Serbian Folklore Festival of Children’s Folklore Ensembles of Austria was held on Saturday, 23 November, at Hallmann Dome premises in Vienna, organized by the Austrian Association of Serbian Folklore (AASF) and bringing together Serbian folklore lovers from various regions.

This event was a celebration of Serbian tradition, culture and unity, providing the youngest with the opportunity to proudly present the rich cultural heritage of Serbia through dance, song and costume.

‘We are immensely grateful to our dear children who love and learn Serbian tradition and customs in our cultural and artistic societies, and to their parents who are persistent in not letting their children forget their roots. We are also grateful to the representatives of the Serbian Embassy, Austrian institutions and the associations who are here with us today. The children’s ensembles demonstrated incredible energy, love for tradition and talent, thus proving that Serbian folklore has a secure and bright future in Austria,’ said Aleksandar Saša Stanković, President of the Austrian Association of Serbian Folklore.

After the Austrian and Serbian national anthems were played and a blessing was given by priest Miljan Antić, Nemanja Joksimović, representative of the Serbian Embassy in Austria, opened officially the children’s festival and took this opportunity to convey the greetings of Ambassador Marko Blagojević.

The attendees at the festival opening ceremony were then addressed by the President of the Austrian Chamber of Labor, Renate Anderl, the Director of the Viennese district of Margareten, Silvia Janković, the envoy of the director of the 16th Viennese district, Ottakring – district councilor Thomas Brandstätter, and presidents of state communities, Ranka Savić Čergić on behalf of Lower Austria and Nenad Šuleić on behalf of Salzburg community.

The audience followed young folklorists’ performances with enthusiasm, and the packed Hallmann Dome hall echoed with applause and enthusiasm after each performance. The festival was also an opportunity for parents, friends and folklore lovers to gather and support these young guardians of cultural heritage.

‘The purpose of such events is not only to preserve tradition and improve folklore quality, but also to connect the Serbian community throughout Austria and strengthen the cultural identity of young generations,’ said Stanković, adding that all 15 ensembles that performed at this festival deserved a golden plaque.

The organizers announced that they were already preparing for the jubilee 40th Austrian Festival of Serbian Folklore to take place in Klagenfurt on 10 May 2025, and that this festival would be even larger and more substantial and aim to bring together all ensembles from all cultural and artistic societies in Austria.

Source and photo: Radio Television of Serbia – AASF