Fancy experiencing some traditional Slovene culture? Then why not head to the Kurent Festival in Ptuj this spring? The festival is held between the 26th February and 8th March. This annual event is one of the most significant of the calendar of Slovenia; it banishes winter and embraces spring.
This year, specialist tour operator, Just Slovenia is offering a five-night trip incorporating Ptuj during the annual Kurent Festival, followed by a luxury spa break in Bled’s Grand Toplice Hotel – one of Slovenia’s most grand venues which has welcomed international figureheads including, Prince Charles and President Clinton.
What happens at the festival? Kurenti, dressed in distinctive sheepskin costumes adorned with feathers, horns ribbons and cow bells, parade through the streets, clanging instruments to ward off evil spirits. Many musical and artistic events, street theatre, a masked ball and weekend carnival parades take place, with revellers smashing clay pots on the ground to bring good luck and health.
After all the excitement in Ptuj, visitors will then travel to the beautiful alpine town of Lake Bled to stay at the luxury Grand Toplice Hotel, where they will enjoy a two-day spa-package. This comprises four treatments: a massage bath plus a glass of sparkling wine; a whole-body massage with the addition of warm herbs; exfoliation and facial massage; reflexology foot massage, plus use of swimming pool and saunas.
Just Slovenia
Tel: 01373 814230
Based on travel in late February or early March, the Kurent break includes two nights’ accommodation at the Garni Mitra Hotel in the centre of historic Ptuj, followed by three nights at the Grand Toplice Hotel overlooking Lake Bled. The price of £755 per person, based on two sharing, includes return flights from Stansted, car hire, five nights’ bed and breakfast, plus the two-day spa package.
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Slovenia’s oldest town, Ptuj (pronounced Petooey), will host the annual Kurent Festival between 6th and 16th February. The ten-day traditional event is intended to banish winter and to welcome the arrival of spring.