Traditional evening of Bosnian Croats in New York

by croatiaweek
November 7, 2023
in Entertainment

(Photo: Ane Strazicic Rodriguez)

In the beautiful Croatian Center in New York, the traditional evening of Bosnian Croats was held on Saturday, November 4th, an evening of tradition, joy, and unity.

The evening began with a Holy Mass led by Friar Nikola Pašalić and continued in the Grand Parish Hall where Croatian immigrants living on the East Coast of America and their friends gathered.

(Photo: Ane Strazicic Rodriguez)

The event was opened by Zoran Kovač, the president of the Association of Bosnian Croats, who welcomed everyone and expressed gratitude to all those who helped, especially to sponsor Dario Erceg for his donation of homemade cured meat products.

(Photo: Ane Strazicic Rodriguez)

He thanked all those who attended and supported the evening to make it successful, with hope that it will continue for many more years.

(Photo: Ane Strazicic Rodriguez)

He also greeted esteemed guests, the Consul General of the Republic of Croatia in New York, Mr. Nikica Kopačević, and Ms. Lidija Babić, the first consul and Military Attaché of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina to the UN, Mr. Bruno Lukić, with his wife Jadranka, who are frequent and always welcome guests in the Croatian Community in New York.

(Photo: Ane Strazicic Rodriguez)

Friar Nikola Pašalić blessed the dinner and added that this evening is the unity of the community’s unity. Although people come from different places, they are connected by the same Croatian blood.

Seeing the full hall of Croats from New York and neighboring states nurturing Croatian cultural heritage far from their homeland, especially the youth dancing the circle dance and singing, was a blessing as the tradition continues.

(Photo: Ane Strazicic Rodriguez)

They toasted with homemade Bosnian slivovitz and enjoyed Bosnian specialties, homemade cured meats, beans, stuffed cabbage rolls, various pies, sauerkraut with sausage, roast, and homemade cakes prepared by diligent women.

(Photo: Ane Strazicic Rodriguez)

Tihomir Mišić – Tiho, who specially came for this occasion from Mississauga, Canada, took care of the music. Traditional kolo dances were performed, and singing continued late into the night.