25 years of Croatian Emigrant Poetry in New York: A legacy of verse and homeland love

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By Branka Bezić Filipović 

In the heart of multicultural New York, in the vibrant neighbourhood of Astoria, a special homecoming quietly unfolded – one steeped in poetry, memory, and a deep love for the Homeland.

At the Croatian Catholic Mission of Blessed Ivan Merz, poets gathered to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Hrvatska iseljenička lirika New York (Croatian Emigrant Poetry New York) – the only active association of Croatian emigrant poets in the world.

Founded in 1999 with the arrival of Don Robert Zubović to the mission, HIL NY began as a gathering of those passionate about the Croatian language and heritage.

Nurtured by prayer, music, and shared emotion, the group grew into a cultural movement connecting Croatians around the globe through the written word.

Over the years, HIL NY has travelled thousands of miles – from New York to Toronto, Los Angeles to Chicago, and even across the Atlantic to Vienna, Vukovar, Rome, and Dubrovnik.

Each meeting became a poetic pilgrimage, with verses serving as bridges between past and present, homeland and diaspora.

The group has published 24 poetry collections, each not only a literary work but a chronicle of the Croatian emigrant soul.

Titles such as Na braniku lipe nam hrvatske riči, Tisuće milja opletenih stihovima, and Dubrovniče, umjetnošću tebi na dar reflect the enduring emotion, pride, and identity carried through generations.

These collections have been endorsed by prominent names in Croatian literature and culture, including Mate Maras, Igor Zidić, Tomislav Marijan Bilosnić, Vinko Grubišić, Željka Lovrenčić, and the late academician Jakša Fiamengo – lending legitimacy and recognition to the voices of emigrant poets.

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Yet, it is the human warmth that truly defines HIL NY. Poets who meet for the first time part with smiles and tears, bound by the same heartfelt wish: Safe return home – see you next year.

This simple farewell encapsulates the spirit of HIL NY – unity, faith in the written word, and an everlasting longing for Croatia.

At the recent jubilee event in Astoria, the 24th collection was presented as both a symbol of continuity and a new beginning.

The poets also donated the full archive of their works, along with the commemorative monograph Tisuće milja opletenih stihovima, to the Croatian Catholic Mission – a lasting gift for future generations of Croatian-Americans.

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This year’s gathering also welcomed new voices from across the globe – including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, and the United States. Among the poets were Ante Radić, Ruža Dabić Bučak, Žarko Dugandžić, Ivan Grbac, Javier Santich, Milan Knezović, Srećko Mavrek, and Željko Maračić. Guest author Stjepan Asić joined from Perth, adding an international note to the occasion.

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The event was made possible by the dedication of those who have safeguarded HIL NY for decades. Special thanks were extended to Josip Bogović, poet and programme host; Don Saša Ilijić, head of the Croatian Catholic Mission; as well as to the American-Croatian Congress and the Central State Office for Croats Abroad for their ongoing support.

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The importance of HIL NY has also been recognised by former President of Croatia, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, who offered her high patronage.

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Thanks to the vision of founder Nada Pupačić, HIL NY continues to serve as a beacon of Croatian language and identity. In a time when cultural identities can fade, this association stands as proof that the mother tongue, spoken with heart, can unite people, cross oceans, and endure for generations.