Cleveland Kurentovanje

Clevelanders aren't the only ones who despise the cold winter months. For the last 50 years, citizens of Slovenia have been celebrating Kurentovanje, a cultural festival designed to chase the winter away. This Saturday the third annual Cleveland Kurentovanje will be held in the St. Clair-Superior neighborhood.

The festival centers around the Kurent, a shaggy, horned creature who is believed to chase winter away and usher in spring. The Cleveland version is expected to draw thousands of people this year.

The festivities begin at 11 a.m. on St. Clair Avenue between East 62nd Street and Addison Road with food, krofe (Slovenian donuts), coffee and children's crafts. At noon a parade will stretch throughout the neighborhood from St. Vitus Church on Lausche Avenue to the Slovenian National Home on St. Clair. The parade will feature Kurents, polka music, marching bands, dance groups and organizations dressed in traditional Eastern European garb.

Following the parade, head over to the Slovenian National Home from 1 to 6 p.m. for food, wine, beer and live music. Local businesses will sell handmade goods and dance groups will perform throughout the afternoon.

The after party will take place at Sterle's Country House on East 55th Street where guests can enjoy traditional food, drinks and live polka music.

Help chase winter away and experience a little bit of Slovenia during Cleveland Kurentovanje!

Cleveland Kurentovanje hours:
Saturday, Feb. 14 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
*After party lasts from 6 p.m.-midnight

For more information or directions, visit Cleveland Kurentovanje. 

Orchid Mania

Looking for a way to beat the winter blues? Head over to the Cleveland Botanical Garden Jan. 31 through March to view the exquisite annual Orchid Mania exhibit.

Thousands of exotic orchids will fill the Botanical Garden and glasshouse. This year's theme is Mardi Gras so expect to see orchids in vibrant colors and exciting arrangements. Experts will be on hand Saturday afternoons to answer questions about the flowers and offer advice on how to care for orchids at home.

Tickets are $11 for adults, $6 for children and free for members. The exhibit runs through March 8.

Orchid Mania hours:
Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Sundays from noon-5 p.m.
*Closed Mondays

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Cleveland Botanical Garden.