Our History
The Slovenian Society of Vancouver was founded on 24 October 1958. Young post-war immigrants who found themselves abroad without material and moral support wanted to create a piece of their homeland here. With the founding of the society, they began to connect by organizing social gatherings with dance and song and simple food. Over time, various groups were organized, such as a choir (which had been operating for years before 1958), a folk dance group, and social events such as picnics and dances, which were held in foreign halls (e.g. the Rio Hall, Clinton Hall, Polish Hall and others).
In 1972, the Slovenes purchased a building (a Baptist church) with an additional parking lot. The building was converted into a hall, where all cultural and social activities and religious ceremonies were held from then on. They also started sports activities for youth, the Slovenian solo, and established a hunting and bowling club. The folk dance group also performed in public, at parades and folk festivals. The number of social events and membership increased. Members worked hard for the community, while conscientiously maintaining the Slovenian Hall, which has changed its appearance several times over the years.
Slovenian song and folklore and popular dance music have always been part of the society. Slovenian folklore dance for adults and young people enriches social cultural events. Over the years, many folk and entertainment ensembles have flourished in the society, providing dance music at social events. Past groups include: Eurocos, Europa Alpine Melodi, Adria, Viva, Euro Beat, Oberlanders, and Prijatelji Ensemble.
Today, our musicians still play away at our social events, together with the Slovenian Choir, Slovenia. The choir performs at religious ceremonies, and the folk dance troupe performs at various events throughout the year. Members are active in the hiking club, and seniors hold their meetings in the hall every first Wednesday of the month. Religious ceremonies are also held in the hall at Christmas and Easter. Weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries of members are often celebrated here, as are funerals upon the death of a member.
The society maintains connection with its homeland, with folk ensembles, choirs, and other cultural groups from Slovenia visiting Vancouver regularly since 1972. We have had the great pleasure of hosting guests including the Lojze Slak Ensemble, Stirje Kovači, Zadovoljni Kranjci, Big Ben, and Megaron.