The annual Cleveland version of the most popular carnival in Slovenia - Kurentovanje - was a week long event featuring cooking demos, language instruction, a dance party, fun run and more. But the highlight was the annual Kurentovanje Parade followed by the festival celebration.

The weather cooperated and crowds lined St. Clair for the Parade and then went inside the Slovenian National Home or the tents outside for music, food and fun. Young and old dressed in costumes to scare away winter. And of course everyone wanted to take a picture with a Kurent or a Krampus character.

Before the Parade a group of musicians jammed on top of a float along with Cleveland Councilman Mike Polensek, Kurentovanje Prince Blaz Vavpetic and Slovenian leader Ray Marvar.

Here is a 15 minute video of some highlights from the Parade including: Catholic War Veterans St Vitus Post, 2023 Kurentovanje Queen Eva Ozbolt Kisley, Folklorna skupina Kres, St Mary's Slovenian School, SNPJ, Cleveland Dragon Boat Association, St Vitus Children's Slovenian School, Alenka Jerak - Consulate General of the Republic of Slovenia, Cleveland City Dogs, Tanz und Spielkreis Austrian dancers, RBX Rebuilders Exchange, Slow Roll Cleveland, Dyngus Day Queens, Krampus. Prince of Kurentovanje with Councilman Mike Polensek, Slovenska Pristava, St Martin de Porres HS drummers and dancers, St Vitus Adult Slovenian School, St. Peregrine Church and Academy and, of course, lots of Kurents!

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Enjoy these other images from the 2023 Kurentovanje Parade in Cleveland.

Slovenian Consul General Alenka Jerak

2023 Kurentovanje Parade in Cleveland - Prince Blaz and Mike Polensek

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Councilman Mike Polensek will be inducted into the Cleveland International Hall of Fame on Tuesday April 18 at Windows on the River. Russ Mitchell is the MC and Bishop Malesic will give the keynote. Mike will join other Slovenians in the Hall of Fame - August Pust, Bill Miller, Tony Petkovsek, Bishop Edward Pevec, Dick Russ, Senator George Voinovich and Joe Valencic. Learn more about the induction and make plans to attend.

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St Martin de Porres HS

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