This Saturday, Feb. 3, members of Cleveland’s Slovenian community will welcome everyone to the launch of its’ 12th annual Cleveland Kurentovanje—a Slovenian style Mardi Gras festival centered around the mythical Kurenti, who is believed to chase away winter and usher in spring with its supernatural powers.

Cleveland, in particular the St. Clair-Superior neighborhood, has the highest population of Slovenians living outside of Slovenia. And over eight days, through Saturday, Feb. 10, the Slovenian National Home grounds will host a variety of diverse virtual and in-person arts and cultural events—ranging from history lessons and a cooking demonstration on how to make Kremšnite (Napoleon) to the week’s culmination with a 5K Kurent Dash and parade and festival.

“I am excited about the programming expansion that has been made to further promote Slovenian culture,” says Cleveland Kurentovanje committee member Kathy Walters. “In the run-up to the festival, there will be nightly programs—ranging from Slovenian mythology to wine tastings, and an examination of the cultural and economic significance of Idria lace, as well as a look at Slovenian athletics from the mid-1800s to the present.”

Kurentovanje kicks off on Saturday, Feb. 3 with the popular Kurent Jump—marking the awakening of the Kurents for the festival The Kurent Jump is traditionally the first time that the Kurents appear in public, with their bells loudly ringing as they dance around a bonfire, initiating the Kurents’ mission of chasing away winter to make way for spring.

Cleveland KurentovanjeAlthough the Jump is already sold out, there is a waitlist for the 21 and over evening with the Chardon Polka Band, food for purchase, and a cash bar.

The parade and festival on the final day, Saturday, Feb. 10, will include live music across three stages, authentic food and beverages, and a Children’s Village

Food available for purchase includes Krofe—a Slovenian version of a paczki— Kremšnite, Slovenian sausage, and pickles from Raddell’s Sausage Shop.

Das Schnitzel Haus and Barrio food trucks will also be on-site

A full schedule of events is available on the Cleveland Kurentovanje website.

“We have a variety of programs for individuals of all ages and varied interests,” says Walters, “ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.”

Kurentovanje is free and open to the public on the grounds of the Slovenian National Home, 6417 St Clair Ave., and begins Saturday, Feb. 3 at 1 p.m. and runs through Saturday, Feb. 10 at 5 p.m.