Slovenia gets ready to ‘chase away the winter’ in an annual celebration, locally known as Kurentovanje. To celebrate the end of winter, locals wear traditional masks and costumes to scare off winter in the ‘pust’ or carnival which has been going more than 50 years.

Kurent or Korant is the most famous traditional carnival figure, and wears huge sheepskin garments and a chain with large bells attached to create noise. They also wear heavy boots with red or green leg warmers and a towering hat, festooned with ribbons and a mask, typically with a long red tongue.

The Kurent also carries a wooden club, which is used to collect hankerchiefs, given by girls and women as part of the festivities.