ZAGREB, January 20, 2019 – The 72nd traditional Burgenland Croat Ball was held in Vienna’s Schoenbrunn Hotel on Saturday evening, featuring a programme of folk songs and dancing specific to the eastern Croatian region of Slavonia.
This most important annual cultural event of the Croats of Burgenland attracted nearly 1,300 Croats from Burgenland and Vienna as well as their guests from elsewhere in Austria, Croatia and neighbouring countries.
Among those attending was Gernot Bluemel, Austria’s minister of culture, arts, media and EU affairs. “Austrian-Croatian bilateral relations are excellent, especially in the area of culture. Croatia is an important EU member and we cooperate very well,” he told Hina.
“The Croatian ball is a nice tradition with a wonderful atmosphere and I am glad to be among its guests again,” Bluemel said.
The ball was opened by the president of the Croatian Centre in Vienna, Tibor Jugović, who said: “The Croats of Burgenland are proud of this event showcasing their tradition, culture and customs, which they have been fostering for nearly five centuries in Austria.”
Mijo Marić, director of the Croatian Heritage Foundation, said: “This ball shows that Croatian identity has been preserved for centuries and in it we recognise Croatian culture and customs integrated into Austrian tradition.”
The programme featured performances by 12 music ensembles from Croatia, Austria and Italy.
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