On behalf of the Western Australian Croatian Chamber of Commerce and the Indigenous Arts Foundation the Kaya Croatia tour commenced in Zagreb on August 16th 2024, then 19th - 25th August @ the International Folklore Festival in Split. Including performers outside of Croatia - Uruguay, Ukraine, Romania, Georgia, Mexico and Macedonia attended.
Fantastic crowd engagement at the International Festival in Split, Croatia
Outstanding performances over 6 days in Split, Croatia with the Kaya Dancers across locations in Split, Podstrana, Trogir and Solin.
"As part of the 3rd CIOFF International Folklore Festival Split 2024, among the excellent ensembles from Uruguay, Ukraine, Romania, Georgia, Mexico and Southern Macedonia, we as organizers (Folklore Ensemble Jedinstvo Split) were particularly impressed by the group KAYA DANCERS from Perth. With their original and inspired performances inspired by their millennial heritage, they left over 20,000 visitors, who browsed the festival's programs during the 6 days held in Split and surrounding cities, breathless.
With energetic, but at the same time gentle dance movements accompanied by the phenomenal voice of its lead singer, the audience was especially delighted by the performances of Mr. Isaiah Walleystack on the didgeridoo.
On the other hand, KAYA DANCERS were delighted with the organisation of the festival, the invitations to the mayor of Split, Mr. Ivic Puljak and to the prefect of the Split-Dalmatia County, Mr. Blaženko Boban.
Our dear friends from Perth, and that is what we really became in these unforgettable 6 days, full of positive impressions of Croatian food, beaches and the beauty of ancient cities, happily left for their homeland. As organizers, we can only say: dear friends, see you again either in Split or in Australia, and with your fantastic performances, you opened the door to other artists from Australia who will be welcome guests in Split and Croatia." KAYA CROATIA!
Emin Sarajlić, President FA Jedinstvo
International Festival held in Split August 19th - 25th.
Photo credits: Jana Jurcevic, Matthew Jurcevic, FA Jedinstvo
Thank you to the support of the Australian Cultural Diplomacy Grants Program and Indigenous Arts Foundation, Phil Walleystack and performers.