HISTORY...50 years of uninterrupted Canadian Croatian Folklore Festivals 1975-2024!                   

“The purpose of the Federation is to safeguard authentic Croatian folklore heritage and to promote the use of the Croatian language as much as possible and to pass this on to the younger generations.”

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ORIGINS

The Canadian-Croatian Folklore Federation (East) / Hrvatsko-kanadski folklorni Savez (Istok) has a rich history rooted in the celebration and preservation of Croatian folklore within the Canadian cultural landscape.

As Croats began to arrive in Canada in larger waves in the early 20th century, the desire to preserve Croatian culture through tambura and folklore led to the formation of various Croatian tambura and folklore ensembles. However, with rare exceptions, assimilation and widespread migration patterns across Canada led to the demise of most of these groups.

Later, a new generation of immigrants determined to preserve Croatian identity in an era when Croats in the homeland were not fully free to do so, led to the formation of additional Croatian folklore groups in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Recognizing the benefits of linking Croatian groups together, our Federation founders worked diligently to create
an umbrella organization to safeguard authentic Croatian folklore heritage and language. The success of the “Folk Dance Festival” in Sudbury, Ontario in 1973, at which six Croatian and four non-Croatian groups participated, added to the mo- mentum to establish the Federation.

One key decision made was to hold the festivities annually on the Victoria Day Weekend, a tradition that has endured for decades.

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FIRST FESTIVAL

The inaugural Festival hosted by the newly-formed Federation in Sudbury in 1975, marked the beginning of a flourishing membership base and rapid growth. A significant number of current Federation member groups trace their origins from the late 1970s and early 1980s. To manage this expansion, the Federation implemented organizational changes, including regulations such as a probationary period for new members and a voting process for admission.

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EARLY YEARS

Subsequent Festivals were held in Hamilton in 1976, in Toronto in 1977 and in Ottawa in 1978. For many years, Festival parades in city centres became a notable feature. These parades served as a remarkable visual presentation of our rich folklore tradition as hundreds of Croatian youth participated, wearing beautiful colourful costumes, while proudly singing and playing tambura, drawing the admiration and appreciation of wider Canadian audiences.

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CONNECTING EAST AND WEST

The year 1978 marked an expansion of the Canadian-Croatian Folklore Federation, with the establishment of Federation branches in both Eastern and Western Canada. Recognizing the logistical challenges posed by the vast distances and numerous participating groups, a decision was made to organize separate branches for Eastern and Western Canada, each with its own committee as well as a common coordinating committee. Simultaneous festivals were held in Ottawa and Edmonton, with 16 groups participating in Ottawa and 10 in Edmonton.

This expansion facilitated greater cooperation and collaboration between the Eastern and Western branches of the Federation. A coordinating committee was elected, and by-laws were adopted by both branches in 1979, formalizing the organizational structure and operations of the Federation.

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Over the years, the Canadian-Croatian Folklore Federation facilitated numerous joint festivals, bringing together Eastern and Western Canada to celebrate Croatian culture. These national festivals serve as significant occasions for exchange and unity among Canadian-Croatians across the country.

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Past national festivals include:
1. 1983, hosted by Croatian Kolo and Tamburitza, Sudbury 2. 1987, hosted by Croatian Dawn, Winnipeg
3. 1995, hosted by Croatian National Home, Hamilton
4. 2000, hosted by Croatian Heritage Society, Calgary

Ultimately, the complexities of Canada’s vast geographic landscape led to a re-evaluation of the efficacy of the structure of the Canadian-Croatian Folklore Federation. A decision was made in 2011 to create two separate organizations: Canadian-Croatian Folklore Federation (East) and Canadian-Croatian Folklore Federation West, that could more efficiently manage their mandate of preserving Croatian folklore tradition without the added bureaucracy of a third coordinating committee.

 

Despite the lack of a formalized structure, both federations are in active contact with one another, providing moral support to ensure their mutual success in achieving their mandate.

