“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/