Dressed in sheepskin garments, elaborate masks, and clanging bells around their waists, the Kurenti—mythical figures believed to chase away winter—take to St. Clair Avenue each year as part of Kurentovanje, a centuries-old Slovenian tradition welcoming spring.

And with this year’s Cleveland winter dragging on, the Kurenti’s timing couldn’t be better.

Cleveland Kurentovanje, a Slovenian-infused Mardi Gras festival featuring the Kurenti, begins this Saturday, Feb. 22—bringing eight days of virtual and in-person events celebrating Slovenian arts and culture to the St. Clair-Superior neighborhood.

"Get ready to be enchanted by Slovenian culture!" said event organizer Kathy Walters in a statement.

Kurentovanje Parade floatThe festival is open to the public and features performances, workshops, community activities, and a parade, with most events being free or low-cost.

History & Tradition

Cleveland Kurentovanje started in 2013 when a group of Slovenian-Americans, with support from the St. Clair-Superior Development Corporation, organized Cleveland’s first Kurentovanje celebration in just six weeks.

More than 2,000 people attended that first year, and the event has since grown to welcome as many as 7,000 attendees annually. Cleveland, which has the largest Slovenian population outside of Slovenia, continues to host the free festival annually. It is run entirely by volunteers with support from sponsors and the community.

Kurentovanje has been celebrated in Slovenia for generations, with roots in various European traditions. The modern festival began in the 1950s in Ptuj, Slovenia, as an effort to preserve carnival customs, eventually earning UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) recognition in 2017.

Today, Kurentovanje is one of Slovenia’s largest cultural events, drawing thousands of participants and visitors each year.

Event Highlights

Walters says there are events and attractions to suit just about every interest and taste.

“There are plenty of ways to get involved, whether attending in person or virtually, marching in the parade, signing up for the 5K, volunteering, or supporting through sponsorships,” she says.

This year’s festival includes a mix of performances, interactive programming, and cultural experiences with both virtual and in-person events. Free online programming is available on the festival’s Facebook page, YouTube channel, and website.

Virtual programming highlights include a film screening of “Carnival King of Europe 2.0”

(running through Saturday, March 1, but advanced registration is required), a talk on Slovenian carnival traditions this Friday, Feb. 22, and a cooking demonstration on Monday, Feb. 24.

Cleveland KurentovanjeIn-person events feature the Kurent Jump this Saturday, Feb. 22, a Slovenian wine tasting on Tuesday, Feb. 25 at the Slovenian National Home, a film night with the screening of “Dedek gre na jug,” or “Grandpa goes south,” on Thursday, Feb. 27 at Cleveland State University School of Film & Media Arts, and a sold-out Slovenian Points of Interest Bus Tour on Sunday Feb. 23 (there is a waitlist, though).

On Friday, Feb. 28, A Celebration of Women in Science: "The Marie Curies of the Mediterranean" Exhibit & Panel Discussion takes place both virtually and in-person at Saint Martin de Porres High School, 6202 St Clair Ave. Registration is suggested, but not required, and the event is free.

The festival concludes on Saturday, March 1, first with the Kurent Dash 5K at 9 a.m., followed by the 13th Annual Cleveland Kurentovanje Festival and Parade. The day features live music on three stages, traditional food and drink, and a Children’s Village at the Slovenian National Home with free crafts and activities.

For a full schedule and more details, visit Cleveland Kurentovanje’s website.