Small Matica Centre Officially Opened in Šid

Following the handover of the keys and the blessing marking the start of renovation work on the small Matica centre in Šid, the renovated building was officially opened on 26 October 2026, the Croatian Cultural Society Šid reports. It is the second “small Matica” to open as part of a Croatian Government project entitled “Build a Mill Where the Water Is”.

Guests at the ceremony

The ceremony was attended by, among others, Jasna Vojnić, President of the Croatian National Council in Serbia and a member of the Croatian Parliament; Velimir Pleša, Consul General of the Republic of Croatia in Subotica; and Ivan Zeko-Pivač, Deputy Ambassador at the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Belgrade.

Other guests included Josip Bako, Acting Director of the Institute for the Culture of Vojvodina Croats; Zlata Vasiljević, Editor-in-Chief of the *Hrvatska riječ* publishing institution; Marinko Katić, President of the Croatian National Council’s Management Board; and Mihajlo Režak, Dean and parish priest of the Greek Catholic Church.

More than 80 guests attended the event, including members of Croatian associations, Croatian National Council representatives, members of the Croatian Cultural Society Šid and local residents. The strong turnout reflected growing local initiative and a more vibrant community life.

Greater involvement of young people

Following an address by Josip Pavlović, President of the Croatian Cultural Society Šid, young members of the community took part in a short celebratory programme, adding to the occasion with musical performances. They included members of the Nikola Križanić Association, Nataša Križanić, and Dunja Šafarik and Magdalena Menđan, who wore traditional Šokci folk costumes.

A short film documenting the renovation work, which began in May this year, was also screened.

Agreement signed and building blessed

After the cultural programme, Jasna Vojnić and Josip Pavlović signed an agreement, while Mihajlo Režak blessed the newly renovated Matica centre.

The official proceedings were followed by an exchange of gifts. Pavlović presented Vojnić with a model mill, a painting by Subotica artist Josipa Križanović, and a pair of earrings handmade from polymer clay by Magdalena Pavlović, a member of the cultural society. A model mill was also presented to Deputy Ambassador Ivan Zeko-Pivač.

Marinko Katić, President of the Croatian National Council’s Management Board, received the famous Srijem kulen, a cured sausage made by the well-known Lemajić brothers from Šid. Marin Bašić, who carried out the carpentry work, was presented with a certificate of appreciation and a copy of the *HKD Šid* monograph, while association member Željka Korać treated the guests to a beautiful cake.

The event concluded with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque in the courtyard, marking this significant Croatian Government project, “Build a Mill Where the Water Is”.

An invitation to get involved

By purchasing and renovating a house in Šid, the Croatian Cultural Society Šid has secured a permanent home – a place dedicated to preserving the Croatian language and culture, passing Croatian traditions and customs on to younger generations, and showcasing the society’s work.

After thanking everyone who helped organise the opening ceremony, the society invited all people of goodwill to get involved and contribute to the future success and continued activities of the small Matica centre.