Macedonian Kolede Costume Ball
The Macedonian Kolede Costume Ball, held on Saturday, November 9, 1996, at the St. Clements Macedonian Orthodox Cathedral in East York, was a landmark cultural celebration for the Canadian Macedonian Historical Society (CMHS). The event effectively blended traditional Macedonian customs with the festive spirit of North American costume parties, serving as both a fundraiser and a vital "cultural anchor" for the diaspora.
Event Atmosphere and Community Leadership
The evening was opened by CMHS President Virginia Stoylov, who introduced the society's board of directors and emphasized their mission to collect books, artifacts, and costumes to preserve Macedonian history The presence of founders like Pete Pond underscored the event's significance in the society's ongoing efforts to maintain community support and financial stability for their library and museum projects
The Legend of Kolede
A central highlight of the evening was an educational segment by John Evans, who explained the origins of Kolede. He described it as a custom rooted in the commemoration of children, traditionally celebrated with bonfires and caroling to honor resilience and life By holding the ball in November, the CMHS bridged the Macedonian tradition with the Canadian Halloween season, creating a unique space where "the old and the new, the English and the Macedonian" could coexist
Entertainment and Competitions
The hall was filled with "The Boys from Bouf," a renowned band that had been performing for the community for decades. They kicked off the entertainment with a "Blues Brothers" style skit. Other entertainment included:
- Village Name Skit: Peter Kov conducted a humorous "dissertation" on the origins of unusual Macedonian village names, such as Smiljevo and Smrdish, providing lighthearted entertainment while acknowledging the deep roots of regional identity.
- Costume Parade: A spirited competition saw participants of all ages parade before judges. Notable winners included:
- Best Boy: A young boy in a traditional Kaitropper costume.
- Best Man: Comrade Valer, who wore an authentic Russian uniform complete with medals.
- Best Couple: The "Flintstones" (Fred and Wilma), representing the creative spirit of the community.
- Best Female: "Catwoman" in a distinctive red mask.
Philanthropy and Prizes
True to the event's mission, 25% of the proceeds were dedicated to the University Scholarship Fund of the Canadian Macedonian Federation. The evening concluded with a massive "Lucky Draw" featuring high-quality prizes donated by community businesses, including:
- A handmade Macedonian shag rug donated by Pete Pond.
- Home security systems and cellular phones.
- Grand Prize: A trip for two to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, donated by Danny Ry and Toronto Travel Advantage.
Cultural Significance
As Virginia Stoylov noted in her closing remarks, despite a smaller turnout than hoped, the spirit of Kolede was the "right spirit for our times". The ball succeeded in bringing together Macedonians from all regions—Aegean, Pirin, Vardar, and Mala Prespa—to celebrate a shared identity and ensure that their heritage remains a "living, breathing part of the Canadian experience".