“To watch us dance is to hear our hearts speak.”

This ancient proverb best summarizes the history, journey and passion of the Croatian Folklore Ensemble Zrinski Frankopan.

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For more than 45 years, Zrinski Frankopan has used the art of folklore to promote and preserve Croatian heritage, and connect generations of Canadian-Croatians with their Croatian ancestors and homeland through song and dance. One of the oldest Croatian folklore ensembles in Canada, Zrinski Frankopan was established in 1972 in Toronto under the leadership of the late Nikola Vrdoljak.

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Mr. Vrdoljak was an integral part of the Croatian community in Canada, who left behind a legacy of artistry in folklore dance. He worked tirelessly to educate and inspire younger generations through Croatian music, song and dance, and was also a key founder of the Croatian-Canadian Folklore Federation. 

 

Today, Zrinski Frankopan continues to build upon Mr. Vrdoljak's legacy and educate audiences on the beauty of Croatian folklore and richness of Croatia's diverse cultural heritage.