Croatian Cultural Club in Zurich marks 25 years with celebration bringing community together

by croatiaweek
September 20, 2026
in Entertainment

ZURICH, 20 September 2026 – More than 100 guests gathered in Zurich on Saturday evening as the Croatian Cultural Club (HKK) marked the beginning of its 25th year of activity with an evening celebrating Croatian culture, community and its long-standing network in Switzerland.

The event brought together scientists and cultural workers, representatives of Croatian institutions and associations, long-standing members, collaborators and friends of the club.

The celebration took place at schwarzescafé in the Löwenbräukunst complex in Zurich-West, one of the city’s prominent contemporary art locations.

The programme included an official ceremony, presentations of certificates of appreciation, a concert by Croatian instrumental duo Hojsak & Novosel and an informal gathering afterwards.

HKK president Antonela Grill Zečević reflected on the people who have helped build the organisation over almost a quarter of a century and on the need for each new leadership team to adapt the club to changing times and generations.

Antonela Grill Zečević and Vesna Polić Foglar

“We had to change the club in order to preserve it,” Grill Zečević said, referring to the transformation HKK has undergone in recent years.

The club’s programme this year has included a stand-up performance by Saša Turković at ThiK theatre in Baden, its traditional Croatian Statehood Day gathering and picnic, and the anniversary event in Zurich.

Grill Zečević said the value of a voluntary, non-profit organisation could ultimately be measured through the community it creates.

“Our profit is the community,” she said.

Morana Erdelja, senior adviser at the Central State Office for Croats Abroad, also addressed the gathering. The office has supported HKK projects for several years and provided financial support for the anniversary programme.

Erdelja highlighted the personal commitment and volunteering behind almost 25 years of the club’s work.

“And it is precisely the people who are the greatest value of this club,” she said.

Luka Erić, Laura Vukić, Valeria Vukić

Guests were also welcomed by Mirela Udovčić on behalf of the Consulate General of the Republic of Croatia in Zurich and Consul General Slobodan Mikac.

She spoke about the continuity of Croatian associations in Switzerland and the importance of maintaining Croatian language, culture and links with Croatia, particularly among younger generations.

“To keep an association active for almost 25 years is truly a great achievement,” Udovčić said.

Mirela Udovčić

Representing the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Switzerland, Petra Petrić Čavužić conveyed greetings from Ambassador Dr Andrea Bekić. It was also her first opportunity to meet members of HKK since beginning her posting in Switzerland.

“I hope we will have many more opportunities to cooperate in the coming years,” Petrić Čavužić said.

Petra Petrić Čavužić with her husband

The evening was hosted by Božo Vukojević, while one of the central parts of the programme was the presentation of certificates of appreciation to people, institutions and associations that have contributed to the club over the years.

Morana Erdelja and Klara Kamenar

HKK vice-president Darko Modrušan presented the certificates.

“A certificate of appreciation is not a formality. It is a small, public sign of great respect. We want to say: we see what you have done, we appreciate it and we have not forgotten,” Modrušan said.

Certificates were presented to the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in Switzerland and the Central State Office for Croats Abroad, as well as Udruga Slavonia Zürich, NK Croatia Zürich and KUD Silvije Strahimir Kranjčević Zürich for their long-standing cooperation and support.

Karolina and Dubravko Mehle

A special certificate was presented to Dr Vesna Polić Foglar in recognition of her contribution to HKK and her long-standing work editing the club’s Libra magazine.

The formal programme was followed by a performance by Hojsak & Novosel, featuring Tihomir Hojsak on double bass and Filip Novosel on tambura.

Their performance combined traditional Croatian instruments with contemporary arrangements, improvisation and interaction with the audience.

The duo’s appearance reflected HKK’s broader approach to presenting Croatian culture in Switzerland – connecting traditional elements with contemporary forms and audiences.

Vesna Polić Foglar, Mirna Resan, Josipa Tomić

The evening concluded with refreshments and informal socialising.

The anniversary celebration was held with financial support from the Central State Office for Croats Abroad, with Atlantic Grupa as sponsor and support from Croatia Airlines.

As it enters its 25th year, HKK continues to focus on creating a space for Croatian culture in Switzerland, connecting members of the community and providing opportunities for different generations to participate in its activities.