CLEVELAND — The sound of the bells will be heard throughout this year’s 13th annual Cleveland Kurentovanje Festival, a celebration of Slovenian culture.
“We consider it a Mardi Gras or Carnival,” said Kathy Walter, executive committee member of Cleveland Kurentovanje. “It fluctuates on timing based on Lent every year.”
The festival caps off a week of celebrations. The large bells are worn by a Kurent, a mythical creature, who wears the large bells to chase off the cold dark months and welcome springtime.
The costume can weigh up to 50 pounds and is made of authentic sheep skin in Slovenia before being shipped to the U.S. The festival has been taking place there since the 1960s.
“What happens different there than here is that the Kurents go door-to-door and hand out different treats,” Walters said.
Cleveland is home to the largest Slovenian population outside of Slovenia
“This is an opportunity for us to bring our community together as well as open our doors to others in northeast Ohio to celebrate with us,” Walters said.
The family-friendly event is being held from 10 a.m. to 6 pm at the Slovenian national home. There will be four music stages, vendors, food, a parade at noon, and beer.
“There’s a brewery here in northeast Ohio that brews a special beer for us every year,” Walters said.
And of course, there will be Kurents chasing away the cold.