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Croatians in Cleveland


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News and Upcoming Events for Croatians in Cleveland

Welcome from the Cleveland Croatian Community

Branka and Jerry Malinar and Tom Turkaly welcome all to Cleveland on behalf of the Croatian community.




  • Are you interested in doing business in Croatia?
  • Are you interested in taking a trip to Croatia?
  • Are you of Croatian heritage and living, working or visiting Cleveland or Northeast Ohio?

Contact us for more information.


Submit your Cleveland Croatian news and events.


Out & About - Photos and Event Recaps

2023

Croatian Christmas Nativity Display by Jerry and Branka Malinar

The Croatian Heritage Museum in Eastlake has a beautiful Nativity set on display for the Christmas holiday. Branka Malinar and her late husband Jerry have volunteered for the Croatian Museum and community for over 40 years. Jerry created this traditional Croatian Nativity scene out of papier-mâché. A painting of Zagreb, Croatia is in the back and besides the crčche there are other special features such as a Mill and a rotating Kolo circle dance.

Jerry Malinar Croatian Nativity Display

Jerry Malinar Croatian Nativity Display

Photos and video of the Croatian Nativity Display


Croatian Wedding Traditions

The latest exhibit at the Croatian Heritage Museum is titled: “Mladenka” - Croatian Wedding Traditions

Croatian Wedding Traditions Exhibit in Cleveland


The exhibit shows the dresses and colorful headdresses for the brides and the towels (Rucnici) that the groom and other men wore. Various regions of Croatia are represented. Admission is free.

Watch a video tour and see more photos


Croatian Cultural Garden at One World Day 2023

Cleveland's Croatian community was well-represented at the 77th annual One World Day in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens on August 27, 2023. One World Day has been the official event of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation since 1946. Over 50,000 people visited the gardens on One World Day 2023.

The Croatian community participated in the Parade of Flags which had 1500 people from over 53 countries.

Watch the video of the Parade of Flags.



Croatian group at One World Day 2023

Croatian group at One World Day 2023

Croatian group at One World Day 2023


See more of One World Day 2023.


2022

Croatian American Sports Hall of Fame inaugural induction ceremony and dinner

The inaugural class of the Croatian American Sports Hall of Fame on October 16, 2022 at the American Croatian Lodge in Eastlake, Ohio just east of Cleveland.

Croatian American Sports Hall of Fame stage

The first ten honorees are Fred Couples, Helen Crlenkovich, John Havlicek, Mickey Lolich, Roger Maris, Kevin McHale, George Mikan, Mark Pavelich, Joe Sakic, and Joe Stydahar. Long time sports broadcaster, Jerome Jurenovich served as the Master of Ceremonies for this inaugural CAS-HOF induction banquet and ceremony.

Honorees and committee members

Honorees and committee members


Photos /videos of the Croatian Sports Hall of Fame inductions

Photo page - Attendees and Guests at the Induction ceremony


Cleveland Junior Tamburitzans at St Elizabeth Hungarian Church

The Cleveland Junior Tamburitzans are a non-profit cultural organization that works to preserve their Croatian heritage through music, song, and dance - taught by professional instructors. The Cleveland Junior Tamburitzans has been active for over 60 years. They performed at the 130th anniversary of St Elizabeth Hungarian Church in Cleveland Ohio.

Cleveland Junior Tamburitzans at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church

Some of the Cleveland Junior Tamburitzans


See photos and videos of the Cleveland Junior Tamburitzans performing


Croatian Cultural Garden at One World Day 2022

Cleveland's Croatian community was well-represented at the 76th annual One World Day in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens on August 28, 2022. They marched in the Parade of Flags.

Croatian Garden in Parade of Flags at One World Day

Croatian Garden in Parade of Flags at One World Day


After the Parade, they attracted thousands of visitors to their 2-story Cultural Garden featuring the Immigrant Mother statue.

Croatian Cultural Garden

Croatian Cultural Garden ladies at One World Day

See more of One World Day 2022.


