Keeping Croatian Identity Alive Across Generations in South America

How can Croatian identity be preserved among generations who have never met their Croatian ancestors? And how can young people be encouraged to take an interest in the homeland of their grandparents?

These are among the biggest challenges facing the Croatian diaspora in South America, says Cristian Šprljan, one of the main organizers of the 9th Meeting of the Croatian Diaspora in South America, held in Córdoba, Argentina. He points to the declining number of Croatian priests as a particular concern, but also sees reason for optimism in the growing interest young people are showing in Croatia.

In an interview with Glas Hrvatske, Šprljan, president of the meeting's Organizing Committee and a member of the Croatian Government's Council for Croats Outside the Republic of Croatia, discussed preserving Croatian identity, bringing emigrant communities closer together, economic cooperation with the homeland and the role of the Catholic Church among Croats in Argentina.

Croatian community in Córdoba continues to thrive

Although the last major waves of Croatian immigration to Argentina arrived several decades ago, their descendants continue to preserve the language, culture and customs of their ancestors.

Šprljan says the Croatian community in Córdoba remains active, with the Croatian House, the Croatian Consulate and numerous organizations serving as its main gathering points.

“Three major waves of Croatian immigrants came to Córdoba. And although there has been no large-scale immigration for 70 years, we continue to work with great pleasure and enthusiasm to preserve our Croatian identity,” he says.

Croatian identity must be more than red and white squares

One of the biggest challenges, he believes, is maintaining a sense of belonging to Croatia among younger generations.

While the children of Croatian immigrants grew up hearing stories from their parents and grandparents, members of the fourth and fifth generations often have little or no direct connection to their Croatian roots.

“Those of us who knew our Croatian parents and grandparents must serve as a link between generations. We have to help young people understand what it means to be Croatian. Otherwise, Croatian identity is reduced to a T-shirt with red and white squares,” Šprljan says.

He believes young people need to experience the Croatian spirit, learn about their family histories and develop a personal connection with the homeland of their ancestors.

Football sparks young people's interest in Croatia

Assimilation, he warns, is a reality for almost all Croatian communities in South America. However, interest in Croatia has not disappeared – the way younger generations connect with the country has simply changed.

Unlike older generations, whose ties to Croatia are often shaped by nostalgia and family memories, young people are drawn to its natural beauty, culture, sports and opportunities for life.

The success of the Croatian national football team at the World Cup has also played an important role.

“Among the thousands of young people, there are certainly hundreds who will develop a genuine interest in returning to Croatia or preserving their Croatian identity in South America,” Šprljan says.

Meetings bring communities, culture and business together

The 9th Meeting of the Croatian Diaspora in South America in Córdoba was organized as a platform for bringing Croatian communities together, exchanging experiences and creating new opportunities for cooperation.

Thanks to its geographical location, Córdoba provides a meeting point for Croats from across South America.

“Our history connects us, but we must work together on our future to preserve Croatian identity in Argentina,” Šprljan says.

He sees significant potential for stronger economic ties between Croatia and South America, but notes that more people with a good understanding of both markets are needed to make such cooperation possible.

He says further training, information exchange and stronger connections between individuals are essential to developing concrete business projects.

Fewer Croatian priests leave the community without an important anchor

Šprljan speaks particularly passionately about the role of the Catholic Church in preserving Croatian identity in Argentina.

He recalls that Father Leonard Rusković arrived in Argentina in 1929 and that Croatian priests played a central role for decades in bringing immigrant communities together.