Members of a CHF delegation presented CHF projects at a meeting with representatives of Croatian associations and prominent community leaders at the Croatian general consulate in Zurich. They also participated in an open round table discussion in Luzern and joined almost five hundred at a concert in Thayngen marking the 35th anniversary of the Fala Croatian Culture & Arts Society of Schaffhausen.
During a two-day visit to the Swiss Confederation, on September 21st and 22nd, the members of a CHF delegation presented CHF projects at a meeting with representatives of Croatian associations and prominent community leaders at the Croatian general consulate in Zurich. They also participated in an open round table discussion in Luzern and were present at a concert in Thayngen marking the 35th anniversary of the Fala Croatian Culture & Arts Society of Schaffhausen.
CHF representatives Diana Mašala Perković and Srebrenka Šeravić took part in the meeting with representatives of Croatian associations and prominent community leaders at the general consulate at the invitation of Croatian general consul in Zurich Hrvoje Cvitanović.
The CHF representatives presented CHF projects and in the discussion learned much about the segments of societal and cultural activities that are of interest to Croatians in Switzerland in the preservation and development of their Croatian identity. The topics under discussion were diverse, as are the interests of Croatians and their associations – from nurturing traditional culture through the activities of folklore groups, socialising and playing in football (soccer) clubs, to the organisation of a variety of events and other projects, and the establishment of the Croatian Swiss Business Club, which aims to open windows of collaboration with small and mid-sized Croatian businesses.
The Croatian diplomatic corps supports the activities of many, diverse Croatian associations, clubs and societies. At the premises of the Croatian general consulate in Zurich the CHF representatives had an opportunity to view an exhibition featuring Croatian artist Jasmina Sakač.
As it has in the past, the Croatian general consulate is willing to assist in the achievement of projects launched by Croatians in Switzerland. The CHF will also participate in improving the presentation of Croatia and Croatians in Switzerland. The initiative for projects has to come from Switzerland, and the CHF will, with the aim of bolstering and maintaining links, assist in working out details and projects and in achieving the planned activities.
The meeting at the Croatian general consulate was followed by a meeting with Croatians in Luzern at the premises of the local Croatian Catholic Mission. At a public round table discussion organised by the Mission, the Zrinski-Croatia Croatian Culture & Sports Society and the Mission council the discussion revolved around the taxation of foreign pensions paid out in Croatia, the provisions of the Residency Act and healthcare for returnees to Croatia.
Some of the questions were fielded by general consul Hrvoje Cvitanović and Diana Mašala Perković, who heads our general and legal affairs department. The meeting concluded that the consulate and competent bodies of government – in particular the Ministry of Finance and Tax Administration – should be contacted for interpretations of provisions of the relevant legislation.
The evening closed with a reception with representatives of Croatian societies and associations at the premises of the Zrinski-Croatia Croatian Culture & Sports Society.
35th anniversary of the Fala Croatian Culture & Arts Society
On Saturday, September 21st, the Fala Croatian Culture & Arts Society of Schaffhausen in Switzerland celebrated a major milestone, its 35th anniversary. A gala concert was staged at the Reckensaal Hall in the village of Thayngen near Schaffhausen before an audience of almost five hundred.
The many current and former members of the society were joined by Croatian ambassador to Switzerland Aleksandar Heina accompanied by his wife, Croatian general consul in Zurich Hrvoje Cvitanović, CHF representatives Diana Mašala Perković and Srebrenka Šeravić, representatives of collaborating Croatian folklore societies and associations from across Switzerland, and representatives of the local government. Fala president Ruža Studer was presented with a Croatian Heritage Foundation commendation on the occasion of the 35th anniversary in recognition of successful activity in preserving, developing and promoting Croatian traditional culture.
A fantastic concert was staged in this festive atmosphere at which Fala rounded out three and a half decades of uninterrupted artistic activity in disseminating and promoting traditional culture in the Croatian community of Schaffhausen, in particular among youth, and in presenting these values in Swiss society.
The concert opened with a delightful performance by the children’s ensemble with well practiced choreography adapted to their age. Of course, the adult ensemble also showed in its performance by dance, song and folk costume how it is possible, with serious and quality work and much dedication and love, to preserve the values of Croatian folklore outside the homeland.
The concert also featured performances by guests, friends of the Fala ensemble: the Živa Grana Croatian Culture & Arts Society of Geneva and the Raj parish band of Schaffhausen. The concert closed with a group Slavonian round dance (kolo) with the current members of Fala (big and small), the ensemble veterans and guests like those from the folklore ensemble out of St. Gallen.
Fala president Ruža Studer presented all deserving members of the group she leads with commendations for long-time membership, diligent work and support of Fala. The evening continued with the Alkari tamburitza band entertaining the guests late into the night.
After all of the wonderful moments during this festivity, we can only once again express our gratitude to the Fala Croatian Culture & Arts Society. Thank you Fala!
Text by: Diana Mašala Perković and Srebrenka Šeravić