The town of Črna na Koroškem north Slovenia hosted its annual snow sculpting competition this weekend. Unlike in recent years, there was plenty of snow and temperatures were low.

The event, known as the Castles of King Matjaž, evokes the legend of a righteous king sleeping under the nearby Mount Peca, which competitors as a rule explore as the theme in their sculptures.

Linked by some to a real-life king, Matthias Corvinus of Hungary, who lived in the second half of the 15th century, Matjaž is believed to have ruled for the benefit of the people but was forced to hide under the Peca mountain with his surviving solider after other rulers conspired against him.

Taking place for the 31st year running, the competition has been held in Črna since 2019. Earlier, it took place in Podpeca, just under Mount Peca. Since the first iteration in 1993, more than 1,400 snow castles and sculptures have been built.

A man uses a chainsaw to make s snow sculpture at the Castles of King Matjaž. Photo: Boštjan Podlogar/STA

A snow castle with King Matjaž and his queen at the Castles of King Matjaž competition. Photo: Boštjan Podlogar/STA

A torch-lit snow castle depicting King Matjaž. Photo: Boštjan Podlogar/STA

A small snow castle is built at the Castles of King Matjaž competition. Photo: Boštjan Podlogar/STA

A light performance is held in the evening. Photo: Boštjan Podlogar/STA