The Slovene Ethnographic Museum is organising the international conference Masquerading: From Ritual to Carnival in Ljubljana on 15–16 October 2026. Through this conference, we aim to broaden and deepen our understanding of the rich heritage of masquerading. Building on the museum’s long-standing research and curatorial work – reflected in the temporary exhibition Masks: From Ritual to Carnival, which presents the richness of Slovenian carnival heritage within a broader cultural context – the conference is providing a platform for the exchange of knowledge, perspectives, and research on masquerading traditions from across Europe and beyond.

Masquerading and carnival traditions are among the most vibrant expressions of intangible cultural heritage. Rooted in local communities and shaped by centuries of continuity and change, they reveal complex relationships between ritual and performance, tradition and innovation, local identity and global processes. Today, these traditions continue to evolve in response to social, cultural, economic, and political transformations, while remaining an important source of community cohesion, creativity, and cultural expression.

This conference is bringing together researchers, museum professionals, heritage practitioners, and representatives of carnival communities from different countries and disciplinary backgrounds. By fostering dialogue between diverse perspectives, we aim to deepen our understanding of masquerading as both a living cultural practice and a subject of scholarly inquiry.

The conference programme is structured around three general topics:
1. Homologies and Continuities of Carnival Traditions through Space and Time 
2. UNESCO, Heritage Policies, and the Dynamics of Safeguarding
3. The Role of Cultural Institutions and Museums in Relation to the Local Communities

We hope that the presentations, discussions, and exchanges of ideas will inspire new collaborations, broaden perspectives, and contribute to the continued research and safeguarding of masquerading traditions.

The conference will be held in English.

The conference programme will be published by the end of September.