The king had been sleeping under the mountain for centuries. When he was attacked by the enemy, to save him the Peca mountain swallowed him up. When his beard will grow and wrap around his table 9 times he will wake up and will bring happiness and prosperity to the land. At least, this is what the local legend says about King Matjaž. But where will he live after he wakes up?
The story is enigmatic enough to spark the imagination of artists - whether they are wholehearted local families or professional
41
Since 1993, every year, during the last weekend of January, people gather at Črna na Koroškem, with shovels, trowels, saws, and other tools. Not to dig out the king, but to build snow castles and ice sculptures inspired by, or maybe for him. King Matjaž is a popular character in the local folklore: from tales to poems, from paintings to art events, he is celebrated all around the region. He was a noble king, modeled after the historical King Mathias, but the origin of the legend probably dates back to pre-Christian mythology.
ice sculptors from abroad. Building the snow and ice sculptures is a competition between teams, but more importantly a heartwarming event during the cold January days with a lot of music, programs, good food and enthusiastic people. To make it even more magical once the sun sets people begin to light up their snow creations with candles and torches. Since this event’s beginning, more than 1300 snow castles and sculptures have been built here making the gathering one of the most recognisable (and visited) events in Slovenia.
SLOVENIA-AUSTRIA / Geopark Karavanke
2
The sleeping king
building the snow and ice sculptures is a competition between teams, but more importantly a heartwarming event during the cold January days