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INCORPORATION

A significant milestone in the Federation’s history occurred on February 3rd, 1981, as the Federation was incorporated under the name of the National Association for the Advancement of Croatian Culture and Folklore, Inc. through the granting of a Canada Letters Patent. In 2011, the legal name of the Federation was changed to Canadian-Croatian Folklore Federation (East). This legal status solidified the Federation’s role in advancing Croatian culture and folklore, providing a foundation for its continued growth and impact in the years to come.

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EDUCATION AND SEMINARS

In response to a significant surge in group membership in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Federation undertook proactive educational initiatives. In 1977 the Federation published the “Handbook of Croatian Folk Dances” / “Priručnik hrvatskih narodnih plesova”. In 1979, the Federation established folklore and tambura seminars, which have since become a valuable and ongoing resource. These seminars serve as essential platforms for sharing knowledge, refining skills, and preserving the authenticity and beauty of Croatian national dances, songs and music.

A key aspect of these seminars is the engagement of esteemed instructors from Croatia, including Ivo Ivančan, Maestro Siniša Leopold and Božo Potočnik. Their ex- pertise not only enhances the quality of instruction but also ensures that the unique cultural characteristics are faithfully preserved and celebrated.

By providing opportunities for ongoing education and collaboration, the Federation plays a crucial role in strengthening the skills and knowledge base of instructors and folklore enthusiasts.

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STANDING WITH CROATIA

Croatia’s declaration of independence and the subsequent Homeland War in the early to mid-1990s galvanized the Canadian-Croatian community. The Federation and its member groups participated in demonstrations in support of Croatia across Canada, organized fundraisers and provided direct financial support to the people of Croatia during this critical milestone in Croatia’s history.

The Federation continues to provide philanthropic support during times of crisis, such as natural disasters or humanitarian emergencies, reflecting its commitment and a deep sense of pride, attachment and responsibility towards Croatia. In addition, itsupports its member groups in major development projects.

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FESTIVALS IN CROATIA

In addition to festivals held within Canada, the Federation has organized three festivals in Croatia.

These festivals were held in:
1. Zagreb: July 12-13, 1991
2. Zagreb: July 12-13, 1997
3. Split: July 10-11, 2004
These international festivals strengthen cultural ties and provide Canadian-Croatian

groups a way to directly connect with their Croatian roots and identity.

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TAMBURA AND TAMBURAFESTS

The tambura holds a significant role in Croatian folklore, serving as the national instrument of Croatia and representing a vital aspect of the country’s cultural heritage.  Throughout history, the tambura has evolved into a symbol of Croatian identity, with its popularity extending both within Croatia and around the world. Its rich history, traditional significance, and distinctive sound have captured the hearts of many, while its versatility allows it to adapt to various musical genres and contexts.
Recognizing this, the Federation made a decision to host an event exclusively focused on tambura. For twenty years, the annual Tamburafest has served as a showcase of the instrument and its potential, from traditional renditions to contemporary interpretations. It also gives the opportunity for instructors and musicians (tamburaši) to be as creative as they choose.

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VIDEO ARCHIVES

A multi-year project to house all the available video footage of past folklore festivals was undertaken in the mid 2010s. Member groups searched their collections to pro- vide the digitalization team the material required to create a permanent record of past festivals.

Ultimately, this project was completed in 2017, with each successive folklore festival added to the digital archives.

With the exception of a few of the earliest folklore festivals, virtually every past festival of the Federation is now housed in one archive.

This collection will be a permanent record of our treasured and storied past, providing inspiration for future generations of Croatian folklore enthusiasts.

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OFFICIAL RECOGNITION BY THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA

During the state visit of her Excellency, the President of the Republic of Croatia Kolinda Grabar Kitarović to Canada in May, 2019, the Canadian-Croatian Folklore Federation (East) was honoured to receive a Charter of the Republic of Croatia (Povelja Repub- like Hrvatske) in recognition of its outstanding and long-standing contributions to the promotion of Croatian heritage, language, culture, and education, as well as preserv- ing Croatian identity in Canada.

