2025 Events Schedule
Cleveland Kurentovanje is proud to offer the following programming:
“The Evolution of Slovenian Mardi Gras (Carnival) Customs and Festivals” with Adela Pukl
Join us for an engaging talk with Adela Pukl, a museum curator at the Slovene Ethnographic Museum in the Department of Spiritual Culture, as she unpacks how local carnival heritage throughout Slovenia has been increasingly subjected to decontextualization, recontextualization, folklorization, commodification and commercialization.
“Carnival King of Europe 2.0” Online Film Screening
Most attendees of Cleveland Kurentovanje are familiar with the Kurent – the central character to the festival who has sheepskin fur, horns, large bells and ferocious appearance that chases away winter. But did you know that there are many other traditional Carnival (Mardi Gras) characters throughout Europe that strike a similar appearance and are also part of ending winter and welcoming spring?
With footage collected across Europe, “Carnival King of Europe 2.0” features many of these different carnival characters and traditions across European countries, showcasing the similar themes of carnival characters and also the unique nuances of each local tradition.
Kurent Jump
Join us around the bonfire as we awaken the Kurenti then dance with Fešta Bend and DJ Jordan Kolarič on the dance floor at Slovenian National Home.
Slovenian Points of Interest Bus Tour
This event is sold out, but you can join the waitlist!
Join us for an unforgettable journey through Cleveland’s rich Slovenian heritage! Whether you've lived in Cleveland your entire life or are just discovering the city’s deep Slovenian roots, this tour will introduce you to stories, landmarks, and histories you’ve never heard before.
A conversation with Cleveland’s most impactful Slovenian-Americans: Consul General of Slovenia in Cleveland, Suzana Češarek, and former Ohio State Senator Kenny Yuko
Seeking to highlight the Slovenian-American experience in Cleveland, we join you to experience an inspiring and dynamic conversation as part of Cleveland Kurentovanje with a livestreamed discussion featuring the Consul General of Slovenia in Cleveland, Suzana Češarek, and former Ohio State Senator Kenny Yuko.
Virtual Cooking Demonstration - Schnitzel & Krompir
Join us for a live-streamed cooking demonstration of Schnitzel and Krompir by local Cleveland Slovenian caterer, Joe Tavcar!
Slovenian Wine Tasting
Join us for an informative and celebratory evening of Slovenian wine exploration in the elegant main ballroom of the Slovenian National Home. Cole Davis of Cutting Edge Selections, will guide attendees through a curated tasting of five exceptional Slovenian wines, accompanied by generous charcuterie and heavy appetizer selection.
Movie Night - Dedek gre na jug
Join us at The Cleveland State University - School of Film & Media Arts in the Idea Center Building for an exclusive screening of ‘Dedek gre na jug’ or Grandpa goes south.
Slovenian with English subtitles. Not Rated. 2022 (Slovenia, North Macedonia). 103 minutes runtime.
A Celebration of Women in Science: "The Marie Curies of the Mediterranean" Exhibit & Panel Discussion
Join us for a celebration of science with the exhibition “The Marie Curies of the Mediterranean,” an inspiring exhibit showcasing the lives and achievements of female scientists and researchers across the Mediterranean region, and a special panel discussion.
Kurent Dash 5k
Kick off Festival Day with a 5k!
Registration and Packet Pick-Up: 9:00am
5K Run/Walk race start time: 10:00am
13th Annual Cleveland Kurentovanje Festival and Parade
THE BIG DAY!
Doors open at 10AM. Parade at Noon!
Check our Saturday Schedule for information on Children’s events, bands, performances, and more!