The Second Croatian Folkloric Arts Festival Showcases Rich Tradition in Adelaide

Story and Photos Mladen LEKO

Adelaide recently hosted the second Croatian Folkloric Arts Festival, a vibrant celebration of Croatian traditions, music, dance, song, and culture.

The event spanned an entire weekend and featured the participation of �ive folkloric groups from across Australia, who joined the hosts, HFS Lenek, in showcasing the rich heritage of Croatia.

The festivities commenced on Friday night at the Croatian Club Adelaide, where all the participating groups gathered for a rehearsal of their performances. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and once the talented musicians and singers congregated, it wasn’t long before a traditional sing-along spontaneously broke out, setting the stage for a truly memorable weekend.

On Saturday afternoon, the Woodville Town Hall theatre was abuzz with anticipation as the audience gathered for the two-hour concert spectacular. The stage was a magni�icent display of colour, adorned with traditional costumes representing various regions of Croatia. The event began with all the groups joining together to sing the Croatian and Australian national anthems, symbolizing the fusion of cultures and the sense of unity the festival embodied.

HFS Lenek, the hosting group, opened the proceedings with their signature song, ‘Lenek lep lenek.’ President Hilda Žuvela extended a warm welcome to everyone present, including distinguished guests from the Croatian diplomatic corps, State Parliamentarians, and Local City Councillors. The Master of Ceremonies, Nikola Orlović, skilfully guided the audience on a captivating journey through different parts of Croatia, using music, song, and dance as the vehicles.

The performances by HFG Zagreb from Perth, HKUD Lado from Geelong, Ladarice from Perth, CFE Lado from Perth, and HFA Zvonimir from Melbourne were nothing short of magni�icent. The talent and dedication of the participants were evident as they captivated the audience with their displays. From the adorable little juniors publicly performing for the �irst time to the teenagers, adults, and more seasoned performers, each act garnered warm applause and appreciation from the audience.

The festival served as a testament to the enduring beauty and cultural richness of Croatian folkloric traditions. It was a unifying force that transcended generations and united people from all corners of the country. Ms. Žuvela eloquently stated, “Folklor nas spaja” (Folklore unites us), emphasizing the profound connection that these traditions forge among Croatians, regardless of age or background.

As the formal concert drew to a close, Ms.

Žuvela expressed her gratitude to everyone for their attendance and announced that HFA Zvonimir had graciously accepted the responsibility of hosting the next Folkloric Festival.

This announcement was met with enthusiasm, as the participants and attendees eagerly anticipated the continuation of this remarkable tradition.

The festivities continued at the Croatian Club Adelaide, which was �illed to capacity with approximately 450 guests and performers. The vibrant atmosphere was infused with song and dance as the Canberra band, Ekipa, took to the stage. The dance �loor remained packed throughout the night as attendees revelled in the joyous celebration, which lasted until the early hours of Sunday morning.

The second Croatian Folkloric Arts Festival in Adelaide was a resounding success, leaving a lasting impression on all those who attended. Through the enchantment of music, dance, and cultural expression, the festival served as a vibrant tapestry, weaving together the threads of Croatia’s rich heritage. It highlighted the importance of preserving and promoting folkloric traditions as a means of fostering unity and celebrating the collective identity of a community. As the �inal notes echoed and the dancers twirled, the festival served as a testament to the enduring spirit and cultural pride of the Croatian people.