Meetings of Croatian emigrants from five continents concludes in Dubrovnik 

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By Nada Pritisanac Matulich

The first-ever exhibition of prominent Croatian emigrants’ ties and the presentation of the book titled “Croatians United by the Tie” has taken place at the Rochester Institute of Technology University in Dubrovnik. 

Organized by the American Croatian Congress, Crodiaspora, and the Association of Croatian Americans Professionals, under the patronage of the Central State Office for Croats Abroad and all institutions of the City of Dubrovnik, the exhibition sparked enormous interest from both the homeland and the Croatian diaspora.

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Zvonko Milas, the State Secretary of the State Office for Croats Outside Croatia, emphasized the importance of this project, which has further strengthened the connection among emigrants from all continents. 

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The exhibition was inaugurated by Mayor Mato Franković. Nada Pritisanac Matulić, the initiator and project leader, addressed the attendees, followed by Branka Bezić Filipović, the author of the book accompanying the exhibition at the global level, and publisher Zoran Bošković.

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The exhibition is of a traveling nature and will visit the most prestigious universities worldwide, the United Nations, and the European Parliament, with the aim of drawing attention to the importance of connecting the diaspora with the homeland for our compatriots in Croatia. 

At the global level, the goal is to introduce a wide audience to our beautiful homeland, Croatia, our culture, and our diaspora, which makes an exceptional contribution on a global scale in all domains of life. During our visits to world universities, we aim to establish connections with Croatian universities, with the desire to exchange students and professors.

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The gathering of numerous emigrants, along with the hosts, continued their socializing at the Inter University Centre in Dubrovnik until late at night, accompanied by top-quality wines from Grgić and Bura-Mrgudić wineries.

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The following morning, Mayor Mato Franković hosted the emigrants at the City Hall, where he delivered a speech expressing gratitude to the emigrants for their contribution to the preservation and promotion of their homeland and answered numerous questions.

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The gathering continued with the Croatian premiere of the documentary film “Beyond the Canvas” by the world-renowned Croatian legend, Charles Billich, produced by Majestic Film and Steve Ravic. The Croatian diaspora organized the Croatian premiere of this fascinating film in Dubrovnik.

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On the same day, the 22nd Meeting of Exile Poets of Croatian Exile Lyrics of New York took place at the SebastianArt Gallery in Dubrovnik, successfully managed by Andreja Dujic. Nada Pupacic, the honorary president, Dušanka Madunić, the president, and Ivana Serdarović, along with other participants and guest emigrants, organized two unforgettable days of patriotic poetry and unity.

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The association Deša and Jany Hansal warmly hosted the emigrants and poets, where the poets from the Dubrovnik region addressed the attendees through their verses, stirring a storm of emotions.

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A trip to Pelješac, including a visit to our oldest saltworks in Ston, with a presentation on the process of obtaining the highest quality salt by owner Svetan Pejić, was particularly interesting.

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The journey continued to the Kastio Fortress, where the American Croatian Congress, in the presence of Croatian Army generals and veterans, awarded Antun Franković and Ante Mlinarić for their exceptional contribution during the Homeland War.

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Next, a visit to the Pelješac Bridge and a group photograph followed, symbolizing a stronger connection between the diaspora and the Homeland in our case.

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The Grgić family winery on Pelješac presented the emigrants with a presentation on the life and work of our legendary Miljenko “Mike” Grgich. The attendees sent their congratulations to Mike for his 100th birthday, wishing him good health.

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Trsteno was an essential part of the program, where Chief Antun “Toni” Bošković, Josip, and Vinko Cenic addressed us. The multi-day gathering concluded with an evening mass at the Church of St. Blaise in Dubrovnik.

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