First Croatian Day in Boston takes place

Photo by author: ACAP Boston, the Croatian School of Boston, and New England Friends of Croatia (NEFC)

Who would have thought that there is such a thing as “Bura” in the middle of Boston? Whether Bura or Nor’easter, the Bostonian Croats showed their New England and Croatian resiliency by celebrating the First Annual Croatian Day in Boston, despite the turbulent winds. 

ACAP Boston, the Croatian School of Boston, and New England Friends of Croatia (NEFC) invited all in New England to celebrate Croatian culture with traditional food, and music in a beautiful waterfront setting of the Fox Point Pavillion, a covered pavilion with picnic tables, at the University of Massachusetts. 

More than 100 guests gathered to celebrate their heritage, renew friendships and meet new friends.

Photo by author: Andrea Katić Bruno, educational director, and Lana Dinić, administrative director, and children of Croatian School of Boston.

Andrea Katić Bruno, educational director of the Croatian School of Boston, welcomed all and led the children in national costumes as they performed a few songs from different parts of Croatia.

“The School helps keep our heritage alive—not just through language, but by bringing our community together, said Katić Bruno. “As parents and community members, it’s up to us to create a space where our kids can grow, learn, and feel proud of where they come from. When we share our traditions, we show them it matters. Events like this let students shine and remind us all how strong and connected our Croatian community is in Boston.”

Food

Where there are Croatians, one will surely find a grill and traditional food, from rižot and  ćevapi to desserts like štrudla or madjarica. Vinko and Ivica were grilling the whole time and even got some lepinja, ajvar and onion.

Photo by author: Grillmasters Vinko and Ivica, and the thankful Croatians, exploring traditional food at the Fox Pavillion

Music

This was also a great opportunity for everyone to meet again at the Fox Pavillion, affectionately called “Riva,” a spot where Croats have been gathering over time.

However, this time special guests from New Zealand, the talented Samoans, Christian and Austin Malietoa-Brown, were tirelessly entertaining more than 100 guests who had a great time despite the tumultuous weather.

One could hear many Croatian dialects in vivid conversations about sports, business and culture, while many also joined in singing songs from Međimurje to “’ko ne piva Dalmatinac nije.”

Photo by author: Brothers Christian and Austin Malietoa-Brown, the talented Samoans, all the way from New Zealand, who are well known in Croatia, entertained tirelessly

In the end, despite Nor-easter, great time was had by all, and the Boston-strong Croatian community is looking forward to future joint events. 

Already scheduled for the Fall is the Open House on Sunday, September 21, 2025 at the Croatian School of Boston, where new parents and children can meet the existing students and families and where adults are also welcomed for classes to bring them closer to their ancestral language.

By Mirena Bagur, MBA, president of the New England Friends of Croatia and member of ACAP Boston.