Fri 2/13 @ 5:30-6:45PM
One of the key elements of the Slovenian Festival Kurentovanje, whose Cleveland version takes place Saturday February 14, is the big, furry costumes worn by the kurenti, including the masked headgear. But that’s only part of the Slovenian masking tradition during what is essentially their version of Mardi Gras.
Miha Špiček, head of the documentation department at the Slovene Ethnographic Museum, is an expert in Slovenian Carnival customs. So the even of Kurentovanje, at the nearby St. Vitus Parish Hall, he’ll be sharing more information about how ancient customs gave birth to today’s festival celebrations. He’ll emphasize masked traditions focusing on costumed figures who go door to door with noisemakers and greetings, similar to Cajun Mardi Gras customs in Louisiana. These door-to-door celebrations have been on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2017.
He’ll share all sorts of fun facts like that and there’ll be a chance to ask questions as well, as you get revved up for the next day’s celebration. The event is free and appropriate for all ages. While registration isn’t required, you can register here to let them know you’re coming.
clevelandkurentovanje/carnival-masks