Are you interested in participating in the deep traditions of Kurentovanje within the Cleveland Kurentovanje Festival? This is your chance to apply for the honor of becoming a Spearman, or kopjaši /koh-pyah-shee/ in Slovenian.

About the Spearman

What is a Spearman? Historically, the Spearman was an entertainer at village weddings. In 1960, a group of Spearmen led the first Kurentovanje carnival procession in Ptuj and since then have been an indispensable element of Kurentovanje and the local carnival processions.

What do Spearmen wear? A Spearman wears a black suit, white dress shirt, white gloves, a red tie, and a white-blue-and-red sash representing the Slovenian flag, accompanied by a decorated hat and black boots. They also carry a long wood spear that is decorated with long ribbons.

Traditionally, what do Spearmen do? The Spearmen are one of several traditional characters that make up the festival parade. Spearmen skip, dance and toss their spears high up into the air.

What do Spearmen do for Cleveland Kurentovanje? At Cleveland Kurentovanje, the Spearmen will lead the parade procession, perform traditional kopjaši movements, and help to guide the Kurenti to the festival grounds. Spearmen are also invited to stand guard during the closing ceremony or “Pokop Pusta”.

Requirements

You must provide the following parts of the costume (all other parts will be provided to you for the day):

Black suit
White Dress Shirt
Sturdy black shoes/boots with good traction!

It is an honor to participate as a Spearman and Cleveland Kurentovanje is looking for individuals (men and women) who are willing to take that honor seriously by firmly committing to the following:

Must be available and on time. Participation is required for the duration of the parade on Saturday, March 1 from approximately 10:30AM - 1:30PM. Additionally, you are invited (but not required) to participate in the Pokop Pusta closing ceremony, where we ask that you be dressed and ready by 4:30PM. A dressing area will be assigned to change in and out of the costume. If there's a chance you might be a no-show for the parade, we politely ask that you wait until next year to apply when you can commit for sure.
Must attend a Training Session. During this brief training session you will learn the traditional Spearman movements and behaviors to ensure the Slovenian Kurentovanje customs are respected. We will also review the responsibilities specific to the Cleveland Kurentovanje parade. The training session will take place from 10:00-11:30AM on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at Slovenian National Home (6417 St. Clair Ave).
Honor the Spearman! The spears, sashes and other accessories are handcrafted. Each costume piece requires special care and attention in order to preserve them for future use. Participants and organizers will review these details together during the training session.
Pledge to be on your best behavior as an embodiment of Cleveland Kurentovanje. We are looking for individuals who will be enthusiastic, courteous, and friendly, who display responsible behavior at all times while dressed and engaging as a Spearman.

Name

First Name

Last Name

Phone

(###)

###

####

Email

Tell us a little bit about yourself. Why do you want to volunteer as a Spearman?

Are you Available for the Parade?

Parade is held on Saturday, March 1, 2025 and steps-off at approximately 12 pm in the St. Clair-Superior Neighborhood. Spearmen are required to arrive at 10:30am.

Yes

No

Are you available for Festival Closing Ceremonies?

Closing Ceremony takes place on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at approx. 5:00pm at Slovenian National Home. Spearmen are welcome to participate and would be needed from 4:30-5:45pm.

Yes

No

Participation Liability Release

Spearman Participants' Responsibility Any and all information You provide to Cleveland Kurentovanje in the Spearman Application is complete and correct in all respects and material information will not be omitted. You will obey all applicable laws and regulations while using the Cleveland Kurentovanje site and while participating in Cleveland Kurentovanje. No Representations Cleveland Kurentovanje makes no representation that its volunteer efforts or free services will result in you being selected as a Spearman. No Guarantee Cleveland Kurentovanje has no responsibility or liability whatsoever for the outcome of action in connection with participants involvement in Cleveland Kurentovanje. Errors & Omissions Cleveland Kurentovanje is not responsible nor liable for errors or omissions of any kind, including any misinterpretation of, or error or omission in, any Spearman Participant’s application. Furthermore, Spearman Participants agree to indemnify and hold harmless Cleveland Kurentovanje, Its fiscal sponsors, officers, directors, volunteers, consultants, event organizers, sponsors, agents, employees, and partners from any and all losses, claims, damages, expenses (including reasonable fees, disbursements, and other charges of legal counsel), actions, proceedings, liabilities or investigations (whether formal or informal), or threats thereof, based upon, relating to, or arising in connection with Spearman Participants involvement with Cleveland Kurentovanje, any and all of the services that Cleveland Kurentovanje provides or claims to provide. Further, you agree not to initiate any claim whatever against Cleveland Kurentovanje as a result of any meeting, communication or social gathering, and You affirm that you take sole and complete responsibility for any and all actions that might occur during any meeting, communication or social gathering.

By checking this box, I affirm I have read and I agree to the above terms and conditions of my Participation as a Spearman in Cleveland Kurentovanje.