This recognition by the highest state office of the Republic of Croatia was truly a proud moment in the Federation’s history.

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ONLINE FESTIVALS

In recent years, the Federation began to build its social media platforms, successfully reaching fans of Croatian culture across the world.

Unprecedented challenges resulting from the recent global pandemic made it impossible to host traditional in-person festivals and the Federation decided to move two of its festivals, the 46th and 47th editions, to an online format.

This innovative and strategic decision allowed the Federation to adapt and maintain its connection with its audience, member groups and performers while also showcasing Croatian culture to a wider global audience. The online format not only enabled continued participation but also fostered a sense of determination and solidarity within the community.

The success of the two online folklore festivals, along with an online Tamburafest, was evident in the remarkable worldwide viewership, with over 75,000 viewers tuning in to watch the East/West online festivals. This impressive reach highlights the Federation’s ability to adapt to changing circumstances and leverage digital platforms to continue promoting Croatian folklore and cultural heritage.

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ROLE OF FESTIVAL COMMEMORATIVE BOOKS

The annual issuance of festival commemorative books by the host group is a tradition of exceptional importance within the Canadian-Croatian Folklore Federation. These books serve as invaluable repositories of documentation and preservation, capturing key components of each festival for posterity. The festival commemorative books play a multifaceted role in preserving the cultural heritage and history of the Federation and its member groups.

Additionally, the books provide detailed information about the participating groups, offering insights into their histories and contributions to their communities. Special attention is often given to the host group and the Federation, highlighting their activities and achievements. This extensive collection of commemorative books represents a significant contribution to the collective legacy and memory of the Canadian-Croatian community, ensuring that the traditions and achievements of the Federation and its member groups are celebrated and remembered for generations to come.

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50TH FESTIVAL COMMEMORATIVE BOOK

In this 50th commemorative souvenir book, you will find documented past and current committee members, member groups, a listing of past Festivals and other interesting historical notes. It provides readers with valuable insights into the evolution and impact of the Federation over the years.

This book serves as a comprehensive testament to the rich history and achievements of the Canadian-Croatian Folklore Federation. In addition, the souvenir book contains photographs and other archival materials that encapsulate decades of history andachievements. We are certain that the 50th commemorative souvenir book will serve as a cherished keepsake!

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MILESTONE & FUTURE

As we celebrate the jubilee 50th Canadian-Croatian Folklore Festival, we are filled with excitement and pride. This momentous occasion not only marks a significant achieve- ment for the Federation but also serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Croatian heritage in Canada.

For half a century,, the Canadian-Croatian Folklore Federation (East) has played a piv- otal role in enriching the cultural tapestry of Canada. Through its festivals, educational initiatives, and community outreach efforts, the Federation’s member groups have tirelessly worked to promote and preserve Croatian folklore, ensuring that it remains vibrant and cherished for generations to come. We remain grateful for the support and dedication of our members, instructors, committee members, volunteers and sup- porters. Together, we will continue to honour our traditions, strengthen the bonds that unite us as a community and promote cultural understanding in Canada,
We salute the past 50 years of the Canadian-Croatian Folklore Federation (East) and optimistically look forward to the many opportunities and achievements that lie ahead for future generations of Canadian-Croatians!

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Povijesni prilog: priredio Ante Beljo

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Veliko dostignuće Hrvatsko-kanadskog folklornog saveza je sama činjenica neprekinutog godišnjeg održavanja KHF festivala trećeg produženog vikenda u svibnju (Victoria day). Prijedlog za osnivanje Saveza i njegov privremeni odbor (osnivački) donesen je na sastanku u Sudburyu 27. listopada 1973. god. poslije uspješno održanog Plesnog folklornog festivala („Folk Dance Festivala“). Na nekoliko sljedećih stranica donosim kopije zapisnika nekoliko sjednica iz tih prvih dana iz kojih se vide početci uspješnog, danas već četrdesetgodišnjeg puta i imena osoba koje su u njemu sudjelovale, kao i načine demokratskog odlučivanja i usuglašavanja stavova u svrhu postizanja zadanih ciljeva. Malo je hrvatskih organizacija i udruga kojima je to uspjevalo kroz 40 godina!

