Carnival time in Portorož and Piran

Carnival ("Pust" in Slovene) is a time of joy, playfulness, and festive masks that drive away winter and welcome the arrival of spring. In Slovenia, this beloved tradition is rich with colorful customs that bring delight to both young and old.

During the carnival season, Portorož and Piran transform into lively hubs of celebration and social gatherings, drawing visitors from around the world. This year’s festivities promise to be more spectacular than ever, with an exciting lineup of events designed to entertain all ages and tastes.

Here are three must-see events of this year’s carnival:

When: February 28, 2025, from 10:00 PM onward
Where: Magazin Grando (Former salt warehouse Grando), Portorož

Get ready for an unforgettable night of electronic music! 🎧🎶 Legendary DJ David Morales, a pioneer in the world of house music, is making a long-awaited return to Slovenian Istria. A Grammy Award winner for Best Remix in 1998 ("Fantasy" by Mariah Carey), Morales will set the stage on fire with his signature blend of house, soul, disco, and funk, electrifying the crowd in Portorož. Joining him is the dynamic DJ duo Solardo, known for dominating global festivals like Tomorrowland, Creamfields, and Elrow with their cutting-edge beats. Kicking off the night in style will be the beloved Slovenian DJ project, Secret Disco. 🕺🏼🪩

🎫 Tickets: €24.90 (General Admission) | €40 (VIP) → [Get Your Ticket Now]

Are you curious to see how we danced last year to the beats of the legendary DJ Gaby Ponte? 👀👇🏼

When: March 1, 2025, at 4:00 pm
Where: Avditorij Portorož

Kids, get ready for a true carnival adventure! Elephant Vipko will take children on a magical journey to the circus world with his enchanted key, bringing laughter, fun, and unexpected surprises! 🧚🏼‍♀️🦸🏼 This delightful 30-minute show is designed for children aged 2 and up.

The fun continues in the Avditorij Portorož lobby, where kids can enjoy:

🎫 Free entry!

Check out how much fun the little ones had last year! 👇🏼

When: March 1, 2025, 8:00 pm
Where: Tartini Theatre, Piran

For those who love elegance and masquerade balls, the Grand Carnival Ball in Piran is an event not to be missed! This year's theme, "The Four Seasons" 🌸🍃, will take guests on a journey through the moods and colors of nature. Dance the night away with live music from De Peachkiss Band and Adriano Roy DeeJay. The most creative and stunning masks will be rewarded, so bring your best and most original costume!

🎫 Free entry!

Need inspiration for your mask? Check out last year's dazzling costumes! 🎭✨

Carnival wouldn’t be complete without homemade fritule, krofi, and hroštule, filling Istrian kitchens with their irresistible aroma. 😋🍴

In Portorož, we highly recommend visiting Café Central, renowned for its exceptional carnival doughnuts (krofi). In 2021, their handcrafted "krofi" earned the title of Best Doughnut in Slovenia, thanks to a carefully guarded recipe and traditional preparation.

In 2024, they wowed visitors with an innovative doughnut featuring lemon cream, lemon gel, delicate meringue, and a hint of olive oil, lemon liqueur, and white chocolate—a true carnival masterpiece! What about this year? Can you guess what culinary creation awaits you this time? Join the festivities and find out if Café Central’s krofi truly live up to their legendary reputation!

For those who want to try making their own carnival sweets at home, here’s a simple recipe for Istrian fritule:

Enjoy your homemade Istrian fritule!

Carnival here is a celebration filled with music, dance, laughter, and delicious treats. Whether you're a fan of electronic beats, elegant masquerade balls, or looking to give your little ones an unforgettable festive experience, Portorož and Piran offer a carnival adventure like no other.

For those seeking even more excitement, we invite you to Koper on Saturday, March 1, 2025, where the 15th Istrian Carnival Parade will bring the streets to life with colorful costumes and joyful festivities!