Unbelievable party in Canberra
Proving yet again that celebrating all things Croatian is not only the right thing to do, but can be a whole lot of fun, the Australian Croatian community celebrated its contribution to the ACT Region with an unbelievable three day party (code named “Hrvatska Fešta 2011”) at the Australian Croatian Club in Canberra.
What began as a celebration of the Club’s 40th anniversary only a few years back, the Fešta has now evolved into a true celebration of all that is good about being Croatian.
It all started on Friday night where Metak kicked off proceedings at the Launch Party. Underlying the band’s mantra that they, “don't play weddings and christenings. WHAT they do is Rock'n'Roll” the boys from Sydney produced a brand of music never before heard at the Club.
Then it was time for Australia’s best, Major Minor, to put on two sets that will live long in the memory, with the band taking legendary hit after legendary hit to a whole new level. How this group manages to get better and better year after year is a true testament to their professionalism and character and thank God for that!!
With some regret the night eventually came to an end. The positive to this however was the players from Croatia Deakin and the O’Connor Knights were able to recover in time to compete for the inaugural HNK HOPE Cup in honour of our first soccer team to compete in the ACT league (ie HNK HOPE).
After a slow start where the players took some time adapting to the new synthetic pitch at the Australian National University, Croatia Deakin ran out winners 3-1.
The party then moved back to the Club for the sold out Zabava with Club President Ante Mrkonjić best summing up the purpose of the night in his welcoming speech.
“With 2011 being the year we Croatians celebrate the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Republic of Croatia; 40th anniversary of the Croatian Spring; 70th anniversary of the establishment of the Independent Croatian State; 140th anniversary of the Rakovička rebellion and the 150th anniversary of the father of the nation, Ante Starčević’s election to the Croatian Parliament - Tonight we go further and celebrate our love for all things Croatian, tonight - as always - we stand together so others know to be Croatian is not some fashion statement but a way of life and passion that will neither fade nor die. This is simply who we are in our hearts, our minds and our souls.”
And how right he was with the rest of the evening spent celebrating Croatian food, song and dance in a way only Croatians can.
In fact, the Zabava really was one of those memorable displays of Croatian unity and culture that demonstrated why the Australian Croatian community has proved so resilient and successful in Australia.
With a four course meal featuring a Bull on the Spit, local favourites HFS Croatia performing the Vrlika and Podravski Svatovi kolo’s and Sydney’s CFE Vukovar wowing the audience just as they did during their 2005 Croatian tour, with their Bosanske Posavine and Primorštenski kolo’s it’s little wonder that Major Minor had little trouble packing out the dance floor for the rest of the evening.
So successful was the night it is curious to know how the volunteers managed to get the Club looking so well for the Sunday Family Day.
Also known as the recovery day, the feature of the Sunday was seeing three generations of Australian Croatians enjoying themselves at the one venue. Whether it was kids enjoying the free activities, or the Karlo Beer garden getting a work out or even people raving yet again about the Club’s spit roast lunches, the day, just like the entire weekend was a success.
A success that could not have been achieved without the fantastic team that put the event together, from the women in the kitchen and the cake makers, to the bar staff, spit roast masters, cleaners and organisers.
A special mention must also go to Metak, Major Minor, the members of HFS Croatia who continue to bring such vibrancy to Club events, CFE Vukovar (and their family and friends) who in making the trek down from Sydney really were the icing on the cake for the unforgettable weekend and of course the terrific sponsors who underwrote the Fešta.
The Club would also like to thank all those who attended Hrvatska Festa 2011. With numbers up from 2010, you can rest assured Hrvatska Festa 2012 will be bigger and better with more kolo, more music, more food and no doubt more Australian Croatians and their friends having an awesome time.
Of course it doesn’t end there for the lucky folk in the Nation’s Capital, with the announcement that Sydney band ZAKON have been secured for the New Year’s Eve Zabava. With ZAKON now putting the final touches on their first album it appears Canberra’s reputation as a dull and boring place have been well and truly put to rest!!
