Kurentovanje (koo-rahn-toh-VAHN-yay) is the most popular carnival event in Slovenia and the central figure of the carnival, the Kurent, is believed to chase away winter and usher in spring. The day will be filled with costumes, a parade, food and drink, heritage and fuzzy Kurents.
The Cleveland Kurentovanje Committee, with the Slovenian National Home, St Clair Superior Development Corp., members of the Slovenian-American community, and local businesses and institutions, have partnered to bring a piece of this cultural event to St. Clair Avenue.
Event Schedule
Schedule for Cleveland Kurentovanje on February 14, 2015 is as follows:
11am—Doors Open: Come grab some food, Slovenian donuts (“krofe”), coffee, and shop at Collective Upcycle. Crafts to help children prepare for Kurentovanje will also take place during this time.
Noon—Parade: Parade kicks off traditional Kurentovanje, which will stretch through the neighborhood from St. Vitus Church on Lausche Ave. to the Slovenian National Home on St. Clair. The procession will include Kurents, polka and marching bands, dance groups, and other parading groups in traditional dress from across Eastern Europe. Community and groups are encouraged to register to participate in the parade at www.ClevelandKurentovanje.com. All visitors are encouraged to dress in costume of any kind to celebrate in the Slovenian tradition.
1-6pm—Celebrate: Eat, drink, shop and party at Slovenian National Home. Experience the many different foods, wines, beers, music and dance of Slovenia and Eastern Europe. Local craftspeople will be selling homemade edibles and handmade goods. Several musical and dance acts will perform throughout the day. Attendees can explore the Slovenian National Home, the neighboring Slovenian Museum and Archives, as well as many other storefront businesses in the area, which will feature samplings of food, spirits and music.
6pm-Midnight—After Party: When the Kurentovanje ends, the celebration will move to the official After Party at Sterle’s Country House on East 55th where guests can enjoy schnitzel, polka, and a shot or two of slivovitz. Sterle’s Bier Garden will also be open throughout the day.
More about event: http://clevelandkurentovanje.com/
