First-ever Croatian Culture Week in Los Angeles starts
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Croatians in Los Angeles (Photo credit: LA Vatreni)
The first annual City of Los Angeles Croatian Culture Week has kicked off with its proclamation at the LA City Hall on Friday.
City Councilman Tim McOsker launched the inaugural Croatian Culture Week in Los Angeles by delivering a presentation to the City Council.
McOsker expressed that Croatian culture holds a significant place in San Pedro, stating that although they unite every four years to support their remarkable World Cup team, it is the history and regular gatherings that have a profound impact on the community.
Representing the 15th District, which encompasses San Pedro, a region with a substantial Croatian immigrant population, McOsker highlighted that the first wave of Croatians arrived in the area during the first half of the 20th century from the Dalmatian coast. Many Croatians found employment as fishermen and cannery workers.
The festivities will continue until May 28 and a series of events have been planned, including the first-ever Croatian Heritage Night hosted by the Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC).
LAFC will host Croatian Heritage Night when they take on the San Jose Earthquakes at BMO Stadium on Saturday night.
The festivities will begin with a pre-game gathering in front of the stadium, where participants have the opportunity to be part of a group photo.
Following the match, there will also be a special meet-and-greet session with two notable figures associated with Croatia: LAFAC forward Stipe Biuk, who moved to the club from Hajduk Split, and assistant coach Ante Razov, a first-generation Croatian-American.
Croatian Heritage Night is just one of the events lined up for the City of Los Angeles’ inaugural Croatian Culture Week. The organisers have put together a series of activities that highlight the rich Croatian traditions and heritage, all of which will take place in San Pedro.
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One of the key events during the week is the Croatian Wine Tasting & Dinner, scheduled for Thursday evening. Guests will have the opportunity to savour a variety of Croatian wines paired with a delectable dinner at Raffaello Ristorante, promising an evening of culinary delights.
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Sports enthusiasts can look forward to the First Annual Southern California Croatian Bocce Ball Tournament on Saturday.
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To conclude the celebrations, the Croatian Independence Day Weekend will mark its 33rd anniversary. The highlight of this weekend extravaganza will be the Street Party taking place at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday at 22nd Street Park, located at the Croatian American Club on 631 W 9th Street, San Pedro, CA 90731, the day after the bocce ball tournament.
Attendees can expect an energetic atmosphere filled with music, dance, and an array of Croatian cultural performances.
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This vibrant celebration of Croatian traditions promises to leave a lasting impression on the City of Los Angeles, fostering a deeper appreciation for the rich Croatian heritage within the community.
