Our final working day of the tour was spent in Pula, beginning on a ceremonial note – with a reception hosted by Deputy Mayor Mr. Vito Paoletić. There, we had the opportunity to present our work and share the story of preserving Croatian cultural heritage in the diaspora. The warm welcome and genuine interest shown by the city officials filled us with pride and gave us encouragement for our upcoming performance.
After the reception, we surrendered ourselves to the beauty of the city. We strolled through its picturesque streets, where the spirit of past times can still be felt, and admired its historic landmarks. The Arena, the magnificent Roman amphitheater, left a particularly strong impression with its monumental presence, bearing witness to Pula’s millennia-old history.
Before the concert itself, we had the honor and pleasure of giving interviews for Croatian Radiotelevision. Višnja and Zoran Tijardović, on behalf of Klapa Kartolina, shared their impressions and experiences – what it means to preserve and nurture klapa singing far from the homeland, and what it means to perform in Pula. The organizer of all the events that day – Barbara Buršić from the Croatian Heritage Foundation, and the representative of Klapa Teranke – Marta Červar, also gave interviews for HRT, sharing their impressions and plans. It was an opportunity for the voices of the organizers and both klapas to be shared with the wider public.
In the evening, we were greeted by the beautiful Portarata Square, filled with an eager audience and buzzing with excitement. The performance together with Klapa Teranke was a special moment – the songs echoed among the ancient walls, merging with history and creating a wonderful atmosphere. The audience rewarded us with applause, and the smiles on people’s faces confirmed that klapa song has the power to awaken emotions.
None of this would have been possible without the tireless efforts of Barbara Buršić from the Croatian Heritage Foundation, who was greatly assisted in planning and preparation by Denisa Mravičić-Čović from Klapa Teranke. Their dedication, care, and attention to every detail were woven into each moment of our stay. From the reception at City Hall, to exploring Pula, to the interviews and the concert itself – everything was flawless, perfectly organized “to the last detail.” We also extend our sincere gratitude to the City of Pula, the Pula Tourist Board, and the Archaeological Museum for their support of these events. Our tour was made possible with the financial support of the Central State Office for Croats Abroad, for which we are deeply grateful.
This evening in Pula will remain in our hearts forever – a union of music, history, and friendship, and yet another confirmation that klapa singing is not only an art form, but also a bridge between our homeland Croatia and those of us who live far from it.
To be continued ..
Naš završni, radni dan turneje smo proveli u Puli, a započeo je u svečanom tonu – prijemom kod dogradonačelnika gosp. Vite Paoletića. Tu smo imali priliku predstaviti naš rad i podijeliti priču o očuvanju hrvatske kulturne baštine u dijaspori. Topla dobrodošlica i iskreno zanimanje gradskih čelnika ispunili su nas ponosom i dali nam podršku za predstojeći nastup.
Nakon prijema prepustili smo se ljepotama grada. Prošetali smo njegovim živopisnim ulicama, kojima se osijeca duh prošlih vremena i divili se povijesnim spomenicima. Poseban dojam ostavila je Arena, veličanstveni rimski amfiteatar koji svojom monumentalnošću svjedoči o tisućljetnoj povijesti Pule.
Prije samog koncerta imali smo čast i zadovoljstvo dati intervjue za Hrvatsku radioteleviziju. Višnja i Zoran Tijardović, podijelili su u ime klape Kartolina svoje dojmove i iskustva – kako je to čuvati i njegovati klapsku pjesmu daleko od domovine, te što znači nastupiti u Puli. Organizatorica svih događanja tog dana – Barbara Buršić iz Hrvatske matice iseljenika, te predstavnica klape Teranke – Marta Červar su također dale intervju za HRT i podijelile svoje dojmove i planove. Bila je to prilika da se glasovi organizatora i obje klape prenesu što široj javnosti.
Navečer nas je dočekao predivan trg Portarata, prepun publike i ispunjen uzbuđenjem. Nastup zajedno s klapom Teranke bio je poseban trenutak – pjesma je odjekivala među starim zidinama, stapajući se s poviješću i stvarajući prekrasnu atmosferu. Publika nas je nagrađivala pljeskom, a osmijesi na licima ljudi potvrđivali su da klapska pjesma ima snagu buđenja emocija.
Sve ovo ne bi bilo moguće bez neumorne Barbare Buršić iz Hrvatske matice iseljenika, kojoj je u organizaciji i pripremi od velike pomoći bila Denisa Mravičić-Čović iz klape Teranke. Njihov trud, briga i pozornost prema svakom detalju utkali su se u svaki trenutak našeg boravka. Od prijema u gradskoj vijećnici, preko razgledavanja Pule, do intervjua i samog koncerta – sve je bilo besprijekorno i “kao po špagu“. Upućujemo također iskrene zahvale i Gradu Puli, Turističkoj zajednici grada Pule i Arheološkom muzeju koji su pružili potporu ovim događanjima. Naša turneja je ostvarena uz financijsku potporu Središnjeg državnog ureda za Hrvate izvan Republike Hrvatske i na tome smo im neizmjerno zahvalni.
Ova večer u Puli ostat će nam u srcima zauvijek – spoj glazbe, povijesti i prijateljstva, ali i još jedna potvrda da klapska pjesma nije samo umjetnost, nego i most između domovine Hrvatske i nas koji živimo daleko od nje.
Nastavlja se ..
