Principaux domaines de travail liés à la Convention:
In recent years, HKUD "Rodoc" has carried out numerous activities contributing to the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage. Its folkloric ensemble learns from elders through exercises in society and performs traditional dances and songs across Bosnia and Herzegovina and abroad, representing the cultural identity of Croats in the region. Regular rehearsals, performances, and workshops are organized for over 150 youth members, with a special focus on the children's group, which is the most numerous and active.
The organization has successfully partnered with local kindergartens in Mostar, introducing heritaae-based workshops for over 450 children. These initiatives foster earlv awareness and appreciation of cultural traditions. Moreover, collaboration with the Association of Parents and Children with Disabilities "Vedri osmijeh" emphasizes inclusive participation in cultural heritage activities.
HKUD "Rodoc" hosts several key cultural events annually, including the Carnival, the Lenten concert of sacred and folk chants, the Days of St. John the Baptist (featuring the Children's Folklore Festival), and the year-end concert "Blago nase ... ", celebrating the richness of local
heritage.
The organization also coordinates workshops on traditional attire, involving elderly community members as mentors and knowledge-bearers; These intergenerational initiatives not only preserve traditional craftsmanship but also promote social inclusion and solidarity.
Through these activities, HKUD "Rodoc" demonstrates organizational capacity, community engagement, and deep-rooted commitment to safeguarding intangible heritage. Its longstanding involvement in national folklore networks such as ANGO UKAKUD (90293, Association of Croatian Amateur Cultural and Artistic Societies) further enhances its advisory potential.
Objectifs
The Croatian Cultural and Artistic Society "Rodoc" (HKUD "Rodoc"), founded in 2001, was established with the primary goal of safeguarding, promoting, and transmitting the intangible cultural heritage of local community and Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The objectives of the organization are fully aligned with the spirit and principles of the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
HKUD "Rodoc" actively engages in the safeguarding of traditional music, dance, oral traditions, customs and craftsmanship. The organization places particular emphasis on intergenerational transmission, especially through its work with children and youth. In cooperation with kindergartens in Mostar, HKUD "Rodoc" enables over 450 children to engage with elements of intangible heritage from an early age.
A unique aspect of the Society's work is the inclusion of elderly community members, particularly women, in workshops dedicated to traditional costume-making. These individuals are empowered to share their knowledge and skills with younger generations, ensuring the continuity of traditional craftsmanship and strengthening social cohesion.
The organization also nurtures traditional vocal expressions, such as archaic and Lenten chants, and organizes annual events including the Carnival, the Lenten concert, the "Days of St. John the Baptist",featuring the Children's Folklore Festival of Croats in BiH and the annual concert "Blago nase ... " ("Our Treasure ... "), which highlight the richness of local cultural expressions.
By fostering participation, education, and inclusive cultural practices, HKUD "Rodoc" plays a vital role in the sustainable safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage within its community.
Coopération
HKUD "Rodoc" maintains a strong and continuous relationship with local communities, groups, and individuals who create, practice, and transmit elements of intangible cultural heritage. As a grassroots, community-based organization, its work is deeply rooted in the cultural life of the local population of Rodoc and the wider Mostar region.
A cornerstone of this cooperation is the Society's commitment to inclusive cultural participation.
This is reflected in long-standing partnerships with educational institutions such as universities, schools and kindergartens, where over 450 children engage in heritage-focused workshops under the guidance of Society members. Through these activities, the organization supports early education in intangible heritage and ensures the meaningful involvement of young community members.
The organization places significant emphasis on the involvement of elder members of the community, particularly in the area of traditional craftsmanship. Elderly women who possess valuable knowledge of traditional dressmaking are invited to lead workshops and mentor younger participants. These intergenerational learning settings are key to the sustainable transmission of knowledge and foster strong community ties.
In addition, HKUD "Rodoc" has developed a meaningful partnership with the Association of Parents and Children with Disabilities "Vedri osmijeh", ensuring that persons with disabilities have opportunities to participate in cultural heritage activities in a supportive and accessible environment. These inclusive practices promote the recognition of all community members as active bearers of cultural traditions.
HKUD "Rodoc" also participates in regional and national folklore festivals, engaging with other cultural organizations and practitioners across Bosnia and Herzegovina. As a member of ANGO UHAKUD (Acr. No. 90293), it contributes to the exchange of knowledge and experience among folklore groups and helps coordinate events that bring together diverse communities around
shared heritage.
Through these collaborative and participatory practices, HKUD "Rodoc" reinforces the role of the community as central actors in the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage, consistent with the principles of the 2003 Convention.
