Šelmarija: a Shrovetide Tradition in Kostanjevica na Krki
Šelmarija, the oldest Shrovetide custom in Slovenia, has been a vibrant tradition in Kostanjevica na Krki for over 160 years. Each year, this time-honoured celebration transforms the town into a lively carnival hub, drawing thousands of visitors from Slovenia and abroad.
The History of Šelmarija
The exact origins of Šelmarija remain a mystery, though it is widely believed to have roots in ancient pagan rituals that predate Christianity. Some theories suggest that the name Šelmarija stems from the word šelma, meaning beast.
According to local oral tradition, Šelmarija dates back to 1854, with the earliest written records from the 19th century describing festive processions of masked figures parading through the streets. By the 20th century, the custom had evolved into a major cultural event, with new elements, such as the traditional bear hunt.
Carnival Programme & Šelmarija
Carnival Sunday: The Cannon Shot to Start
Carnival Sunday in Kostanjevica na Krki begins with a cannon shot in the early morning hours, signaling the official start of the festivities. Shortly after, musicians and the šelmars, united in the Prfocenaus group, take to the streets for a lively march through the town. Their music and cheerful spirit awaken Kostanjevica na Krki, inviting locals and visitors to embrace the carnival atmosphere. The parade makes its way to Ta mali plac, a central gathering spot.
President of Šelmarija
The President of the Prfocenaus is elected for a one-year term. One of the symbolic duties of the president and the presidium members is the annual visit to the Kostanjevica cemetery, where they honour the memory of all past presidents.
The Call of the Kurent and the Carnival Procession
The President of Prfocenaus lights the carnival fire of the šelma, symbolically taking over power. This is followed by the reading of the Call of the Kurent, the determination of the carnival currency and a few traditional formalities.
Šelmarija: Carnival Monday
Baklada
Monday evening brings Baklada, a mesmerizing torchlit procession. Drummers echo through the streets as they chant the iconic Šelmarija anthem, summoning the townspeople to the Prfocenaus Municipal Assembly.
Prfocenaus Municipal Assembly
The Prfocenaus Municipal Assembly is a carnival-style cabaret evening. This lively event offers a chance to humorously settle scores with the past year’s events in the municipality.
Šelmarija: Shrove Tuesday
Bear Hunt, Plowing, Sowing and the Reception of the New President
On Shrove Tuesday, Kostanjevica na Krki transforms into a vibrant celebration of tradition, where old customs weave together with the joyful spirit of the carnival. The day begins with a lively gathering on Gorjanska Cesta, where the bear, accompanied by its hound, musicians and the spirited Prfocenhaus gang, set off through the streets of the town. The bear playfully catches unsuspecting passersby and smears them with shoe polish. As the afternoon unfolds, plowmen and sowers, accompanied by a plow and a lunch bringer, march through the streets. The evening culminates in a festive reception for the new president and first lady, accompanied by the lively band.
Šelmarija: Ash Wednesday – The Funeral of the Kurent
On Ash Wednesday, the kurent is ceremoniously burned and cast into the river.