 

Većina ciljeva i zadaća koji su u to vrijeme stavljeni pred Savez ostvareni su. Prvi festival u orgnaizaciji Saveza održan je 1975. u Sudburyu. Prvi seminari folklora počeli su se održavati 1975. god. i nastavljeni do danas. Prvi priručnik za folklor je objavljen 1977. god. Zapadno-kanadska sekcija HKFS je osnovana početkom 1978. u Edmontonu prvenstveno zaslugom pok. fra Jerke Ćalete, a prvi festival zapadne sekcije Saveza održan je u Edmontonu 20. i 21. svibnja 1978. pod istim rednim brojem 4 i istih dana kao i festival u Ottawi. U ovoj knjizi su navedene godine i mjesta održavanja pojedinih festivala kao i sastavi domaćini i upravni odbori HKF saveza u prošlosti (za istočni dio Kanade – za zapadni će to biti potrebno prirediti). Važno je napomenuti da su održana i tri zajednička festivala za istočni i zapadni dio Kanade: u Sudburyu 1983., u Winnipegu 1987. i Calgaryu 2000. godine. Uz redovno održavane festivale u Kanadi održana su u organizaciji Hrvatsko-kanadskog folklornog saveza tri festivala u Hrvatskoj; u Zagrebu 12. i 13. srpnja 1991., zatim ponovno u Zagrebu 12. i 13. srpnja 1997. i u Splitu 10. i 11. srpnja 2004. 

 

Uz neprekinuto četrdesetogodišnje održavanje festivala svakako je od izuzetna značenja izdavanje festivalskih spomen-knjiga kao obaveznih sastavnica svakog festivala u kojima se navode uz informacije o sastavima sudionicima festivala i posebne informacije o njihovim aktivnostima kroz godinu u sredinama iz kojih dolaze, kao i značajni prilozi o povijesti sastava koji su domaćini festivala. Do sada je izdano više od 80 knjiga. Veliki je to doprinos hrvatskom kolektivnom pamćenju! Za budućnost ostaje samo ono što je zapisano – u kamenu ili na papiru!

 

Ali uz odrastanje se javljaju i nove potrebe, novi sadržaji. Pišući ovaj kratki prikaz pregledao sam veliki broj festivalskih knjiga koje su me duhovno vratile u već pomalo davna i poprilično različita vremena od ovih u kojima danas živimo. Spoznao sam i mnogo toga što se događalo u hrvatskom folkloru u Kanadi, a preko folklora i u hrvatskim zajednicama, poslije mog konačnog povratka u Hrvatsku 1991. godine.

Mislim da će HKFS uskoro morati razmišljati o izdavanju monografije o prošlim desetljećima svoga postojanja u kojoj bi bar ono najbitnije trebalo staviti na jedno mjesto i sačuvati od zaborava.

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Druga moja sugestija bi bila da oni koji su bili u folklornim sastavima u sedamdesetim i osamdesetim godinama prošlog stoljeća - a sada već ulaze u zrelije godine i imaju dovoljno slobodnog vremena - da u sklopu lokalnih sastava ili samostalno organiziraju sekcije za pripadnike zrelije dobi. Svaki duhovni povratak u mlađe godine dobro dođe! Hrvatska bratska zajednica u USA takve sastave već ima.

