"Poklade su i ludi su dani...", I would say in my language. It is carnival, and "crazy days" are coming.
February is indeed a short month. This year in Slovenia, it was also cute. Special.
The month of carnivals. Of the loud and sharp sounds of cowbells. Of streets full of color and a masked parade of people dressed as scary zoomorphic creatures. Free, wild, uncensored, and loud. Brave enough to do things that are usually inappropriate, and some of them even forbidden.
A mask actually gives you that freedom. Behind it, you are safe. Safe to be someone else and be free to do whatever you want. Or to be who you truly are. For Gregor, this sociological phenomenon has always been interesting.
The locals here call these masked creatures Kurenti. They are here with one task — to use the sound of loud cowbells and their scary appearance to drive away the cold winter and bring the spring and warm weather. Fruitful fields. An abundance of food. Health and prosperity for the entire community. To burn away last year's demons. And to begin a new cycle by following the rhythm of nature.
Ptuj, Slovenia, is the most famous city for carnivals and the home of Kurenti. A charming little town not so far from Maribor. It is also the oldest city in Slovenia. Frozen in time. During those days, the streets of Ptuj were crowded with masked people. There was a bit of everything. White doughnuts on every corner, filled with apricot jam in the middle. Yummy!
Gregor was grateful to have discovered this place, and he will gladly return soon.
