Sat 2/6 @ 6-11PM
Yes, it’s Kurentovanje season, and one of our favorite festivals is just a week away. And that week is packed with activities, many of them involving other aspects of Slovenian culture, leading up to the big event on Saturday February 14.
It kicks off with the Kurent Jump, the event’s major fundraiser, taking place at the National Slovenian Home where the festival takes place a week later. At the Jump, visitors will get their first look at the furry Kurenti who ring giant bells to chase away the winter – and we could really use that sort of bell-clanging right now.
Guests will also get a free cup of soup from the outdoor cauldron, as well as bread to dip in it. (Additional food will be available for purchase, along with a cash bar.) Meanwhile, one of Kurentovanje’s favorite bands, the Chardon Polka Band, will be pumping out the tunes for those who want to hit the dance floor (or just listen and clap along).
The Kurent Jump takes place indoor and outdoors so wear your warm winter gear. They also warn that the event is “veselica” style meaning there are only a few seating areas, and guests are expected to be mingling, chatting, meeting new people and, of course, dancing when the spirit hits them. With the Chardon Polka Band on the stage it should hit often.
Go here to get your tickets.
Other events leading into Kurentovanje Saturday include
A virtual Slovenian cooking demonstration (Sunday February 8); a Slovenian film in person at the National Slovenian Hall (Monday February 9); a live performance of “In Celebration of Prešeren Day: An Adaptation of Ivan Cankar’s Madam Judit (Monodrama)” at the National Slovenian Hall (Tuesday February 10); a Slovenian Craft Wine Tasting at the National Slovenian Home (Wednesday February 11); “Together We Can Do It! George Voinovich and the Work of Government” exhibit opening & panel discussion at the Slovenian Museum & Archives (Thursday February 12); a program on Slovenian mask traditions at the Slovene Ethnographic Museum (Friday February 13); and Learn to Polka Night at St. Vitus Church (Friday February 13).
Get a full schedule and ticket info here. (Many of the events are free.)