New Slavonic Festival - “A celebration of good life in Australia”

“There are so many people in Australia from Slavonic backgrounds,” says Vrastislav Ricardo, the Festival Manager. “And everyone brings something interesting to this country.”

Ricardo, the brains behind the event, wants to show Australia what the Slavonic people have to offer. “There are so many things that Australians don’t know about our culture. I want to share that.”

He has his work cut out for him. As a definition, Slavonic encompasses a vast number of peoples from eastern Europe. They include Russians, Ukrainians, Czechs, Slovaks, Poles, Serbs, Croats, Slovenians, Macedonians and Bulgarians under the broad definition.

However, Ricardo does not seem daunted by his task of bringing this vast group together into a two-day festival.

“I have written to the embassies and consulates and the response has been very promising. However, we need to get more people involved, especially the young people.”

Ricardo sees the festival as an important way for young Slavic Australians to embrace their heritage, and also to affirm Australia as a cultural melting pot. “It is a celebration of good life in Australia.”   531

The Slavonic Festival will be held on the first October weekend of next year. If you would like to be a part of the festival please contact Vrastislav Ricardo at the below address:

SSCA – Slavonic Festival 2008
Att: Vr. R. Bejsak
Colloredo-Mansfeld
PO Box 3199
Redfern, NSW 2016

Photo: Ali Blogg: Vrastislav Ricardo

Source: South Sydney Herald December 2007 www.southsydneyherald.com.au/