PHOTOS: LADO showcases Croatian cultural heritage in Japan
- by croatiaweek
- in Entertainment
(Photo credit: Damir Galić)
Ansambl LADO, Croatia’s only national professional folklore ensemble, has proudly represented the country at the World EXPO Osaka 2025 in Japan.
The ensemble performed during Croatia’s National Day celebrations, attracting international visitors and high-level guests, including Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, who praised the ensemble’s vibrant performances of treasured Croatian traditions.
LADO presented some of the finest works from Croatia’s musical and dance heritage, including elements listed as UNESCO-protected intangible cultural heritage.
(Photo credit: Damir Galić)
Their concert on 20 September at the EXPO Festival Station drew a packed audience and ended with standing ovations.
The celebrations continued the following day, 21 September, when LADO opened Croatia’s National Day ceremony at the National Ray Garden Hall.
Following a performance by The Kwansei Gakuin University Choir, LADO delighted guests with masterpieces of Croatian folklore such as Valpovačko kolo, Prigorski plesovi, and traditional songs including the Međimurje ballad Primem pero, the Dalmatian klapa song Na Čiovu šaldun, and Zelinski mužikaši.
(Photo credit: Damir Galić)
Alongside stage performances, LADO also hosted a presentation of traditional Croatian instruments and a concert by the ensemble’s orchestra at the Croatian Pavilion, further showcasing the richness of the nation’s musical legacy.
The ensemble’s singers, dancers and musicians later joined the official EXPO parade, where they brought to life Croatia’s colourful traditional costumes and songs, forging a strong emotional connection with the Japanese public.
(Photo credit: Damir Galić)
LADO’s participation in Osaka marks its sixth appearance at a World EXPO. Since its founding in 1949, the ensemble has acted as a unique cultural ambassador, steadfastly promoting Croatia’s heritage on the global stage.
The performances at EXPO 2025 were organised in collaboration with Croatia’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and the Ministry of Culture and Media.
