Cleveland Kurentovanje Parade 6417 St Clair Ave. Cleveland February 14, 2026
The 14th Annual Cleveland Kurentovanje Parade was a record breaker - the most units and the largest attendance. The weather cooperated this year and the crowds filled the area.
The units included: St. Vitus Colorguard, Kopjaši (Spearman), Slovenian Consul General of Cleveland Suzana Cešarek, Elected Officials including County Executive Chris Ronayne, City Councils Mike Polensek and Stephanie Howse, State Senator Nikki Antonio and more, Deborah Legan - in Traditional Slovenian Costume, Saint Martin Lionnettes and Drumline, Cleveland Kurentovanje Royal Court, Miss Dyngus Day Cleveland Queens, St. Mary Slovenian School, Folklorna Skupina Kres, St. Vitus Slovenian School, Slow Roll Cleveland, Slovenian Dance Ensemble Triglav, CITY DOGS Cleveland, SNPJ Lodge 142, KSKJ Cleveland Lodges, St. Vitus Adult Slovenian School, Krampus of Cleveland, ARB North American National Modern Ms., Forget Me Not Animal Rescue, Ypsilanti Critters, Gottscheer Tanz und Spielkreis, American Mutual Life Association (AMLA), Cleveland Leadership Center, Dart Teams, St. Clair Superior Development Corporation and lots of Kurenti!
The Kurent is the most famous traditional carnival figure of the entire region, and arguably, the most recognizable in all of Slovenia. These ancient and mythological creatures 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. Bringing up the rear was the Cleveland Mounted Police.
Here is a video of some highlights from the Parade with lots of Kurenti at the end.
Here are pictures of the Parade units - pretty much in order. We reduced the resolution of the photos for speedy web loading so if you want high-resolution copies, let us know.
St Vitus Colorguard
Kopjaši (Spearman)
Slovenian Consul General Suzana Cešarek
Elected Officials
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Saint Martin Lionnettes and Drumline
Cleveland Kurentovanje Royal Court
Miss Dyngus Day Queens
St Mary Slovenian School
Folklorna Skupina Kres
St. Vitus Slovenian School
Slow Roll Cleveland
CITY DOGS Cleveland
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