President Milanović Awards Charter of the Republic of Croatia to the Burgenland Croatian Folklore Ensemble “Kolo-Slavuj”
The President of the Republic Zoran Milanović awarded the Charter of the Republic of Croatia to the Croatian Folklore Ensemble of Burgenland “Kolo-Slavuj” in recognition of its outstanding contribution to the preservation of Croatian cultural heritage and its exceptional achievements in promoting Burgenland-Croatian culture over more than 50 years of activity.
“I wish you continued success in your work and performances both in Austria and abroad, where you showcase traditional Burgenland-Croatian dances and songs,” said President Milanović as he presented the Charter to the ensemble.
In his address, President Milanović said that it is always a special pleasure for him to meet with the Croatian minority and diaspora communities during official visits abroad, noting that these encounters are filled with strong emotions and memories of the homeland. He shared his appreciation for having had the opportunity to meet some of the Burgenland Croats during his visit to Eisenstadt at the beginning of his first term, and voiced his hope to visit other areas inhabited by Burgenland Croats during his second term.
The Charter was accepted by the ensemble’s President, Gabriela Novak-Karall, who thanked President Milanović and emphasized that the award was not only a recognition of the ensemble “Kolo-Slavuj,” but of all Burgenland Croats.
Alongside Novak-Karall, the ceremony at the Office of the President was attended by ensemble members Pavel Maly, Lydia Nova, Gisela Csenar, Ivona Haban, Sophie Hajszan, Theresa Grandits, Josef Buranits, Vera Buranits, and Alexander Wukovits, as well as the Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to the Republic of Croatia, Markus Wuketich.
“Kolo-Slavuj” is the central folklore ensemble of the Croatian minority in Burgenland. Since its founding in 1971, it has brought together members from various Croatian communities in Burgenland, Hungary, Slovakia, and Vienna, where the ensemble is based. Its reach extends beyond the Croatian community; while preserving traditional repertoire, “Kolo-Slavuj” also explores new artistic expressions, blending folk traditions with contemporary dance and music. At the ceremony marking the presentation of the Charter of the Republic of Croatia, the ensemble performed the songs “Va Klimpuhi,” “Lipo ti je čuti,” and “Snoć kasno sam stala.”
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Marko Beljan, Tomislav Bušljeta