The traditional annual gathering of Croatian community in Louisiana was held in New Orleans under the organization of the Croatian-American Society whose goal is to strengthen and preserve Croatian national identity in the southeast of USA.
Croatian Ambassador Kolinda Grabar – Kitarovic greeted the 300 guests who gathered at the festive dinner and the ball. The President of the Society Ms. Susan Hihar, in her remarks mentioned that opening of the Croatian House is to be the Society’s main activity for this year.
New Orleans, one of the oldest among American cities was the spotlight of the first immigration of Croatian people from South Dalmatia and the peninsula of Peljesac, who came to the United States at the beginning of the 20th century. The persistency and effort that has gone into the establishment of the Society, as well as the fostering of ethnic affiliation and Croatian culture in Louisiana is showing results from generation to generation.
The Croatian-American Society is not only a center of gathering for Croatians from New Orleans, but through its day to day activities will become one of the most important holders of Croatian national identity in Louisiana.