The Shrovetide group from Vrbica consists of white and black characters with leather masks. The most typical characters...