Suzana FANTOV
Photography: Ivi Mršić – Facebook Australian Croatians
Editors note: As we begin the digital era of the Vjesnik, we’re looking back at some of our favourite articles from the New Gen archives.
The Croatian Club Bosna in St. Mary’s once again transformed into a magical Christmas wonderland, as it welcomed scores of Sydney’s Croatian community members for its cherished annual Christmas celebration. On Friday, 13th December, the club’s spacious premises and expansive courtyard came alive with festive cheer, melodious tunes, and the warmth of yuletide spirit.
The evening’s entertainment was masterfully delivered by the beloved band Prva Liga, alongside DJ Zarks, whose infectious rhythms and stellar performances had revellers dancing well into the night. The dance floor remained packed throughout the evening, with partygoers moving to both traditional Croatian melodies and contemporary favourites. The ambience was particularly enchanting as darkness fell, with blazing torches illuminating the warm summer evening and casting a golden glow across the festivities.
Adding to the evening’s charm, local vendors set up an array of delightful stalls, whilst the renowned ‘Planina Kitchen’ served up delectable Croatian cuisine inside the club. The combination of superb fare, refreshing beverages, and excellent entertainment created the perfect setting for community members to catch up, strengthen bonds, and forge new friendships.
The evening reached its pinnacle with the much-anticipated arrival of Father Christmas himself. To everyone’s delight, he appeared atop the club’s roof, his jovial demeanour matching his legendary reputation. With characteristic generosity, he distributed sweets to eager children and merry adults alike, sprinkling an extra dose of Christmas magic over the proceedings.
This wonderful Christmas gathering served as yet another testament to the vibrant Croatian community in Sydney, beautifully showcasing their dedication to preserving cultural traditions whilst fostering a strong sense of unity and belonging. The event’s remarkable success highlighted the enduring spirit of fellowship that continues to flourish within Sydney’s Croatian community.