News from Czechs and Slovaks in Varna

A meeting was held on January 18, 2008 in Varna with the ambassador of theCzech Republic Martin Klepetko, concerning themission of the Czech Republic during its Presidency of the EU. (Organized byCitizens for European Development of Bulgaria - GERB.)

The ambassador spoke in Bulgarian, without an interpreter, and won theapproval of all attendees in the crowded hall both with his behavior, and withhis personal position on many of the discussed problems.

On the same evening at the Festival Complex was the official opening of theYear of Czech Culture in Varna. (Organized by theMunicipality of Varna after a proposal by the Association for friendshipbetween Bulgaria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia in Varna).

The event started with a short address by Mr. Klepetko, as well as byKonstantin Troshev (initiator and organizer) and the Deputy Mayor of VarnaKosta Bazitov. Afterwards all attendees saw "a performance for one artist"(Svilen Stoyanov, Varna Drama Theatre): "Stories from a Pocket and Stories fromAnother Pocket" by Karel Chapek.

The traditional Winterget-together for all generations was held on December 14, 2008. It was held asa Mikulash-Christmas family event. This get-togetherhas been organized in the past several years at hotel "Atlant" (in Konstantinand Elena resort), which is owned by one of our compatriots. This time we werehappy to welcome among us the ambassador of the Czech Republic Mr. MartinKlepetko and the Ambassador of Slovakia Mr. Karol Mistrik. Mikulash, the Angel,and the Devil were present, both for the children, and for the adults. Childrendemonstrated their abilities, including a short theater play, and receivedpresents from the Varna section of the club. The Ambassadors brought presentsfor the children as well.

Czech and Slovak Christmas songs were performed. We also had a Christmasraffle, financed by CEZ, but most important of all - we had a very good time,and were glad to see one another. Both events were well-attended. 

MASQUERADE

On February 21st young and old put on their masks, their most colorful
attire, and some make up on...

In the morning two pirates put all thechildren on Jack Sparrow's

ship, played some games, sang some songs, and danced some more...

When night fell, there were many prizes.The jury had a really hard time picking THE BEST. 

You can attend self-defense courses at Czechoslovak Club "T.G. Masaryk" on15 Krakra St. The best of Karate, Taekwondo, and other techniques. The sessionswill be conducted by trained instructors twice a week without age restrictions.The course gives excellent results.

For additional information and participation, please contact the secretaryof the club at 944 13 83. Contact person - Yulia.

 The Last Lesson in Czech

December 18

Just as they did last year, students at the Czech and Slovak Club, the Czech Center, at Sofia University, and the Czech class of "Cyril and Methodius" High school demonstrated what they'd learned through the year.The now traditional lottery with small prizes was drawn, and in the end, despite the Christmas fast, we had some wurst with mustard and beer.Thanks to the Czech Center for the cooperation.

The traditional Get -Together under the Christmas Tree

took place on December 17. Mrs. Violeta Mitzevaprepared a talk about Christmas in the paintings of Josef Lada and the music ofEdmund Pasa. The traditional feast of Christmas cookies and tea with rum followed,accompanied by the singing of Christmas songs. 

Literature Night and something more...

Between Mikulash and Christmas - pre-Christmas bazaar

The Christmas bazaar was organized by the Czechoslovak club"T.G. Masaryk" with the cooperation of the Culture department at the Sofia municipality. The varied performances included Bulgarian folk dance, songs, rock'n'roll, ballet. We would like to thank Ms. Margarita Donova for her cooperation, we lookforward to more partnerships with the Municipality in 2009.

The youngest met Mikulash on December 7th. He had prepared them sweets, andthey had prepared him songs and poems.