Córdoba to host 9th gathering of Croatian diaspora in South America

From November 5 to 8, the Argentine city of Córdoba will welcome more than 500 participants from around a dozen countries for the 9th Gathering of the Croatian Diaspora in South America.

With Croatian communities spread across a continent spanning thousands of kilometers, these gatherings offer a valuable opportunity to connect. The first was held in Peru in 2015 at the initiative of Croatian emigrants themselves. This year, the tradition returns to Argentina, more than a decade after it began.

Following last year's gathering in São Paulo, Brazil, Córdoba will host the event for the second time in Argentina. One of the country's largest cities and a major university center, it is expected to welcome more than 500 participants, including representatives of Croatian institutions.

"Above all, it is important for us as organizers to establish cooperation with local institutions, especially the authorities in Córdoba. They have responded very positively to the arrival of Croatians from across South America and from Croatia itself," says Cristian Šprljan, a representative of the Croatian community in Córdoba and one of the event's organizers.

Córdoba Opens Its Doors to the Croatian Diaspora

Located in central Argentina, Córdoba has strong transport links with other Argentine cities and neighboring countries. This makes it an accessible meeting point for participants traveling from across the continent, whether from Santiago, Chile, or Montevideo, Uruguay, Šprljan explains.

"Croatians have lived in Córdoba for a long time, and some are already third-generation residents. They will give this gathering special significance for our city," says Mario Armida, director of the city's tourism board, highlighting the importance of integrating different communities into local life.

The main venue will be the Cultural Center of the National University of Córdoba, in the heart of the city's historic center. The historic building, renovated less than a year ago, will give participants the opportunity to explore the city between scheduled activities.

"Previous gatherings were held in high-end hotels, but participants had little opportunity to get to know the cities they were visiting. Here, they will be surrounded by historical landmarks. Our goal is for everyone attending to truly experience Córdoba," Šprljan says.

The city also has notable links to Croatian history. Croatian Jesuit Nikola Plantić was active in Córdoba's Jesuit complex, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Croatian stonemasons also contributed to the construction of La Cañada canal and the Arch of Córdoba, two of the city's recognizable landmarks.

From Cultural Exchange to Business and Scientific Cooperation

This year's program includes cultural events, a business forum, and a gathering of Croatian women known as "CroActivas." Organizers aim to connect participants with local authorities, universities, and entrepreneurs to foster partnerships that will extend beyond the event.

"We want to encourage the exchange of experiences among Croatians from across South America. This is an opportunity to connect with universities, entrepreneurs, and other institutions and build a broad network for future cooperation," Šprljan says.

Rubén Motrich, a university professor and scientist specializing in immunology and medical sciences, sees the gathering as an opportunity to strengthen these ties.

Motrich points to the potential for joint research projects supported by the Croatian government, bringing together scientists from Croatia and researchers of Croatian descent around the world. Such initiatives can help develop academic partnerships, student exchanges, and professional opportunities, including cooperation with the National University of Córdoba.

"You make friends from other countries and cities, which leads to new projects and new ideas, always with the goal of preserving a strong identity," Šprljan says.

Argentina is hosting the gathering for the second time, continuing a tradition of bringing together Croatian communities that, despite the vast distances separating them, share a common heritage and growing opportunities for cooperation.