Week of Croats Abroad to Be Held from May 25 to 31

The Week of Croats Abroad will be held from May 25 to 31 in Zagreb and Zagreb County, with the aim of increasing the visibility of Croats living outside Croatia and raising awareness of their contribution to the country’s creation and development, State Secretary Zvonko Milas announced on Wednesday.

Speaking at a press conference, Milas said the initiative represents a permanent national framework focused on Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatian national minorities, emigrants, returnees and immigrants to Croatia.

“We initiated this because our people are one, even though we live all over the world in different circumstances and systems. Through the Week of Croats, we want to strengthen the visibility of Croats abroad and highlight their contribution to the creation and development of the Republic of Croatia,” Milas said.

He noted that the event is being held during the week of Statehood Day, Armed Forces Day and the Day of Croatian Defenders of the City of Zagreb, emphasizing the important role Croats abroad played in Croatia’s defense and international recognition during the 1990s.

“We want to strengthen Croatian unity. We want to connect people, institutions and organizations and create a platform through culture, sports, the economy and opportunities for young people,” he added.

The program in Zagreb and Zagreb County will include cultural and scientific events, round tables, public discussions, sessions of the Government Council for Croats Abroad, and other symbolic and festive gatherings.

A special highlight will be the two-day “Promenade of the Culture of Croats Abroad” on European Square, where Croatian communities from around the world will present their traditions and contemporary culture.

Žana Ćorić, special adviser for Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina at the Central State Office for Croats Abroad, said the event would showcase the diversity and cultural heritage of Croats living outside Croatia.

Milas also revealed that the visual identity of the event was created by prominent Croatian designer Boris Ljubičić and symbolically represents the connection between Croats worldwide and their homeland. Organizers expect more than 1,000 participants.

The Week of Croats Abroad will officially open on May 25 at the Croatian Heritage Foundation with an exhibition by Croatian artist Virgilije Nevjestić. Croatian students from the diaspora studying in Croatia will also recite Nevjestić’s poetry during the opening ceremony.