Croatian Cultural Garden Immigrant Mother Statue

The Cleveland Cultural Gardens are a chain of over 35 gardens in Cleveland's Rockefeller Park that focus on the heritage of the different groups. The Croatian Cultural Garden has an upper presence on East Blvd. and this lower level on MLK Blvd. Dan Hanson walks through the lower level and talks about the inspiring statue of the Immigrant Mother created by Joseph Turkaly. The Immigrant Mother statue is dedicated to all those women, regardless of nationality, who came her, often with children in tow, to start a new life in America. He also shows the beautiful waterfall cascading from the upper level to the lower.




2021

Croatian Cultural Garden at One World Day 2021

Cleveland's Croatian community was well-represented at the 75th annual One World Day in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens. They marched in the Parade of Flags and attracted thousands of visitors to their 2-story Cultural Garden featuring the Immigrant Mother statue.

Croatian Cultural Garden at One World Day 2021 Parade of Flags

Immigrant Mother statue in Croatian Cultural Garden

Immigrant Mother statue in Croatian Cultural Garden

See more of the Croatian community at One World Day 2021


Croatian Cultural Garden - Sealing Benches from the Island of Brac

Tom Turkaly, Branka Malinar, Katica Kuhar and Mila Mandic worked in the Croatian Cultural Garden on May 22, 2021 to spruce it up for Spring. In addition, they sealed the benches that came from the Croatian island of Brac.

Brac is an island in the Adriatic Sea within Croatia, with an area of 396 square kilometres (153 sq mi), making it the largest island in Dalmatia, and the third largest in the Adriatic.

Croatian Cultural Garden in Cleveland

Sprucing up around the Immigrant Mother statue

More photos of the Croatian Cultural Garden cleanup


2019

Croatian Cultural Garden at One World Day

The Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation hosted the 74th annual One World Day on August 25, 2019. Police estimates say that over 30,000 people visited the Gardens and attended One World Day. There was a lot of activity in the beautiful and historic Croatian Cultural Garden.

Croatian community on One World Day

Croatian community on One World Day


See more from the 2019 One World Day.

A highlight of One World Day is the Parade of Flags where people in costumes of their heritage carry the flags. This year was undoubtedly the largest and most colorful in memory.

Croatian Garden in the Parade of Flags

Croatian Garden in the Parade of Flags

Croatian Garden in the Parade of Flags


Video and pictures from the Parade of Flags at 2019 One World Day


2018

One World Day 2018

The Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation (CCGF) hosted the 73rd annual One World Day on September 16, 2018. A highlight is the Parade of Flags where people in costumes of their heritage carry the flags. The Croatian Garden was well-represented in the Parade.

Croatian Garden in Parade of Flags at 73rd annual One World Day in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens

Croatian Garden in Parade of Flags


Croatian Garden in Parade of Flags at 73rd annual One World Day in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens


Croatian Garden in Parade of Flags at 73rd annual One World Day in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens

See video, photos and more from the Parade of Flags

Back to the 2018 One World Day main page


2017

American Zagreb Junior Tamburitza in the Cleveland Museum of Art

The American Zagreb Junior Tamburitza from the Croatian Heritage Museum & Library in Eastlake Ohio performed traditional Croatian music and dance in traditional Croatian costumes at the Cleveland Museum of Art's International Cleveland Community Day in the Atrium of the museum.

American Zagreb Junior Tamburitza

American Zagreb Junior Tamburitza


Photos & videos of the American Zagreb Junior Tamburitza in the Cleveland Museum of Art


Cleveland Jr. Tamburitzans at 2017 One World Day

The Cleveland Jr. Tamburitzans performed traditional Croatian music and dance at the 72nd annual One World Day in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens.

Click on the white arrow to watch the video



See more from the 2017 One World Day in the Cleveland Cultural Gardens


Žumbercani Tamburitzans Orchestra in the Croatian Cultural Garden

The Croatian Heritage Museum & Library hosted a concert of Croatian tamburitza music in the Croatian Cultural Garden on Sunday September 17, 2017. The Žumbercani Tamburitzans Orchestra performed a concert of traditional Croatian tamburitza music.

