For Immediate Release

2026 Cleveland Kurentovanje
Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

14th 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 7, 2026 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, February 14, 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:


  • Saturday, 2/7: Kurent Jump (In-Person, Ticketed)

  • Sunday, 2/8: “Slovenian Cooking Demonstration with The Slovenian Union of America: Žlikrofi Dumplings & Kolacky Cookies”  (Virtual, Free)

  • Sunday, 2/8: “Remote Work, Slovenian Style: Slovenia’s New Digital Nomad Visa” (Virtual, Free)

  • Monday, 2/9: “Slovenian Feature Film: “This is a robbery!” (To je rop!) (In-Person and Virtual, Free; In Person Requires a Free Ticket)

  • Tuesday, 2/10: “In Celebration of Prešeren Day: An Adaptation of Ivan Cankar’s Madam Judit (Monodrama)” (In-Person, Free Ticket Required)

  • Wednesday, 2/11: "Masks: From Ritual to Carnival" - Slovenian Mask traditions during Mardi Gras with Miha Špiček, from the Slovene Ethnographic Museum (In-Person, Free)

  • Wednesday, 2/11: Slovenian Craft Wine Tasting (In-Person, Ticketed)

  • Thursday, 2/12: "Together We Can Do It! George Voinovich and the Work of Government" Exhibit Opening & Panel Discussion (In-Person, Free)

  • Friday, 2/12: “Learn to Polka Night” (In-Person, Ticketed)

  • Saturday, 2/14: Cleveland Kurentovanje 2026, Kurent Dash 5K, Parade & Main Festival and Bocce Tournament at East 64th & St. Clair Ave (In-Person, Free)


“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’ve 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 includes a robust lineup of virtual events, making it easy for people across the country—and around the world—to join in the festivities.”


“Cleveland Kurentovanje is truly a community celebration,” shares organizer Kathy Walters. “From cultural performances to children’s activities to our signature parade, the festival brings 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.”

 

“This festival simply 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.”

 

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