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On 26th November 1966, a group of local
Macedonian community enthusiasts in
Rockdale came together at Stevo Joannou’s
café located at 438 Princes Highway Rockdale
to form the Macedonian Cultural and Artistic
Association ‘Ilinden’ (‘MCAA Ilinden’). MCAA
Ilinden was established to preserve the spirit
and cultural traditions of the Macedonians in
Sydney. The group is one of the oldest folkloric
ensembles in Australia. From its humble
beginnings, it has become one of the largest
and most elite Macedonian folkloric groups
around the world.
MCAA Ilinden’s home premises are located
in the heart of Rockdale on Railway Street as
part of the Saint Petka Macedonian Orthodox
Church community. For Sydney’s Macedonian
youth it is not only a rite of passage but
a privilege to be a dancer and member of
MCAA Ilinden. The group, which is made up
exclusively of volunteers, has been successfully
achieving its mission. Over 6000 Australian
Macedonian children have joined its ranks
over the last five decades. It currently has over
240 members between the ages of 3 and 25
years. By teaching the culture and traditions
of their forefathers, MCAA Ilinden nourishes
the personal development of the Macedonian
youth in Sydney, enabling them to become
positive and active citizens.
Through its songs and dances, MCAA Ilinden
has remained at the peak for showcasing
folklore with artistic flair across thousands of
stages at concerts, festivals and competitions.
Their dances are known for their beauty,
richness and complexity.
Throughout the 1990s the senior group
regularly performed at the Folkloric Festival
held at the Sydney Opera House and was
awarded first place honours at the Sydney
Eisteddfod Performing Arts Challenge in 2002,
2004 and 2006, and the Sydney World Dance
Championships in 2008.
MCAA Ilinden’s many awards and successes
attest to their modern choreographic
interpretation. Over the years there have
been numerous tours across Australia and
Macedonia where the Australian Macedonian
diaspora has proudly been represented
and MCAA Ilinden earned the respect and
commendation from distinguished dance
groups, including the national dance ensemble
of Macedonia - Tanec.
As an organisation, it is a pillar of identity,
stability and strength for the Macedonian
community in the St George area. The
community’s heart beats in the church of St
Petka, while the steps of Ilinden’s dancers
lead the community’s future place in Australia
and the modern world. MCAA Ilinden is a
bridge between the old and the new; between
Macedonia and Australia; between centuries of
cultural tradition and modern
dance extravaganza.
As a true ambassador and a living museum,
this special 50 year anniversary concert is a
celebration of the past, present and future
of the Macedonian Cultural and Artistic
Association Ilinden.
THE HISTORY OF THE
MACEDONIAN
CULTURAL AND ARTISTIC
ASSOCIATION ILINDEN
8
50 YEARS
MKUD ILINDEN