‘Mladi Hrvati’ Celebrate Mothers with Heart and Heritage
By: Suzana Fantov
On Sunday, May 4, Folkloric group Mladi Hrvati, part of the Croatian Catholic community in Clifton Hill, hosted a vibrant and heartfelt celebration in honour of Mother’s Day. The event took place in the beautifully decorated parish hall. More than a hundred guests gathered to enjoy an afternoon filled with warmth, tradition, and community spirit.
From the moment they arrived, mothers were welcomed with a thoughtful gift. Meanwhile, all attendees were greeted with a traditional welcome drink. This gesture set the tone for the day’s festivities.
A touching message from the president of Mladi Hrvati
The celebration was officially opened by the president of the group, Kata Markov. She extended warm greetings and heartfelt thanks to all present. Her speech emphasised the importance of honouring mothers and the role they play not only in family life but also in preserving culture and community values:
“This Mother’s Day we really wanted to highlight the important contribution our mothers have made to Mladi Hrvati over the years. From the very beginning, the mothers would spend hours sewing and ironing ‘nošnje’, in the kitchen cooking for zabave and driving kids to and from ‘proba’ and performances. They selflessly gave up their time and energy so that Mladi Hrvati can be what it is today. Although times have changed, our mother’s continue to stand quietly and humbly behind every success we achieve, every performance, and every costume and song. On behalf of ‘Folklorna Grupa Mladi Hrvati’, we would like to say HVALA od srca and wish our mums a Sretan Majčin dan!.”
Guests enjoyed a delicious lunch served buffet-style. It featured a rich selection of homemade dishes. Alongside the savory offerings was a dessert table brimming with sweet delights. There were beautifully decorated cakes and warm coffee served with a smile.
handcrafted items and traditional Croatian products
One of the highlights of the day was the promotional stand by the folkloric group. It offered a range of handcrafted items and traditional Croatian products. These unique souvenirs drew much attention and appreciation, showcasing the group’s dedication to celebrating and preserving Croatian culture.
But perhaps the most exciting moment came with the raffle draw – a lively tombola that brought joy and anticipation to the crowd. Lucky winners took home valuable prizes. Meanwhile, everyone else left with full hearts, memories of a beautiful day, and gratitude for the efforts of the organisers.
The event was a wonderful reminder of the power of community, tradition, and simple gestures of love. It honoured mothers in a way that was both personal and cultural. This was done through food, song, gifts, and laughter. Mladi Hrvati, once again proved how meaningful it is to come together to celebrate the people who shape our lives and our heritage.
Find out more about the work of this folklore group at the link: https://www.facebook.com/mladihrvati.folklornagrupa.3
