Every February, the small town of Ptuj in Slovenia comes alive with the vibrant celebration of its famous carnival. This festival, with its deep historical roots, is a cherished tradition where local residents come together to ward off the winter cold and embrace the arrival of spring. Participants dress up in furry costumes, transforming into kurenti, mythical monsters believed to drive away evil spirits and bring good fortune for the new year.
Although the exact origins of the Ptuj carnival remain a mystery, it is firmly rooted in ancient Slavic and Illyrian cultures. The modern form of the carnival can be attributed to the efforts of historian Drago Hasl and many enthusiasts who organized and planned the event in the 1950s. Over the years, it has evolved into the grand event it is today.
The significance of the Ptuj carnival lies in its symbolic act of banishing winter’s chill and heralding the approach of spring. Throughout the festivities, participants who are dressed as kurenti visit homes, forming circles in courtyards, ringing bells, and waving wooden sticks to chase away evil. As these monsters arrive at each doorstep, homeowners greet them with offerings of food like doughnuts, salami, and wine—a ritual meant to ensure good luck.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / 照片：維基共享資源提供
Today, the Ptuj carnival has grown into one of Slovenia’s most famous festivals, attracting thousands of visitors from across Europe. This event not only preserves the region’s cultural traditions but also strengthens the community’s shared heritage. The Ptuj carnival demonstrates how cultural traditions can continue to thrive and unite people despite the passage of time.
每年的二月，斯洛維尼亞的小鎮普圖伊（Ptuj）都會充滿活力地慶祝其著名的嘉年華慶典。這個擁有深厚歷史根源的節日，是當地居民聚集在一起驅逐寒冬、迎接春天到來的珍貴傳統。參與者穿上毛茸茸的服裝，變身為庫倫特（kurenti），據信這種神話怪獸可以驅逐邪靈並為新年帶來好運。
雖然普圖伊嘉年華的確切起源仍然是個謎，但它深植於古代斯拉夫和伊利里亞的文化中。嘉年華的現代形式可以歸功於歷史學家德拉戈．哈斯爾和許多熱衷者在1950年代組織和規劃活動的努力。多年來，它已經發展成為今天的盛大活動。
普圖伊嘉年華的重要意義在於其驅逐冬天的寒冷並預示春天到來的象徵性行為。在慶祝活動期間，打扮成庫倫特的參與者會拜訪家家戶戶，在庭院圍成圓圈，搖鈴並揮舞木棒來驅逐邪惡。當這些怪獸到達每家門口時，屋主會用甜甜圈、薩拉米臘腸和葡萄酒等食物款待他們，這是一種確保好運的儀式。
如今，普圖伊嘉年華已經成為斯洛維尼亞最著名的節日之一，吸引了來自歐洲各地的數千名遊客。這個活動不僅保留了該地區的文化傳統，也鞏固了社區的共同遺產。普圖伊嘉年華展示了文化傳統如何在時間的流逝中繼續蓬勃發展並團結人們。
MORE INFORMATION
Ptuj n. 普圖伊
Slovenia n. 斯洛維尼亞
mythical adj. 神話的
Slavic adj. 斯拉夫的
Illyrian adj. 伊利里亞人的
banish vt. 消除；流放
herald vt. 宣布（常指好事）；預示……的來臨
KEY VOCABULARY
1. carnival n. 嘉年華會
The streets were filled with joy and laughter during the carnival parade.
在嘉年華遊行期間，街道上充滿了歡樂和笑聲。
2. vibrant adj. 活耀的；明亮的
The city has a vibrant nightlife, with restaurants and clubs open until late.
這座城市有著活躍的夜生活，餐廳和俱樂部營業到很晚。
3. cherished adj. 珍愛的；珍藏的
This watch is one of my most cherished possessions; it has been in my family for generations.
這支手錶是我最珍愛的個人物品之一；它已經在我的家族中流傳了好幾代。
4. costume n. 服裝；戲服
The actor entertained children at the party in a colorful clown costume.
這名演員穿著色彩繽紛的小丑服裝，在派對上為孩子們帶來歡樂。
5. significance n. 重要性；重要意義
The significance of this discovery cannot be understated; it could change our understanding of history.
此項發現的重要性不容小覷；它可能改變我們對歷史的理解。
6. symbolic adj. 象徵（性）的
The description of flowers actually has a symbolic meaning in this mystery novel.
在這部懸疑小說中，對花朵的描寫其實有象徵性的意義。
7. festivity n. 慶典；歡慶
Everyone joined in the festivities, celebrating the town’s anniversary with parades and fireworks.
每個人都參加了慶典，透過遊行和煙火慶祝小鎮的週年紀念。
8. ritual n. 儀式；例行之事
The wedding ceremony was filled with beautiful rituals that honored the couple’s traditions.
這場婚禮充滿了美麗的傳統儀式，彰顯了這對新人所屬的文化傳統。
9. heritage n. 遺產；傳統
Taiwan’s temples are a significant part of its cultural heritage.
臺灣的寺廟是其文化遺產的重要部分。
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