Žumbercani Tamburitzans Orchestra in Croatian Cultural Garden

Žumbercani Tamburitzans Orchestra in Croatian Cultural Garden


Photos and videos of the Žumbercani Tamburitzans Orchestra in the Croatian Cultural Garden


Croatian Folk Art: Lace & Embroidery

The Croatian Heritage Museum & Library in Cleveland (Eastlake) Ohio is committed to the collection and preservation of Croatian history, culture, source materials, and artifacts. Their most recent exhibit is Croatian Folk Art: Lace & Embroidery which runs from March 10 – October 31, 2017.

Croatian Folk Art: Lace & Embroidery exhibit at Croatian Heritage Museum in Cleveland


Photos and video of the Croatian Folk Art: Lace & Embroidery Exhibit


2016

Croatian Cultural Garden on One World Day 2016

The Croatian Cultural Garden and Croatian community participated in the 71st One World Day on August 28, 2016. They began with the Parade of Flags.

Croatia  in Parade of Flags

Croatian Cultural Garden in Parade of Flags

Croatia  in Parade of Flags

Croatia  in Parade of Flags

Throughout the day members of the Croatian community of Cleveland hosted hundreds of visitors in the Croatian Cultural Garden and shared Croatian food and gave a look at Croatian culture.

Croatian Cultural Garden on One World Day

Croatian Cultural Garden on One World Day

Croatian Garden

See more from 2016 One World Day


Sounds of Croatian Tamburitza Music

A celebration of Croatian Tamburitza Music was held in the Croatian Cultural Garden in Cleveland. The Sounds of Croatian Tamburitza Music was sponsored by The American Croatian Lodge, "Kardinal A. Stepinac" featuring Zadnja Stanica.

Cleveland Croatian young people performing


Photos and Video of Croatian Tamburitza Music Event


2015

Croatian Cultural Group Kordun from the Croatian Heritage Museum

The Croatian Cultural Group Kordun from the Croatian Heritage Museum & Library in Eastlake Ohio performed traditional Croatian music and dance in traditional Croatian costumes at the Cleveland Museum of Art's International Cleveland Community Day in the Atrium of the museum.

The Croatian Cultural Group Kordun from the Croatian Heritage Museum & Library in Eastlake Ohio

Croatian Cultural Group Kordun


Photos and Video of Croatian Group Kordun


Dubrovnik Garden Croatian Adventure

The Cleveland Food Adventurers Passport event in June 2015 was at the Dubrovnik Garden Restaurant in the Croatian Lodge at 34900 Lakeshore Blvd, Eastlake, OH 44095. People who enjoy trying different foods and learning about different cultures participate in the Food Adventurer's group. The first 50 Passport holders who RSVP'd enjoyed a sumptuous Croatian meal and learned about the country, culture, customs and, of course, food of Croatia.

The Croatian community is deservedly proud of their Croatian Lodge and many members were on hand to talk about Croatia and their community.

The event covered Croatian food, history, language, customs and people.

See photos and videos from the Dubrovnik Garden adventure


Famous people of Croatian heritage

At the adventure to the Dubrovnik Garden Dan Hanson quizzed the audience about some famous people of Croatian heritage.




Croatian Cultural Garden History and Immigrant Mother Statue

At the adventure to the Dubrovnik Garden Dan Hanson told how the Croatian community had been represented in the Yugoslav community since 1937 but with independence in 1991, started on their own.



Branka Malinar then read the touching poem called The Immigrant Mother which reflects the spirit of the statue of the same name in the Croatian Cultural Garden.




***

Stay informed about the local Croatian community by signing up for the free Croatian eNews mailings. You can select other groups as well. It's easy and free.

Fill out the form for the free Croatian eNews.


