There’s something about traditions that makes them irresistible. Why do we carve pumpkins at Halloween… or paint eggs at Easter? For many, such activities are a heaping dose of nostalgia that takes them straight back to their childhood. Growing up in Cleveland makes it particularly easy to relate to traditions.
Cleveland is a diverse city that draws influence from a multitude of cultures, and such a unique makeup has made us a melting pot. How many of these traditions are you familiar with?
- Spending a sunny day at the Great Lakes Burning River Fest.
Great Lakes Burning River Fest/Facebook When our dramatically burning river graced the covers of Time magazine in 1969, the entire nation stopped in awe and horror for a stunning moment. The photo, of course, was not current, but it brought national attention to the state of our environment. Though the tradition is just over a decade old, the Burning River Fest has become a hit with locals. It celebrates the efforts of local preservationists by raising money, and it simultaneously draws attention to current causes. Plus, a few cups of delicious Great Lakes ale keeps the fun going.
- Riding the Rapid to a Tribe Game.
wyliepoon/Flickr Driving downtown during a sporting event is, quite honestly, absolute chaos. The Rapid offers an affordable alternative, and there’s nothing quite like the camaraderie of a bunch of Tribe fans in a confined space.
- Heading to Little Italy each August for the Feast of the Assumption.
Erik Drost/Flickr Unbeknownst to many outsiders, Cleveland is home to its very own Little Italy. Each summer, this culturally rich neighborhood throws a giant celebration for the Feast of the Assumption. With vendors, food trucks, cultural performances, and endless festivities, this event is an annual celebration that shouldn’t be missed.
- Going downtown at Christmas time…
Joseph E. Cole/Cleveland Press Collection Identifier: higbee105 Long gone are the days where one could get lost in the splendor of window displays at Higbee’s. Of course, one can still receive a dose of nostalgia via a date with A Christmas Story, but there’s nothing quite like a trip to Downtown Cleveland in the winter.
- …And then swinging by Nela Park for a holiday light show.
buschap/TripAdvisor For nearly a century, locals have taken their kin to the charming site of 1975 Noble Rd., Cleveland. Here, General Electric puts on an annual lights show that’ll knock your socks off.
- Celebrating Mardi Gras with some super sweet desserts.
yooperann/Flickr In the midst of Mardi Gras, Clevelanders aren’t quite celebrating Fat Tuesday. Well, we are, but we’re indulging in a super sweet Polish dessert that’s too delectable for words.
- Chowing down on some corned beef each St. Patrick’s day.
stu_spivack/Flickr Locals know to dodge downtown traffic on this celebratory holiday, but we still can’t resist indulging in a corned beef sandwich. Clevelanders make the best in the world, after all.
- Painstakingly hand making pierogies for Easter dinner.
S P Photography/Flickr Many cultures that enjoy a variation of pierogies have descendants in Cleveland, and many family pierogi recipes have been passed from generation to generation in the city limits. Do not let these simple treats fool you — though they seem basic, it takes quite a bit of time to bring them to a state of perfection.
- Shopping at the West Side Market each summer.
Playhouse Square Foundation/ Cleveland Memory Project Identifier: marketanalysis016.jpg As the largest and most historic public market in Cleveland, it is no wonder that this eccentric destination draws in crowds each harvest. Since 1912, visitors have flocked to this market. Despite its long history, shoppers still never know what goods they’ll uncover.
If you adore these traditions, you’ll also love these traditional Cleveland foods.
Great Lakes Burning River Fest/Facebook
When our dramatically burning river graced the covers of Time magazine in 1969, the entire nation stopped in awe and horror for a stunning moment. The photo, of course, was not current, but it brought national attention to the state of our environment. Though the tradition is just over a decade old, the Burning River Fest has become a hit with locals. It celebrates the efforts of local preservationists by raising money, and it simultaneously draws attention to current causes. Plus, a few cups of delicious Great Lakes ale keeps the fun going.
wyliepoon/Flickr
Driving downtown during a sporting event is, quite honestly, absolute chaos. The Rapid offers an affordable alternative, and there’s nothing quite like the camaraderie of a bunch of Tribe fans in a confined space.
Erik Drost/Flickr
Unbeknownst to many outsiders, Cleveland is home to its very own Little Italy. Each summer, this culturally rich neighborhood throws a giant celebration for the Feast of the Assumption. With vendors, food trucks, cultural performances, and endless festivities, this event is an annual celebration that shouldn’t be missed.
Joseph E. Cole/Cleveland Press Collection Identifier: higbee105
Long gone are the days where one could get lost in the splendor of window displays at Higbee’s. Of course, one can still receive a dose of nostalgia via a date with A Christmas Story, but there’s nothing quite like a trip to Downtown Cleveland in the winter.
buschap/TripAdvisor
For nearly a century, locals have taken their kin to the charming site of 1975 Noble Rd., Cleveland. Here, General Electric puts on an annual lights show that’ll knock your socks off.
yooperann/Flickr
In the midst of Mardi Gras, Clevelanders aren’t quite celebrating Fat Tuesday. Well, we are, but we’re indulging in a super sweet Polish dessert that’s too delectable for words.
stu_spivack/Flickr
Locals know to dodge downtown traffic on this celebratory holiday, but we still can’t resist indulging in a corned beef sandwich. Clevelanders make the best in the world, after all.
S P Photography/Flickr
Many cultures that enjoy a variation of pierogies have descendants in Cleveland, and many family pierogi recipes have been passed from generation to generation in the city limits. Do not let these simple treats fool you — though they seem basic, it takes quite a bit of time to bring them to a state of perfection.
Playhouse Square Foundation/ Cleveland Memory Project Identifier: marketanalysis016.jpg
As the largest and most historic public market in Cleveland, it is no wonder that this eccentric destination draws in crowds each harvest. Since 1912, visitors have flocked to this market. Despite its long history, shoppers still never know what goods they’ll uncover.
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