1. St. Vitus Colorguard

The Catholic War Veterans of St. Vitus advocate for and support all veterans, their families, and our communities through fellowship, charitable activities, and veteran services. St. Vitus Parish is well known for its deep roots in Slovenian culture. St. Vitus is a parish of the Roman Catholic Church in Cleveland, Ohio.

2. Kopjaši (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 have since become an indispensable part of Kurentovanje and local carnival processions.

3. Slovenian Consulate General of Cleveland

Proudly carrying the flag of Slovenia, we have Cleveland’s only professional consulate, the Consulate General of the Republic of Slovenia. Consul General Suzana Češarek (Chesh-ar-ek) is joined by her consular staff and community volunteers.

4. Elected Officials

Cleveland Kurentovanje is thrilled to have our local elected officials joining us!

5. Deborah Legan - in Traditional Slovenian Costume

Dressed in the traditional Slovenian costume, Deborah is the grand-daughter of Mike Vidmar, one of the “founding fathers” of the Slovenian National Home. She was born and raised in the St. Vitus/St.Clair Slovenian neighborhood. She currently lives in the Atlanta, Georgia area, but her love of the Slovenian heritage and traditions brings her back to this Festival and other Slovenian events every year. “Thank you for letting me participate in this wonderful Festival!”

6. Saint Martin Lionnettes and Drumline

Saint Martin de Porres High School is Cleveland’s Cristo Rey Network School. Saint Martin is a Catholic college-preparatory high school that combines innovative academics with a unique work program preparing students to become men and women of faith, purpose and service. Today we have our performance groups of Drumline, Lionettes, Flag, Step Team and Cheer marching.

7. Cleveland Kurentovanje Royal Court

The Royal Court of the Cleveland Kurentovanje festival is an honor to be bestowed upon individuals who espouse a love of Cleveland and Slovenian culture, have a fun and confident personality, and possess the willingness to be a caring and committed ambassador of the Cleveland Kurentovanje spirit. Congratulations to the 2026 Cleveland Kurentovanje Royal Court!

8. Miss Dyngus Day Cleveland Queens

Miss Dyngus Day Cleveland queens are part of the Dyngus Day Cleveland celebration that happens once a year- on the Monday after Easter. It's a Polka blast that has rocked the streets of Cleveland since 2011. The day is filled with Polka jams from morning until night! Polkas, Pierogi, Piwo (beer), pussy willows, water, and so much more...

Dyngus Day or wet Monday is the name for Easter Monday. Historically a Polish tradition, Dyngus Day celebrates the end of of the observance of Lent and the joy of Easter. Dyngus Day has become a wonderful holiday to celebrate Polish-American culture, heritage, and traditions. In Cleveland specifically, our goal is to make this day a Polish Cultural festival, to celebrate our Polish heritage, as well as celebrate the other Eastern European cultures thriving in Cleveland. Happy Kurentovanje Day - we are so excited to be a part of your day and parade. See you on Dyngus Day Monday, April 6th. And the party continues this year with a special treat at the Guardians game on Tuesday, April 7th - Polish Heritage Day at the ballpark!

9. St. Mary Slovenian School

St. Mary’s Slovenian School meets on Saturday mornings from September through May. Located in Collinwood, OH and founded in 1953 the school provides education in the Slovenian language, history, customs and traditions to students from pre-K to 8th grade.

10. Folklorna Skupina Kres

Folklorna Skupina Kres is a Cleveland-based Slovenian youth dance organization. Founded in 1954, Kres is the oldest and largest Slovenian dance group in the United States with over 100 dancers ranging in ages from 3-22.

11. St. Vitus Slovenian School

The St. Vitus Slovenian School is a Saturday school with the primary purpose of preserving the Slovenian language, customs, and traditions by instilling a sense of pride and love for the Slovenian heritage. The students and parents continue to build strong friendships and participate in a variety of activities throughout the year. We have fun!

12. Slow Roll Cleveland

Slow Roll Cleveland’s mission is to bridge communities through inclusive bike rides. This social group bike ride meets at a different Cleveland neighborhood on Monday nights between May and October. These rides start and end in the same location and are supported by trained volunteers known as Squad who keep the ride moving safely.

13. Slovenian Dance Ensemble Triglav

The Slovenian Dance Ensemble Triglav come all the way from Winnipeg, Canada and this is their first time here in Cleveland. Triglav have been performing authentic Slovenian folklore dances since 1972 and they have performed throughout Canada, the US and multiple festivals in Europe including 3 tours of Slovenija.

