La Mesa’s Community Center was once again the site for the Czech, Monrovian and Slovak Folklore Festival that took place Saturday, May 18. Celebrating its third year, the well-attended event showcased traditional folk dance, music and cuisine from the combined regional areas and nations.
La Mesa’s Community Center was once again the site for the Czech, Monrovian and Slovak Folklore Festival that took place Saturday, May 18. Celebrating its third year, the well-attended event showcased traditional folk dance, music and cuisine from the combined regional areas and nations.
A busy, yet self admittedly proud Anna Hrabcakova-Hradsky, presided over the festivities. Hradsky said she originated the festival to honor her deceased father’s memory, dedicating the celebration as a means to maintain and develop cultural and folk traditions and the customs of Slovakia while living in the United States.
In full traditional folk costume, Hradsky, said that her musician father’s legacy remains a great inspiration to her. Growing up with music and traditional dance, Hradsky said she founded the folk ensemble, Karicka, in San Diego in 2010. Karicka translates into “women’s dance circle” and it is a cornerstone of the Society of Slovak folklore that organizes expatriate folk events in San Diego.
“I teach folk dance and singing,” said Hradsky. “I have been dancing since I was six years old. Since founding the Karicka ensemble three years ago, we have grown into 15 members and practice once a week. We do small performances at special events. Next week, we will showcase a performance of song and dance in Balboa Park. This, however, is our biggest event and we’re so proud. Through this annual festival we aim to celebrate and preserve the traditions of our culture.”
Costumes are hand created. The blouses feature intricate and colorful traditional hand embroidery, she said, adding that she also promotes embroidery, sewing and displays the intricately hand painted Easter eggs that are equally symbolic of her Slovak heritage.
Martina Nemecek joined the Karicka ensemble in January and was admittedly excited and a bit nervous to be premiering at the festival with the ensemble.
“This is my first performance ever with the dance troupe, but I’m very happy to be here. It is a wonderful turn-out and a great occasion”, Nemecek said.
Hradsky explained that although still relatively new, the event drew more than 300 in attendance last year and was hopeful that this year was as successful.
“There is Slovak television coverage this year. TV JOJ will broadcast the event in Slovakia and we are very excited. TV coverage is sponsored by the Bureau of Slovaks Living Abroad,” Hradsky said.
Olga and Jerry Rajec were festival guests, enjoying the show and cuisine. Food, at times featuring favorite yet uniquely distinct sweet main dishes such as svieckova’, which combines slices of tenderloin beef with sweet orange vegetable sauce served with steamed and tangy dumplings, varies from region to region, as does the dance and singing.
“We came last year as well and have looked forward to this year’s event. I love the ethnic cuisine and the folk dancing,” said Olga Rajec. “Even the dialect and language can vary from the Eastern Slovak region. Those from the Western region may not speak it or fully understand it, yet we celebrate a common heritage and, at this festival, we are united through food, music and folklore. It is just like being back home.”
