CROATIAN FOLKLORIC FESTIVALS IN NSW/SYDNEY


During the 1970's a number of Croatian Folkloric groups sprung into
existence, each generatlly associated with social clubs and church
groups. Ten folkloric groups were in existence by 1977 and it became
evident that some form of entity was required to co-ordinate the
activities of these folkloric groups both within the Croatian and
broader communities.

The Association of Croatian Folkloric Groups was formed in 1978 with
its charter being the promotion of Croatian folklore and culture and
the coordination of the folkloric group's activities. At its peak in
the late 1980's the membership of the Association comprised 16
folkloric groups primarily from NSW and ACT.

The Association is registered as a non-profit "charity" organisation
made up of volunteer representatives of the member folkloric groups.

CROATIAN FOLKLORIC FESTIVALS

Croatian Folkloric Festivals have been organised by the Association of
Folkloric Groups as an annual event since 1978, with most being held
at the Sydney Opera House.

These festivals are aimed at the broader community, but are mainly
supported by the Croatian community in Sydney both financially and
through attendance.

Recent festivals have successfully been held at the newly constructed
Croatian Club at Punchbowl.

FESTIVAL FORMATS

The festivals organised by the Association of Croatian Folkloric
Groups primarily relate to the theme of Folkloric Dance and Music and
are mainly "concert" style functions.

We have been fortunate on a number of occasions to have available
folkloric groups from other states attend the festivals as well as
singers from Croatia, who happened to be on tour at the time of the
festival.

Year 2000 and 2001 Festival have been even more fortunate by the
attendence of visting folkloric groups from Croatia, KUD Zeleznicar from
Osijek (2000) and HFG Vencec from Zagreb (2001). These folkloric groups
brought with them the sense of "originality" and "quality" with respect
to folklor to the festival not previously seen live in Sydney nor
Australia.


OTHER FESTIVALS & TIMING OF FESTIVALS

Other mainstream festivals held in Sydney throughout the year are
local community, or council based. Croatian communities contribute to
these festivals by having the local Folkloric Group to perform and
providing an exhibition of foods and other Croatian artifacts.

There is no regular pattern or timing for the folk festivals.
Performances are generally determined by venue availability, school
holidays or other conflicting events. Festivals are normally held in
the second half of the year, the earliest in August and the latest in
November.

The broader Sydney festival is held in January/February of each year
which means limited involvement is afforded to this festival by
Croatian Folkloric groups as most have broken up for the Christmas
school holidays.

The Croatian Consulate General holds an annual Croatia Week at the
approach to Croatia's National Day which includes the broader themes
of food, contemporary music, theatre, art, etc.

CROATIAN FESTIVALS' CONTACTS IN NSW

Association of Croatian Folkloric Groups NSW:
C/- The Croatian Club Punchbowl Ltd
Cnr Canterbury & Punchbowl Roads
PUNCHBOWL NSW 2261

Contact: Tom Irga 0417 453 935

Copyright © 2012 Croatia SA All Rights Reserved.