LOS ANGELES - Councilmember Tim McOsker celebrated the inaugural Croatian Culture Week in the City of Los Angeles today with a presentation to the Los Angeles City Council. Croatian Culture Week will run from May 19th to May 28th.
“Croatian culture is deeply ingrained in San Pedro,” said Councilmember 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.”
San Pedro is home to one of the largest populations of Croatian Immigrants in the United States with a population of 35,000. The first Croatians immigrated to the area during the first half of the 20th century and 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. We are grateful to Councilmember McOsker for making it possible."
With a week full of events, McOsker kicked off the celebration with a presentation in Council with the Consul General of Croatia in Los Angeles, Renee Pea, and a performance from Rebecca Posavec.
Events include:
Saturday, May 20 - Croatian Heritage Night at LAFC vs. San Jose Earthquakes
Wednesday, May 24 - Lunch and History Lecture by Professor Tomislav Matic
Thursday, May 25 - Croatian Wine Tasting Dinner & Music by Roko
Friday, May 26 - Croatian Karaoke
Saturday, May 27 - So. Cal Bocce Tournament and Kids Soccer Games
Sunday, May 28 - Croatian Independence Street Party
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