(Photo: Supplied/Nada Pritisanac Matulich)
By Nada Pritisanac Matulich
Croatian American Heritage Month was officially launched at Los Angeles City Hall this week, marking the beginning of a month-long celebration of Croatian culture, heritage and the contributions of the Croatian community in Southern California.
Organised by the Consulate General of the Republic of Croatia in Los Angeles together with numerous Croatian community organisations, the May 2026 programme brings together a wide range of cultural, social and diplomatic events across Los Angeles and San Pedro.
The central event took place on 8 May at Los Angeles City Hall, where Croatian American Heritage Month was formally proclaimed during a ceremony attended by representatives of the city administration, members of the diplomatic corps, Croatian organisations and community members.
(Photo: Supplied/Nada Pritisanac Matulich)
The programme opened with remarks from Los Angeles City Council member Tim McOsker, who presented an official resolution to Croatia’s Consul General in Los Angeles, Renee Pea.
In her address, Consul General Pea thanked the Los Angeles City Council for the recognition and highlighted the importance and achievements of the Croatian community in Los Angeles, as well as the ongoing efforts to preserve Croatian identity, language and culture across generations of emigrants and their descendants.
(Photo: Supplied/Nada Pritisanac Matulich)
Frane Jerković, president of the Croatian American Club in San Pedro, also addressed those gathered at the ceremony.
The month-long heritage programme includes a series of cultural and community events throughout Los Angeles and San Pedro. Earlier this month, the Dalmatian-American Club in San Pedro celebrated its 100th anniversary.
Croatian cinema was also showcased at the Southeast European Film Festival from 2 to 5 May, where films including Honey Bunny, Around the Clock, My Friend Sely, Fačuk, How, Sailboat at the End of the Street, The Shadow and Vanja & Vanja were screened to international audiences.
(Photo: Supplied/Nada Pritisanac Matulich)
The Croatian film Around the Clock, directed by Marina Muselin, received the award for Best Short Documentary Film at the festival.
The programme also features concerts, cultural evenings and gastronomic events organised by Croatian associations and institutions.
Mother’s Day celebrations on 10 May will traditionally take place at St Anthony’s Church, featuring performances by the Croatia school and folklore group. Additional Mother’s Day events will also be held at the Dalmatian Club and the Croatian Club.
(Photo: Supplied/Nada Pritisanac Matulich)
On 21 May, the Histrion Foundation, in cooperation with the Croatian Consulate, will organise a Croatian wine tasting and gala evening featuring a performance by well-known Croatian singer Roko Blažević at Perch Rooftop Garden in downtown Los Angeles.
One of the biggest events of the month will be Croatia’s Statehood Day celebration on 24 May at the Croatian American Club in San Pedro, featuring a large street celebration and gathering of the Croatian community.
The traditional Community Fish Luncheon will take place on 29 May at the Dalmatian-American Club San Pedro, one of the oldest Croatian-American institutions on the west coast of the United States.
On the same evening, following sunset, Los Angeles City Hall will be illuminated in the colours of the Croatian flag in a symbolic gesture recognising the Croatian community and its contribution to the city’s cultural life.
(Photo: Supplied/Nada Pritisanac Matulich)
Croatian American Heritage Month will conclude on 30 May with a Statehood Day reception organised by the Consulate General at St Anthony’s Church. The closing programme will include a comedy performance by Hollywood’s Tesla Theater, along with appearances by Croatian actors Pavle Medvešek and Filip Šertić.
This year’s Croatian American Heritage Month has once again highlighted the strong connection between the Croatian diaspora and the homeland, as well as the important role the Croatian community continues to play in the cultural and social life of Los Angeles and California.