***

2014

Croatian Cultural Garden Year in Review

Thomas Turkaly reports: "It was an other tremendous year for the Croatian Cultural garden. Phase II was almost completed by years end; the Viseslav Baptismal font & four more benches made from Brac stone were installed in spring and landscaping was in place by our dedication in August. The railing along the steps were erected in late fall thanks again to the generosity of the Lozic foundation. The last remaining element to phase II is a sign and flag pole on the upper level along East Blvd.

The dedication was well attended, with many of our folk groups providing entertainment. To date we have raised over $300,000 towards the garden, most of which went for infrastructure; steps, walkways, plazas, etc. (We are the largest garden to go into the Cultural gardens in many years!!).Thanks again goes to all our generous donors and benefactors without whom this would not have happened.

Plans will shortly be underway for phase III that will focus on paying tribute to our cultural figures and accomplishments. Stay tuned."


Dedication of Phase II Croatian Cultural Garden

The Baptismal Font of Prince Višeslav the first Croatian Prince who reined around 800 is an extremely important monument. This hexagonal stone vessel is witness to the time when Croats first accepted Christianity.

Baptismal Font of Prince Višeslav in Croatian Cultural Garden in Cleveland Ohio

Baptismal Font of Prince Višeslav photos and more


2013

The American Zagreb Jr. Tamburitzans were founded in Cleveland Ohio in 1957. As their musical director explains the young people perform authentic dances and songs in authentic costumes and playing authentic instruments of Croatia. They performed at International Cleveland Community Day in the Atrium of the Cleveland Museum of Art.




Samobor Crystal and other Treasures from Old Samobor
Opening of new exhibit at the Croatian Heritage Museum and Library
March 24, 2013

The medieval city of Samobor to the west of Zagreb in Croatia is known for its crystal making. The Croatian Heritage Museum and Library just opened its newest exhibit titled Samobor Crystal and other Treasures from Old Samobor. The crystal displayed is from various collectors loaned to the museum for this exhibit.

Branka Malinar and Neda Rosandic-Saric

Branka Malinar and Neda Rosandic Saric


See photos and videos from the Samobor exhibit


2012

Croatian community and Harmonia
Opening of Ames Family Atrium in Cleveland Museum of Art
October 28, 2012

The Cleveland Croatian community was represented and the band Harmonia played at the grand opening of the Ames Family Atrium in the Cleveland Museum of Art on Sunday October 28, 2012.

Tom Turkaly at Croatian Garden table

Tom Turkaly at Croatian Garden table


The Band Harmonia at Cleveland Art Museum opening

Harmonia at Cleveland Art Museum Ames Atrium opening




Mila Mandic

Mila Mandic


Croatian soil mixed with others in Cultural Gardens of Cleveland

The 65th annual One World Day in Cleveland featured the depositing of soil from Croatia into a crypt containing soil from other nations that have Cultural Gardens.

Mila Mandic from the Cleveland Croatian community deposited soil from Croatia to mix with soil of other nations

Mila Mandic deposited soil from Croatia into the crypt



Cleveland Junior Tamburitzans
ClevelandPeople.Com International Pavilion
September 2, 2012

Cleveland Junior Tamburitzans in the ClevelandPeople.Com International Pavilion

Cleveland Junior Tamburitzans



Croatian Cultural Garden Dedication
Unveiling of the Immigrant Mother Statue and Dedication of the Garden
June 3, 2012

Josip Paro, Croatia's ambassador to the United States

Josip Paro, Croatia's ambassador to the United States


Immigrant Mother statue unveiling

Immigrant Mother statue unveiling by
Helen Sekulic and son John Sekulic



Immigrant Mother statue in the Croatian Cultural Garden
Placement of the statue and preview of the Garden

Members of the Turkaly family with the Immigrant Mother statue in the Croatian Cultural Garden

Members of the Turkaly family with the
Immigrant Mother statue in the Croatian Cultural Garden



Cardinal Aloysius Stepinac Statue
Croatian Lodge in Eastlake Ohio

Cardinal Aloysius Stepinac statue in Croatian Lodge in Eastlake Cleveland Ohio

Cardinal Aloysius Stepinac statue



2011

Croatian Cultural Garden Ground Breaking
April 30, 2011

Jerry and Branka Malinar

Jerry and Branka Malinar


Cleveland Junior Tamburitzans


Croatian Pride. Cleveland Junior Tamburitzans
At the 21st annual International Folk Festival July 18, 2010


Croatian Cultural Garden Benefit
Photos and videos from the November 1, 2009 event

Tambura - Tamburitza guitar



The Cleveland Junior Tamburitzans was founded in 1959 and there are now 75 active dancers.

