Croatian tradition in Brazil: Painting the spirit of Easter

Croatian Easter egg painting in Brazil (Photo credit: Tiago Moreto)

Croatian culture intermingled with Brazilian traditions in a vibrant celebration as the Brazilian Community in Paraná hosted the Croatian Easter Egg painting event in the picturesque city of Arapongas, nestled in the heart of the Paraná state.

Sponsored by the city’s Department of Culture, the event featured the creation of five magnificent eggs, four towering at an impressive 2 meters high, while one stood gracefully at 1 meter.

Luciene Madeira 2-metre egg (Photo credit: Tiago Moreto)

(Photo credit: Tiago Moreto)

(Photo credit: Tiago Moreto)

The smaller egg, adorned with artwork in the Naive style by Mauricio Herique Scalco and his mother Meire Sclaco, served as a canvas showcasing the region’s flora and fauna. 

Maurício and Meire Scalco (Photo credit: Tiago Moreto)

Depicting iconic symbols such as the Araucária, synonymous with the state of Paraná, and historical references like coffee, once a driving force of national production, the artwork also paid homage to local avian life, including the Araponga bird which lent its name to the city.

Dalcilene Alexandre (Photo credit: Tiago Moreto)

Adding an interactive dimension to the festivities, a workshop was organized on-site, inviting attendees to immerse themselves in the tradition of egg painting.

(Photo credit: Tiago Moreto)

(Photo credit: Tiago Moreto)

(Photo credit: Tiago Moreto)

(Photo credit: Tiago Moreto)

Arapongas has a historical connection to Croatian heritage, evident since its foundation. 

(Photo credit: Tiago Moreto)

(Photo credit: Tiago Moreto)

(Photo credit: Tiago Moreto)

(Photo credit: Tiago Moreto)

(Photo credit: Tiago Moreto)

(Photo credit: Tiago Moreto)

(Photo credit: Tiago Moreto)

(Photo credit: Tiago Moreto)

Among the pioneers was Miguel Horvatich (Mihael Horvatić) and his family, whose legacy resonates through generations, embodied today by Gisele Horvatich Beffa, the founder and current president of the Croatian Community in Paraná.

Gisele Horvatich, Michele Mrtvi, Secretary of Culture, Geison Cortez (Photo credit: Tiago Moreto)

The Croatian Easter Eggs project in Arapongas, spearheaded by Gisele Horvatich Beffa, stands as a testament to the bonds between cultures. 

(Photo credit: Tiago Moreto)

Inspired by a similar initiative led by Croatian descendant Solange Juvella in São Paulo, the event symbolizes the harmony and unity that thrive when diverse traditions intertwine, creating shared heritage and mutual appreciation.