Markovci combines the Korant tradition of Fašenk with nearby natural areas. Two different dates are important when planning your trip: Fašenk dates and programmes vary from year to year, while the municipal holiday is observed every year on 25 April. The surrounding landscapes also offer opportunities for walking, cycling and birdwatching.

Fašenk and the Korant tradition

The procession of ethnographic figures in Markovci is called Fašenk. The Korant appears alongside local figures: ploughmen, fairies, Rusa, bears, chickens, Pokači and the wedding figure of the spearman. The figures and programme items featured may vary from one edition to the next. Kurent or Korant processions have been recognised by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. According to a UNESCO description, individual house-to-house processions of Kurents probably began in the second half of the 19th century in Markovci and neighbouring villages.

St Mark’s Church is the municipality’s central religious building and an important part of its local cultural heritage. In the attic of the municipal offices, an Ethno Museum presents the Korant figure interactively, including outside the traditional carnival season. Check the visiting arrangements before you arrive. The “Along the Path of the Korant” trail runs through the Markovci region and introduces local traditions; specific visiting arrangements may vary.

A second annual date

Markovci’s municipal holiday is celebrated every year on 25 April, St Mark’s Day. The programme runs throughout the month and includes events organised by local sports, cultural and volunteer fire brigades, as well as a church blessing. If you would like to include one of these occasions in your travel plans, check the dates of the relevant events; Fašenk dates change every year.

Šturmovci and Lake Ptuj

The nearby Šturmovci Landscape Park includes riparian forests, wetlands and rich biodiversity. It is suitable for walking, cycling and birdwatching. At nearby Lake Ptuj, a 13-kilometre circular route is available for cycling and walking. Two-thirds of the lake’s surface lies within the municipality of Markovci. More than 230 bird species nest in its protected lakeside landscape, including rare and protected species such as the cormorant, common tern and black tern. Follow the local conservation rules there.

Activities and routes

The tourist offer in the municipality of Markovci includes organised rafting trips on the Drava and e-bike rentals. Check providers and availability before your trip. A carriage ride through the protected Šturmovci Landscape Park is also part of the Markovci experience; visiting arrangements may vary. A themed Markovci experience ends with a tasting of local cuisine. Participating venues and the itinerary may differ.

Red signs for the Drava Bike route guide cyclists from Ptuj to Markovci and Mihovci pri Veliki Nedelji. As signposting may change, check the route before setting off. This distinguishes the cycling options mentioned by their specific destinations: the circular route around Lake Ptuj is 13 kilometres long, while the Drava Bike route signs point to the places listed.

Motorhome stopover

Camper Stop Zabovci has eight motorhome pitches. There are also two electricity stations, each with four connection points, and a separate station for water supply and waste disposal. Check availability before you arrive.

Discover more destinations: Cirkulane, Ptuj, Jiršovci, Moškanjci, Gorišnica, Majšperk

Return to the main travel overview: Ptuj.