14. CITY DOGS Cleveland

CITY DOGS Cleveland is the adoption program at Cleveland Animal Care & Control, aka The Kennel. All dogs participating in the parade are being escorted by CITY DOGS Cleveland volunteers. If you are looking for a great dog from a great city, please check out CITY DOGS Cleveland for your new best friend!

15. SNPJ Lodge 142

SNPJ Lodge 142 was founded in 1910 and is based in Cleveland, Ohio. Lodge 142 is affectionately nicknamed “Mirni Raj” which translates to “Peaceful Paradise”. Today, Lodge 142 has nearly 300 members and hosts a variety of annual cultural, recreational, and fraternal events for its members. Marching with Lodge 142 is its youth group affiliate, Circle 94.

16. KSKJ Cleveland Lodges

KSKJ is a fraternal benefits organization originally created for Slovenian Immigrants.

17. St. Vitus Adult Slovenian School

The Saint Vitus Slovenian School for Adults is the oldest and the largest adult Slovenian language school in the entire United States. “Mission of Saint Vitus Slovenian school is to preserve the Slovenian language, customs, and traditions by instilling in children a sense of pride and love for the Slovenian heritage.” The school offers three levels of instruction and meets twice monthly from September through May. More information can be found at the Saint Vitus Parish website.

18. Krampus of Cleveland

Krampus of Cleveland has been apart of our community since 2010 bringing the old tradition of Krampus to Cleveland and the surrounding areas. Krampus is a horned, devilish figure from Alpine folklore who punishes misbehaving children during the Christmas season, acting as the dark counterpart to St. Nicholas.

19. ARB North American National Modern Ms.

Cadence Heaton is a proud resident of Hinckley, Ohio and won her national title this past summer with American Royal Beauties! ARB’s motto is “Crown to Serve” in which all their titleholders, state, local, and national are heavily involved with community service and connections. She would like to thank everyone for their endless support and the honor to not only have represented Ohio, but now also the entire nation.

20. Forget Me Not Animal Rescue

We are born and raised in the neighborhood and on behalf of Forget Me Not Animal Rescue we would love to contribute to the community while showing off our adoptable pups.

21. Ypsilanti Critters

A Slovenian family from Indianapolis carrying on a family tradition wearing traditional Carnival costumes.

22. Gottscheer Tanz und Spielkreis

The Gottscheer Tanz und Spielkreis is known for their high-energy performances and crowd-pleasing dances. This talented ensemble is a crowd favorite at Oktoberfests and cultural celebrations across the region. From traditional folk dances to upbeat, audience-participation numbers, they’re here to bring a smile to your face and a dance to your step.

23. American Mutual Life Association (AMLA)

The American Mutual Life Association (AMLA) is a fraternal benefit society formerly known as the Slovenian Mutual Benefit Association.  It was founded in 1910 by a group of Slovenian immigrants in Cleveland as an organization to help immigrants to the US assimilate into their new surroundings. The mission of AMLA is To provide mutual aid, protection, and security for our members and families through affordable insurance and stable financial products. To promote, preserve, and perpetuate the common bond of Slovenian language, heritage, and culture. To sponsor fraternal activities for the benefit of its members. To support those communities wherein our members reside through acts of benevolence and volunteerism.

24. Cleveland Leadership Center

Give a big cheer for the alumni and staff of the Cleveland Leadership Center! They’re advancing a community of leaders to build a Greater Cleveland with programs for all ages and stages of leadership. Want to get involved? Registration for all CLC programs are open now!

25. Dart Teams

Group of friends on various dart teams who also like marching in parades in the winter.

26. St. Clair Superior Development Corporation

St. Clair Superior Development Corporation welcomes everyone to the St. Clair Superior neighborhood - Where Good Things are Happening!! Offering community services, for over 40 years, by connecting people, strengthening the neighborhood, and welcoming visitors to come explore one of the most diverse lakefront communities in the country!!

27. Kurenti

The Kurent is the most famous traditional carnival figure of the entire region, and arguably, the most recognizable in all of Slovenia. We celebrate the changing of the seasons with the featured Kurenti, ancient and mythological creatures who are believed to chase away winter and usher in spring with their supernatural powers. There are two types of Kurent: “feathery” and “horned”, which primarily refer to the difference of their head covering. The Kurent wears a massive sheepskin garment. Around its waist hangs a chain with huge bells attached—the resulting noise does a great job of chasing away winter, which is the Kurent’s primary function.

28. Cleveland Mounted Police

Today, the Cleveland Mounted Police’s day-to-day function is typically picturesque or ceremonial. The Cleveland Mounted Police officers and horses have seen presidents inaugurated, celebrated sports championships, and made Cleveland a safer place to live, work and raise a family.