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Czech Beseda Daruvar celebrated 100 years of existence
Czech Beseda Daruvar is the largest minority association of Czech people living in Croatia. At the same time, it is one of the oldest such associations. Operating in the very center of Czech minority in Croatia, in the town where the main association Czech Union in Croatia is also located, Czech Beseda Daruvar is sort of a base pillar on which other 25 Czech minority associations rest. Members of Czech Besedas all over Croatia largely come from Daruvar or its surroundings, and a large percentage of members of Czech Besedas in Zagreb, Rijeka, Sisak and other cities used to be members of the anniversary celebrating Czech Beseda Daruvar. This is why the entire Czech minority in Croatia celebrated the 100th anniversary of Czech Beseda Daruvar. Many came to Daruvar not only to congratulate, but to bring many folklore, musical and other presents. Thanks to songs, dances, amateur theatre and similar activities, the Czech people managed to preserve their language and culture for two and a half centuries in Croatia.
The Czech Culture Week went on from July 10 through July 14 in Daruvar. The final celebration took place on the day of establishment of Czech Beseda Daruvar, July 14. During Czech Culture Week, two exhibitions were opened (art and history), Czech movies were shown, and on main square in Daruvar a traditional Czech fair and folklore program took place. The Czech fair was very interesting for all people from Daruvar and their guests. One could see how things used to be manufactured and cooked and taste traditional products such as home made bread, pastry, cakes, spreads, honey, brandy, traditional pastries (buhtli, vdolky, furianti...), baked potato splats, Czech beer, etc. However, the event was not only about the food and drinks – one could also see and buy (for a good price) Czech books, products made by the school cooperative society, and visit presentations of traditional crafts.
Final celebration took place on the eve of Czech Beseda Daruvar foundation day. The art program on the main square opened with performances of the youngest members of Czech minority organizations and school dance squads. This program was called "As flowers on a grassland," featuring children from Czech Besedas near Daruvar and Praminek ensemble from the Czech town Jihlava. Musicians and singers of the local marching band, whose members are mostly Czech, set the good mood. The evening program called "The scent of fields and meadows" was one more flower in the folklore garland made for the anniversary Beseda. Members of minority groups from Končanica, Doljani, Prekopakra, Daruvarski Brestov and Rijeka performed along with their hosts, dance company Holubička from Daruvar, and ensemble Praminek from Jihlava.
The celebration ended with public party on the sport fields of the Daruvar Czech school, where people sung and danced until the early morning hours. Members of dance group Riječke ribice unfortunately could not celebrate until the morning, for they had the night journey back to Rijeka ahead of them. Still, they were happy to have the chance to perform in the program dedicated to such an important anniversary.
