On May 19, the Los Angeles City Council inaugurated Croatian Culture Week in commemoration of the 32nd anniversary of the Balkan nation’s independence referendum from the former Yugoslavia.
Fifteenth District City Councilman Tim McOsker celebrated the occasion with a presentation to the council with the consul-general for the Republic of Croatia, Renee Pea, and other members of the Croatian American community (most of whom were from San Pedro).
Rebecca Posavec serenaded the council chamber with two Croatian folk songs, Vuprem oči and Tu je tvoja zemlja, translating to “Raise your eyes to the skies” and “This is your homeland.”
“Croatian culture is deeply ingrained in San Pedro,” said McOsker. “While we come together every four years to celebrate and cheer on their incredible World Cup team, it’s the history and the weekly and monthly get-togethers that make their impact so strong in our community.”
McOsker said that San Pedro is home to one of the largest populations of Croatian immigrants in the United States with a population of “35,000.” However, according to statisicalatlas.com, for European ancestry, Croatian is the fifth largest nationality in San Pedro (with 3,150) preceded by Italian, Irish, German and English. The first Croatians immigrated to the area during the first half of the 20th century escaping the Austrian Empire before World War I for both political and economic reasons. They primarily came from the Dalmatian coastline and worked as fishermen and cannery workers. The second wave arrived after World War II as political refugees from Yugoslavia.
“Like many newcomers to America, Croatian immigrants came here with empty pockets and big dreams,” said Jack Baric, San Pedro resident and board member of the Croatian-American Club. “Their biggest success was giving their children and grandchildren a better life than their own. Along the way the hard work of Croatian immigrants helped to build a stronger Los Angeles community. Croatian Culture Week honors their contributions and is something we are all very proud of. ”
Remaining events celebrating Croatian Heritage Week:
May 25, Croatian Wine Tasting Dinner & Music by Roko
May 26, Croatian Karaoke
May 27, So. Cal Bocce Tournament and Kids Soccer Games
May 28, Croatian Independence Street Party
Details: jackbaric@hotmail.com