2025 Cleveland Kurentovanje Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

13th Annual Cleveland Kurentovanje:
A Community Celebration of Slovenian Heritage

Cleveland, OH—Cleveland Kurentovanje (koo-rehn-toh-VAHN-yeh) a Slovenian-infused Mardi Gras carnival kicks off on Saturday, February 22, 2025 unfurling over eight days of diverse virtual and in-person arts and cultural events in Cleveland, Ohio, the city home to the highest population of Slovenians living outside of Slovenia.

The festivities reach a crescendo on Saturday, March 1, culminating in a grand parade and festival. This finale boasts live music across three stages, authentic culinary delights, beverages, and an expansive "Children’s Village" within the Slovenian National Home's lower level, offering free crafts and engaging activities for our youngest festival-goers.

The festival celebration revolves around the iconic Kurenti – ancient, mythological creatures believed to banish winter and herald the arrival of spring with their mystical powers.

Events surrounding this year’s festival include:

"We're passionate about creating a truly unique and unforgettable winter festival experience," shares Lauren Calevich, event organizer. "This year, we're expanding the festival's footprint and offering a diverse program designed to captivate guests of all ages, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy."

"Get ready to be enchanted by Slovenian culture!" shares organizer Kathy Walters. "This festival offers a vibrant blend of arts and culture, inviting attendees of all ages and backgrounds to immerse themselves in a truly unique experience.

“There's a myriad of ways for the public to actively participate in the festival. They can join us in person at events or virtually, enlist to march in the parade, register to run or walk in the 5K, contribute as volunteers to bolster this grassroots, volunteer-driven celebration, or extend support through donations or sponsorships,” says Walters.

"We are deeply grateful to our volunteers, partners, and sponsors for their unwavering support," says organizer Nicole Kusold-Matheou. "With their help, we can continue to bring Slovenian culture to life and celebrate the vibrant tapestry of the St. Clair-Superior neighborhood through a diverse program of events."

Detailed event information, tickets, and more can be found at https://www.clevelandkurentovanje.com/.

All free virtual engagements will be available on Cleveland Kurentovanje’s Facebook page (@ClevelandKurentovanje), YouTube Channel, and website (https://www.clevelandkurentovanje.com/). 

About Cleveland Kurentovanje

The mission of Cleveland Kurentovanje is to promote and celebrate Slovenian culture by offering a fun and lively festival which draws energy from all of its related events to contribute to the St. Clair-Superior Neighborhood, all while engaging local, national and global audiences.

Cleveland Kurentovanje is organized entirely by a volunteer committee and is supported by in-kind donations and sponsorships from businesses and organizations. Donations of all kinds are accepted through the Slovenian Museum and Archives.

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MEDIA INQUIRIES CAN BE DIRECTED TO CLEKURENTOVANJE@GMAIL.COM

High-resolution press photos and videos available upon request.