Dallies In the Valley 2019

If you have to choose just one festival this year, make it ‘Dallies in the Valley’.

This year we leave the Oratia area and Artisan Wines where we have had this festival four times since 2012, and relocate it to the Waitemata Rugby grounds at 96 Swanson Road, Henderson. We are continuing the fine tradition of food, wine, folklore, friendship and hospitality which our Dalmatian Croatian settlers are renowned for. So it's the same Festival in a new setting.

"Dallies in the Valley" celebrates the contribution the Dalmatian/Croatian Community has made to the New Zealand wine industry. There’s so many wine and food festivals on over the summer it can be difficult to choose which one to attend. This is an authentic day of fine wine, wonderful Dalmatian cuisine, music and dance.

So many Aucklanders remember the days when mum and dad loaded the kids in the car on the weekend and headed out to west Auckland to buy fruit and wine. Many stories are still told of the unique tipples concocted in Dally Valley. Those days are gone but the memory of the friendships made lingers fondly. It’s wonderful to see a family festival focusing on what is now part of our Auckland culture and folklore.

On entry you will be greeted with the glorious sight and smell of lambs roasting on the spit. The ladies will be cooking up a storm with many Dalmatian delights. Continuous entertainment will be provided with a variety of music and Kolo dancing in traditional costume. There will even be a demonstration of Rakija (Grappa) making, and sampling for those with a robust constitution. A traditional Buce (Bowling) competition will make it's first appearance where you can have a go against the experts in the game.

The Dallies have long been part of our New Zealand culture and history. It’s great to see an authentic festival that acknowledges their contribution as an integral part of our culture and identity.

Entry on the day is free.

Plenty of parking on site, attendants on site, just follow the signs. Or at the Sturges Road Railway carpark. All entrances are on Swanson Road.

Waitemata Rugby Football and Sports Center, 96 Swanson Road, Henderson, Auckland.

Enquiries to:
Email - dalmatiancultural@gmail.com
Mara - 021 362 872
Julena - 027 428 1922