 

Zaslužnici kojima dugujemo zahvalnost

 

Zdenko Eiler (1924.-1988.), inženjer i član Hrvatske akademije Amerike rođen je u Krapini, Hrvatska 24. veljače 1924. god. Završio je IV. gimnaziju za dječake u Zagrebu 1942., i upisao se na Tehnički fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu. U vrijeme rata služio je u hrvatskoj vojsci. Diplomirao je 1952. godine, i nakon diplomiranja zaposlio se u poduzeću Geoistraživanja u Zagrebu. Radio je na hidroprojektima (brane) u Hrvatskoj i inozemstvu (Sirija, Francuska i Austrija). Izbjegao je 1961. god. iz Jugoslavije s obitelji u Salzburg (Austrija), odakle je 1964. emigrirao u Kanadu. U početku je bio zaposlen kod „HG Acres & Co“ u Niagara Falls, Ontario. Od 1966. do 1983. radio je za hidroenergetsku komisiju Ontarija kao viši inženjer. Sudjelovao je u radu na nekoliko velikih projekata, među kojima je Pickering i Bruce nuklearne proizvodne stanice. 

Z. Eiler je također bio član hrvatsko-kanadske poslovne i stručne udruge („Croatian-Canadian Business and Professional Association“) i Hrvatske katoličke župe „Naše Gospe Kraljice Hrvata“ u Torontu. Aktivno se uključuje u promicanju hrvatskog folklora, i sudjeluje u osnivanju Hrvatsko-kanadskog folklornog saveza (HKFS). Bio je dopredsjednik Saveza u 1977./78. godine, kada je bio jedan od ključnih ljudi u izdavanju priručnika Hrvatskih narodnih plesova („Handbook of Croatian Folk Dances“). Bio je jedan od osnivača paviljona „Dubrovnik“ u sklopu izložbâ „Karavana naroda“ („Caravan of Nations“) u Torontu. Doprinio je također veoma mnogo u promicanju hrvatskog radijskog programa u Torontu. Gosp. Zdenko Eiler je umro u Torontu 26. ožujka 1988. godine.

 

 

Ilija Vranješić – Eli Vranesic (Ilac, Ilček) (1926. – 2004.) je godinu dana nakon rođenja u Metliki s roditeljima doselio u Zagreb. Nakon osnovne škole i gimnazije upisao se na Likovnu akademiju. Roditelji nisu baš bili presretni njegovim izborom; otac mu je rekao: „Sine moj, pa ti ćeš biti gladan“. Ilac je ipak stekao titulu akademskog slikara (1950.). Kao srednjoškolac i student bavio se fotografijom i folklorom. Bio je jedan od osnivača (zamjenik umjetničkog direktora) folklornog ansambla „Lado“. Upravo je prilikom gostovanja „Lada“ u Trstu 1951. godine spontano odlučio, zajedno s još osmero članova grupe, ostati u inozemstvu. Prema njegovu iskazu, to je bilo iz političkih razloga. Ubrzo se našao u Kanadi. Njegov su put u Kanadu ubrzo slijedili brat i sestra.U Kanadi je uz pomoć obiteljskog prijatelja dobio posao u fotografskoj radnji, pa i otvorio vlastiti fotografski studio u mjestu Niagara Falls. Kasnije se upisao na Likovnu akademiju u Torontu. S diplomom Sveučilišta u Torontu odmah je dobio posao umjetničkog direktora u novoosnovanoj kanadskoj podružnici velike multinacionalne korporacije „W. R. Grace“, gdje je radio uglavnom na grafičkim projektima tvrtke sve do umirovljenja. U Torontu je osnovao folklornu grupu „Croatia“ i podučavao hrvatske pjesme i plesove. Umjetničkim slikanjem za vlastito zadovoljstvo počeo se znatnije baviti tek nakon umirovljenja. Posebno ga je zanimala nova tehnika slikanja računalom. Slike napravljene tom tehnikom predočio je i na tri izložbe u Hrvatskoj. Bio je član Društva hrvatskih likovnih umjetnika. Gosp. Vranješić se uključio s folklornim sastavom „Croatia“ Toronto, od prvih dana osnivanja HKFS u njegov rad. Obavljao je u upravi saveza ključne dužnosti, a bio je također i instruktor na seminarima hrvatskih plesova i tamburice, što je vidljivo u prilozima u ovoj knjizi (zapisnici, liste upravnih odbora…). 

