A sparkling ball is coming to Adelaide this November, with a once-in-a-century celebration taking over the iconic Adelaide Town Hall. November 23rd will see the Croatian Royal Ball mark 1100 years since the first mention of Croatia’s very first monarch, King Tomislav, in 925.
The grand affair is being brought to life by Father Luka Poljak of the SA Croatian Chaplaincy, who says the event will be an extraordinary blend of history, culture, music and dance. “All guests, as participants on the dance floor or spectators on the gallery, will be treated to a night of elegant classical music and ballroom dancing, as well as a culinary odyssey through the Croatian regions of Dalmatia, Istria and Slavonia,” shared Father Luka.
“For the first time this century, the Town Hall’s grand auditorium will be transformed into a ballroom that will come alive to the sounds of the Norwood Symphonic Orchestra performing the breath-taking compositions of Strauss, Tchaikovsky and many other notable composers.”
The evening is a true community effort, brought together through the generosity of local sponsors and the passion of Adelaide’s Croatian community. South Australian classical musicians and professional and amateur dancers from Empire Dance Studio, Dance Gallery and Quicksteps Dance Studio will all take to the floor in an elegant showcase of ballroom brilliance. Adding a fun cultural touch, Adelaide’s Croatian folkloric dance ensemble, Lenek, will also perform.
Adding to the event, each guest will have the chance to chance to acquire a custom-made bottle of wine from Adelaide’s Tomich Wineries, a one-of-a-kind keepsake designed especially for this milestone event.
In a particularly special moment, the event will feature the unveiling of a stunning replica of King Tomislav’s crown, adorned with Australian opals, a symbol of unity between two nations and cultures. The handcrafted piece will later be gifted to the Croatian Institute for History in Zagreb as a tribute to the ongoing bond between Croatia and Australia.
“The replica is made of brass and is adorned with Australian opals to symbolise the precious cross-continental connections which have brought this unique jubilee celebration to life here in South Australia,” Father Luka explained.
“When it comes to all things Croatian, there is much more to celebrate than just excellence in sports such as soccer, basketball and water polo,” he adds. “Croatia was once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and those influences continue to be felt in Croatian culture to this day.”
The Croatian Royal Ball is sure to be an unforgettable night of elegance, history and unity, a fitting tribute to a monarch who became known as a unifier and protector of his people.
Croatian Royal Ball
When: Sunday, November 23rd
Where: Adelaide Town Hall Auditorium, 128 King William Street, Adelaide SA 5000
Price: Spectator, $170. Participant, $200.
For more information, click here.
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