Cleveland's Kurentovanje February 22nd
Ok, what the heck is Kurentovanje? Almost every culture seems to have developed their own way to celebrate the ushering in of spring. Kurentovanje is a relatively new carnival tradition starting in Slovenia in 1960 carried over to Cleveland in 2013. It ties cultural traditions with pre-Lenten festivities. A kind of Slovenian Mardi Gras if you will.
Kurents are a mythical creatures whose purpose to frighten and chase away winter and evil spirits with their presence. They are large lumbering furry figures with long red tongues, colorful ribbons on their heads, bearing clubs, and klanging as they walk with large cow bells.
Although there are a number of associated events in the preceding week, the main festivities take place on Saturday February 22nd. Things kick off with a 5K race at 9:30. The parade then starting at noon at St Vitas and winding down St Clair Avenue finishing at the Slovenian National Home. There you'll find different performances of dance, traditional and contemporary music, foods and libations till 6:00 pm. Now what happened to my pivo?
For more information go to the website clevelandkurentovanje.com
William McCulloch
Amateur local historian