Photos: Kurenti banish winter, usher in spring during Kurentovanje

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The 14th annual Cleveland Kurentovanje. Reuben Kutash

Two Kurenti match down St. Clair Avenue during the 14th annual Cleveland Kurentovanje parade. Cleveland Kurentovanje

The 14th annual Cleveland Kurentovanje. Reuben Kutash

The 2026 Kurentovanje parade down St. Clair Avenue against the Cleveland skyline. Cleveland Kurentovanje

2026 Kurentovanje parade.2026 Kurentovanje parade. Cleveland Kurentovanje

The staff who make Cleveland Kurentovanje possible. Reuben Kutash

The Chardon Polka Band, featuring the 12-foot Swiss Alphorn, performs on the Outdoor Stage at Slovenian National Hall. Reuben Kutash

Everyone enjoyed listening and dancing to the Chardon Polka Band. Reuben Kutash

Fešta Bend took the stage in the Slovenian National Home's main hall during the Kurentovanje festival. Reuben Kutash

Kurentovanje guests enjoyed bocce ball in the Slovenian National Home. Reuben Kutash

Cleveland Kurentovanje guests enjoyed bocce ball in the Slovenian National Home. Reuben Kutash

Children's village in the Slovenian National Home. Reuben Kutash

Cleveland Kurentovanje 2026 Cleveland Kurentovanje

The 14th annual Cleveland Kurentovanje. Reuben Kutash

The Anthony Culkar Band performed in the Slovenian National Home lower hall. Reuben Kutash

Festival goers dance to the tunes of Fešta Bend in the Slovenian National Home main hall. Reuben Kutash

The 2026 Kurentovanje parade. Cleveland Kurentovanje

The 14th annual Cleveland Kurentovanje. Reuben Kutash

The Pokop Pusta closing ceremony marks the end of Cleveland Kurentovanje. Winter has been scared away and we are ready for Spring! Cleveland Kurentovanje

Judging by the warmer temperatures in Cleveland this past week, the mythical Slovenian Kurenti creatures did their job at the Kurent Jump on Saturday, Feb. 7 and successfully chased away winter during the 14^th annual Cleveland Kurentovanje festival and parade down St. Clair Avenue this past Saturday, Feb. 14.

The festivities at the Slovenian National Home included activities for kids in the Children’s Village, numerous bocce games, food and drink, and plenty of live music.

Cleveland Kurentovanje ended with the Pokop Pusta closing ceremony. Winter has been scared away, and Cleveland is definitely ready for Spring!

FreshWater photographer Reuben Kutash stopped by the Slovenian National Home to check out the bands and activities last weekend.

Mark your calendars now for the 15th Annual Cleveland Kurentovanje on February 6, 2027!

Photos: Kurenti banish winter, usher in spring during Kurentovanje

About the Author: Reuben Kutash

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