Nikola Vrdoljak (Nikica) rođen je 8. svibnja 1933. godine u Grabovcu, Imotski. Prvih 17 godina živio je u Beogradu, zatim 5 godina u Zemunu, 12 godina u Zagrebu, 2 godine u Splitu, 7 godina u Imotskom, a zatim 4 godine u Frankfurtu odakle je doselio u Kanadu, uToronto 1968. godine gdje je ostao do konca života. Radni vijek od Zagreba do Toronta proveo je u zubarskoj struci. U folkloru je postao aktivan u Zagrebu u ansamblu „Joža Vlahović“, i „Božidar Adžija“. Poslije dolaska u Toronto osnovao je folklorni sastav „Zrinski-Frankopan“, na čelu kojega je bio do konca života. „Zrinski-Frankopan“ je nastupao na mnogim velikim priredbama u Kanadi i USA kao: 1976. godine otvaranje olimpijskih igara u Montrealu, na priredbi proslave 200. godišnjice neovisnosti Sjedinjenih Američkih Država u Bijeloj kući. Predstavaljao je Ontario na multikulturalnom festivalu u Ottawi, a 1985. predstavlja Kanadu na Prvom svjetskom (folkornom) festivalu u Münchenu kao i na mnogim drugim priredbama u Torontu, Ontariju i Kanadi. Nikola je jedan od osnivača Hrvatsko-kanadskog folklornog saveza, 1973. godine. (Pogledati kopije priloženih zapisnika). Obavljao je ključne dužnosti u Hrvatsko-kanadskom folklornom savezu kroz sve godine do kraja života, 2. veljače 2013. godine. Folklorna skupina „Zrinski-Frankopan“  uz veliko mnoštvo naroda priredila je svečani ispraćaj pok. Nikole 9. veljače iz crkve Naše Gospe Kraljice Hrvata s Croatia st. za čije je ime posebno zaslužan pok. Nikola. HKFS mu je odao i posebnu počast na prošlogodišnjem HKFF u Ottawi. O nemjerljivu doprinosu pok. Nikole, njegove supruge Jelene, kćeri Ivane-Seke i sina Nikše, hrvatskom folkloru i širenju hrvatske kulture u Kanadi, kao i velikom broju nagrada i priznanja koje su oni osobno primali i folklorni sastav „Zrinski-Frankopan“ kao i Hrvatsko-kanadski folklorni savez biti će potrebno opširnije napisano u budućoj monografiji HKFS.

 

 

Milan (Mićo) Mandekić rođen je 10. sječnja 1944 u Prizni, Hrvatska. Preminuo 10. listopada 2006.

Gospodin Mandekić bio je jedan od prvih predsjednika Hrvatskog folklornog saveza, kao i član Upravnog odbora, a zajedno sa suprugom Milicom, jedan je od utemeljitelja Folklorne grupe “Hrvatska.” Također je bio jedan od aktivnih plesača folklora nekoliko godina. Za vrijeme “Toronto Caravan” bio je mayor “Dubrovnik” paviljona.

U hrvatskoj zajednici dao je doprinos ne samo kroz folklor, nego i kao trener juniorskog nogometnog kluba “Croatia Toronto.” Gospodin Mandekić bio je također izuzetno aktivan član “Župe hrvatskih mučenika,” kao i član Crkvenog odbora.

Ivan Barković rođen 27. travnja 1956 u Draganićima, Hrvatska. Preminuo 23. listopada 2011.

 

Gospodin Barković postao je član “HKK Draganići” 1987 godine, i od samog priključivanja Klubu, bio je veoma aktivan član, te obavljao funkciju blagajnika, člana Nadzornog odbora, te podpredsjednika Kluba, dugi niz godina sve do smrti.

 

“Draganić” je bio duboko ispisan u svakoj njegovoj rječi i djelu. Njegovim preranim odlaskom, Klub je ostao bez izuzetno vrijednog člana.

Ivan je također bio dugogodišnji član Upravnog odbora Hrvatskog folklornog saveza, i nikad nije žalio truda ni vremena za napredak folklora.