Dreznica carnival, one of the oldest carnivals in Slovenia, is taking place in a tiny remoted village Drežnica in Soca valley. Carnival time in Slovenia is one of the craziest, the noisiest and the most colourful time of the year. The carnival banishes the winter and awakens nature.
In Dreznica carnival spirit actually starts on the last Saturday of the year when young unmarried men become part of »fantovščina«. Wooden masks are manufactured by unmarried men themselves, and thus transmitted live cultural heritage from generation to generation. They retain and pass local knowledge of the local cultural heritage. The big happenings culminates on Saturday and ends on Shrove Tuesday with the judgment and a funeral on the Ash Wednesday
Slovenia hosts some places where you can experience unique carnivals with pagan origin and get amazed by traditional masks (Cerkno – laufarija, Ptuj – kurentovanje, Hrušica – škoromati, Cerknica – butale, witch Uršula, Jezerko, frog, etc.).

Why is Dreznica carnival so special?! Let the photos speak for themselves!

Dobrodošli na drežniškem karnevalu!

Group touring from house to house.

»Ta lepi« (the pretty) with colorful ribbons called »čuške«are always in pairs and holding hands.

„Tisti ki vozi“ is the only one who is allowed to speak and negotiate with the locals to enter their homes.

Well-defined roles (division on „ta lepi“ and „ta grdi“) of various characters and musical accompaniment.

A day before the carnival around midnight men, switch off all of the lights in the village, sing an anthem »Bleda luna« and make a lot of noise.

»BLEDA LUNA«
Bleda luna,
Kako prijazno siješ!
Bleda luna,
Kako prijazno siješ!
Čez tri gore,čez tri dole,
Čez tri zelene,hribe in doline!
Čez tri gore, čez tri dole,
Čez tri zelene,hribe in doline!
Mamca moja,
Pošljite me po vodo!
Mamca moja,
Pošljite me po vodo!
Kjer me moj ljubi, Kjer me moj ljubi,
Kjer me moj ljubi Jaka,(s paljco)
Tam pri studencu čaka.

Carnival procession consists of »ta lepi« and »ta grdi«. There are more than 15 various characters (»tisti ki vozi«, »godec«, pari »ta lepih«, »ta stara dva«, »petelinar«, »vsaka dobi«, »zdravnik«, »rezjan«, »ta debel«, »cgajnarji«, »ta grdi, »policaj«, »Pepo«).

The most significant and the most dynamic character of Dreznica carnival is a mask »ta grdi« (the ugly) with wooden masks and ram’s horns. They are wearing vest with sheepskin, bells around the waist and holding a nylon stocking which is stuffed with ashes. Bare hands are covered in soot. They are towing a trolley in which there is a burning hay.

On accordion godec is playing carnival march and all the masks are following the beat of the marching steps throughout the procession.

In the afternoon the main event takes place in the village square.

Drežniški pust/Dreznica carnival is registered as living cultural heritage since 2014. Need more information about the carnival? Write me at vesna@slocally.com

Planning to visit Soca valley during the carnival time? It would be great to host you at Herbal Rooms Homestay. In case our accommodation is booked, please check other accommodation options in Drežnica and its surroundings: Hiša Sonca, Tourist farm Kranjc, Rooms Pri Lovrižu, Apartma Mašera, Apartma Pri nas, House Krivopeta, Chalet Žonir. 

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If you crave some more local experiences, join my local experiences! What is more, if you need help with your travel planning to Soca valley and/or Slovenia beyond the usual tourist menu , do not hesitate to contact me. Welcome/Dobrodošli!