An Ancient Tradition, Alive and Thriving in Northeast Ohio
By Cleveland Kurentovanje Volunteer Committee
If you’ve ever stood on St. Clair Avenue in late winter and felt the ground shake from cowbells, drums, and thousands of people cheering as Kurenti move through the streets, you know this already: Cleveland Kurentovanje isn’t something you just attend. You feel it.
What concluded this February was the 14th Annual Cleveland Kurentovanje—another reminder that this once-regional Slovenian tradition has become something uniquely Cleveland. With events throughout the week and visitors traveling from across Northeast Ohio, the U.S., Canada, and Slovenia the 2026 celebration reaffirmed what many of us already know: this tradition is not only alive here, it’s thriving.
A Quick Look Back: Where Kurentovanje Comes From
Kurentovanje has its roots in Slovenia, particularly in and around the Ptuj region, where Kurenti—mythical, masked figures dressed in sheepskin coats, heavy cowbells, and elaborate masks—appear during the Pust (carnival) season. Their role is simple and symbolic: make noise, chase away winter, drive out bad spirits, and make space for spring, renewal, and better days ahead.
For centuries, Kurenti have marked this seasonal turning point through ritual, movement, and community participation. While the tradition has evolved over time, its core purpose has always stayed the same: to reset, reconnect, and welcome what’s next.
That idea—especially the part about surviving winter and celebrating what comes after—turns out to translate pretty well to Northeast Ohio.
Why Cleveland?
Cleveland is home to one of the largest populations of people of Slovenian descent outside of Slovenia. Generations of Slovenian Americans built lives, neighborhoods, churches, businesses, and cultural institutions here—originally in the St. Clair–Superior neighborhood. Traditions have always mattered to this community, but Kurentovanje offers something a little different.
You don’t have to be Slovenian to understand it—you just have to be willing to experience it.
“Cleveland Kurentovanje is truly a community celebration,” shares organizer Kathy Gabrosek-Walters. “From cultural performances to children’s activities to our signature parade, the festival brought people of all ages and backgrounds together to experience the vibrancy, warmth, and joy of Slovenian traditions. We’re proud to make this a festival where everyone feels welcome.”
Cleveland Kurentovanje began as an effort to reconnect with a tradition that many Slovenian Americans may have heard about, but never experienced firsthand. At the same time, it was an invitation—to the broader Cleveland community and beyond—to join in something that celebrates resilience, renewal, and togetherness.
The goal is to honor the tradition while allowing it to grow naturally in Northeast Ohio. What emerged was something rooted in Slovenian heritage, shaped by Cleveland’s character, and open to anyone willing to take part.
A Weeklong Celebration
The festival unfolded across a full week of cultural, educational, and community-centered events, many of which were sold out. The celebration kicked off with the Kurent Jump, a ceremonial “awakening” of the Kurenti, marking the symbolic start of Carnival season. It’s a powerful moment—bells ringing, fire blazing, winter officially put on notice—and it sets the tone for everything that follows.
“Each year, we work to create a festival experience that’s bigger, more engaging, and more welcoming than ever,” says Lauren Calevich, event organizer. “For 2026, we expanded our programming to spotlight the richness of Slovenian culture while creating more opportunities for families, longtime festival fans, and first-time visitors to connect, celebrate, and make memories together. This included a robust lineup of virtual events, making it easy for people across the country—and around the world—to join in the festivities.”
Throughout the week, programming invited people to engage with Slovenian culture from many different angles. A virtual Slovenian cooking demonstration in partnership with the Slovenian Union of America brought traditional foods into kitchens across the country. A Slovenian film screening offered a cinematic look into contemporary culture. A special Prešeren Day performance featured , adapted from the work of Ivan Cankar and performed by Slovenian actress Gaia Višnar, connecting literature, history, and performance in an intimate way.
Educational events played a central role as well. Attendees explored Slovenian wine traditions during a craft wine tasting, learned about ritual and mask-making during Masks: From Ritual to Carnival with Miha Špiček of the Slovene Ethnographic Museum, and engaged with local history and civic leadership through the exhibit and panel Together We Can Do It! George Voinovich and the Work of Government, available to view through May 24, 2026 at the Slovenian Museum & Archives.
And because Kurentovanje is meant to be lived—not just observed—there was music and dancing throughout the week. Learn to Polka Night reminded everyone that tradition isn’t something you sit quietly and admire.
Festival Day: The Kurenti Take to the Streets
The week culminated on February 14 with the Cleveland Kurentovanje Festival and Parade, where thousands gathered under clear skies and unseasonably perfect winter weather—an outcome many longtime attendees were quick to credit to the Kurenti themselves.
By midday, the Slovenian National Home was filled with a record-setting crowd taking part in the celebration. Bells rang, the Kurenti danced, and laughter and music echoed through the community as layers came off and winter finally loosened its grip. For believers and skeptics alike, the message felt unmistakable: the Kurenti had done their job.
This year also marked a meaningful investment in the tradition itself. Two new Kurenti costumes debuted at the festival, made possible through support from The Government Office for Slovenians Abroad (URAD). Handcrafted in Ptuj by master artisan Marko Klinc, the costumes were created using traditional methods and natural materials, including sheepskin garments, leather components, bells, and hand-carved masks.
Each mask is unique—painted by hand and infused with the maker’s individual artistry—linking Cleveland directly to the living tradition in Slovenia.
More Than a Festival
For many people, Cleveland Kurentovanje feels like a homecoming. For others, it’s a first introduction to Slovenian culture. For everyone, it’s a reminder that traditions don’t have to be frozen in place to remain meaningful.
Cleveland Kurentovanje continues to emphasize education, preservation, and participation alongside celebration. By collaborating with cultural institutions in Slovenia, welcoming international presenters, and creating space for conversation across generations, the festival ensures Kurentovanje remains a living, evolving tradition.
Each winter, when the Kurenti awaken and the bells start ringing, Cleveland sends a clear message: winter doesn’t get the final word—and community is always worth celebrating.
Looking Ahead
Recorded programming from Cleveland Kurentovanje 2026 is available on the festival’s official YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@ClevelandKurentovanje.
The main festival and parade for the 15th Annual Cleveland Kurentovanje will take place on Saturday, February 6, 2027, with additional events to be announced.
“This festival wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our volunteers, partners, and sponsors,” says organizer Nicole Kusold-Matheou. “Their commitment allows us to preserve and share Slovenian heritage in meaningful ways and to continue celebrating the diversity and spirit of the St. Clair–Superior neighborhood through accessible, community-focused events.”
As planning begins for this milestone year, community members, volunteers, artists, scholars, and supporters are invited to help shape the next chapter of this tradition. More information can be found at
www.clevelandkurentovanje.com.
