Cleveland Kurentovanje

Kurentovanje (koo-rahn-toh-VAHN-yay) is evidently the most popular carnival in Slovenia. The central figure, the Kurent, is believed to chase away winter and usher in spring with its supernatural powers. (The Kurent, by the way, is like something freakish and mammalian out of Parade the Circle: a massive sheepskin creature with bells and beads and all sorts of birdlike, pagan-inspired ornamentation.) The Slovenian National Home, St. Clair Superior Development Corp. and Sterle's Country House partnered with local businesses and institutions to bring a piece of this cultural festival to the St. Clair Avenue neighborhood. It starts today with a 5-K run at 10 a.m. at East 64th Street and St. Clair Avenue. A parade follows at noon. It's free. (Sam Allard)