The cultural and artistic ensemble: “Karaševska zora”

The cultural and artistic group ¨Karaševska zora” is the rightful successor of the artistic ensemble „Mladi Karaševci¨. It was active in Carasova until 1990. At the initiative of The Union of Croats in Romania, in 1991, the ensemble came under the aegis of the UCR, adopting the name it bears today.

            The ensemble’s repertoire includes traditional Croatian dances, and the performed songs emphasize the beauty of the folklore and the specific traditions of the Croatian community in Romania. The main feature of the ensemble is the unique costumes. The traditional men’s and women’s costumes reflect the traditions of the Croats in Romania from Carasova, Caras-Severin county, which is known in ethnographic studies as Carasova folk costumes.

            Currently, the ensemble is made up of a new generation of amateur artists, students and graduates of the school in Carașova commune, and the group has recently been joined by an orchestra that accompanies them at numerous shows. These young enthusiasts promise to carry on the ancient dances and traditions of the place.

The description of the traditional women’s costume:

-Necklace and the traditional hairstyle

-Embroidered blouse that symbolizes local flora and fauna, called „brazi” and šliuke”

-Black sash

-White skirt

-Folk shoes or sandals

The description of the traditional men’s costume:

-Hat

-Black embroidery on the collar and sleeves

-Multicolored belt

-Long trousers, embroidered on the back

-Vest with embroidery on a white background 

-Shoes

The joy, rhythm, and music expressed through traditional dances represent a highly valuable ethnographic document. It is an opportunity for each to get an overall picture of the spiritual wealth of the Croatian minority.

The ensemble has participated in numerous local, national, and international festivals in Timisoara, Bucharest, Cluj, Iasi, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Austria. By participating in these festivals, the ensemble earned numerous awards and certificates.

Nowadays, the ensemble is made up of a new generation of amateur artists, students, and graduates of the Carasova and Lupac local school. It is accompanied by an orchestra as well. The enthusiastic participants promise to carry forward the ancient traditions of the region.