A Festival for All Ages

Cleveland Kurentovanje Festival Children’s Village

 

The Children's Village, located in the downstairs hall of Slovenian National Home, is returning for 2024 festival and designed to create a major attraction for our youngest festival attendees. Comprised of several different zones geared to toddler through elementary-school aged youngsters, everything in the Children's Village is FREE of cost thanks to our generous sponsors, donors and partners.

 

Programming

  • 11:00 AM - Story time with Maria Bruner

  • 1:15 PM - Sing-a-long with John Srsen accompanied by Anthony Culkar

Face Painting

In keeping with the theme of our Slovenian Mardi Gras festival, professional face painters will create "masks" for children. Free face painting will take place from 10AM until 2PM.

Play Zone

The Play Zone is comprised of Babica's (Granny's) Kitchen, Stara Ata's (Grandfather's) Workbench and more, providing youngsters with an opportunity for engaging pretend-play. Play food and tools are labeled with their Slovenian name for an extra element of engagement-based learning.

Block Zone

In this area, children will have all the blocks they need to create a beautiful city, taking inspiration from famed Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik's impact on Ljubljana.

Craft Areas

Join the Cleveland Kurentovanje court by making and decorating your very own crown of leaves! Decorate the heart shaped Linden tree leaves and wear your crown in the parade!

Did you know that the Linden tree is the national tree of Slovenia? Be sure to check out our Linden Tree installation, where you can write your name or a special message on a leaf to be added to the tree! Watch it grow throughout the day!

Endless design possibilities await as we chase away the winter! Press and stick colorful fabric patches as you design your own 9x9 fabric square!

Did you have a blast playing with beads last year? They’re back! Create your own fun Kurent necklace charm so you’ll be extra on theme as you chase away winter!

Consulate General’s Corner

At “The Council General's Corner,” sponsored by the Council General of the Republic of Slovenia in Cleveland, children dive into Slovenian-themed coloring activities and engaging crafts, immersing themselves in a world of cultural exploration, creativity and fun.

Want to color at home? Click HERE and HERE to download coloring pages provided by the Consulate General’s Office.