Cleveland Kurentovanje (pronounced koo-rehn-toh-VAHN-yeh) is a Slovenian-American festival celebrating the end of winter and the beginning of spring, taking place annually the weekend before Ash Wednesday, in Cleveland, Ohio, mirroring Kurentovanje in Slovenia.

The celebration is best known for its costumed Kurents (or Kurenti) — furry creatures with carnival masks, sheepskin hats, and cowbells.

Folklore describes the beasts waking up from hibernation each year to send away winter’s chill.

[5] Common foods include kremšnite, Slovenian smoked sausage, sauerkraut and pierogies.

Common drinks include local beer made from Styrian and Slovenian hops, and slivovitz liquor.