The goal of the CJT is to teach each child to dance and sing to traditional Croatian Music and to learn to play the traditional instruments of Croatia.

Tom Salopek is an expert tambura player and shares his knowledge and skills as Music Director of the CJT.

Katarina Lukacevic is a former member of Ivan Goran Kovacic, a premier tambura dance ensemble from Croatia, and she uses her experience to choreograph dance sets, teach dance and instruct vocals at the Cardinal Stepinac Croatian Home Cultural Center.

Cleveland Junior Tamburitzans Performing at the Hungarian Festival of Freedom 10-21-06

Cleveland Junior Tamburitzans Performing
at the Hungarian Festival of Freedom 10-21-06


Cleveland Junior Tamburitzans Performing at the Hungarian Festival of Freedom 10-21-06


Cleveland Junior Tamburitzans Performing at the Hungarian Festival of Freedom 10-21-06


Cleveland Junior Tamburitzans Performing at the Hungarian Festival of Freedom 10-21-06

Organizations and Resources for Croatians in Cleveland


The Croatian Heritage Museum and Library
Located in the American Croatian Lodge Complex in Eastlake, Ohio

The main goals of the Croatian Heritage Museum & Library are:

  • Commitment to the collection and preservation of Croatian history and culture source materials and artifacts.
  • Commitment to the historical and cultural research of Croatians in the United States.
  • Promotion of the fine arts of Croatian artist.
  • Sharing the Croatian culture and history with the general public to promote mutual understanding through outreach programs in the community.

Submit your Cleveland Croatian organizations and resources.

Business, Education and Employment Information

Submit your Cleveland Croatian jobs, classes and other opportunities.


Cleveland Croatian Feedback and Memories

Why Croatia? By Croatian genealogist Robert Jerin
Jerin shares some things about Croatia, the Land of his Ancestors


Submit your Cleveland Croatian Feedback and Memories.


Croatian History and Culture


Tell us about the music, food, holidays, traditions, costumes, language and other qualities that make Croatians so special.

Cleveland Junior Tamburitzans Performing at the Hungarian Festival of Freedom 10-21-06




Map of Croatia



The lands that today comprise Croatia were part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until the close of World War I. In 1918, the Croats, Serbs, and Slovenes formed a kingdom known after 1929 as Yugoslavia.

Following World War II, Yugoslavia became a federal independent Communist state under the strong hand of Marshal Tito. Although Croatia declared its independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, it took four years of sporadic, but often bitter, fighting before occupying Serb armies were mostly cleared from Croatian lands.

Under UN supervision, the last Serb-held enclave in eastern Slavonia was returned to Croatia in 1998.

(facts courtesy of CIA World Fact Book)


From Yugoslavia to Croatia

At the adventure to the Dubrovnik Garden Dan Hanson explained how Yugoslavia formed after World War 1 and then how it split into 6 countries in 1991 with the independence of Slovenia and Croatia.

>



Croatian and Yugoslavia History

At the adventure to the Dubrovnik Garden Lt Colonel Joe Meissner spoke about the history of Croatia and Yugoslavia (covering Tito and Stalin)




Croatian inventions -the Fountain Pen and necktie

At the adventure to the Dubrovnik Garden Branka Malinar of Cleveland's Croatian community told how a Croatian man named Slavoljub Eduard Penkala invented the solid-ink fountain pen and that Croatian mercenaries in France wore kerchiefs which the French called - Crovats which evolved into cravat and the neck tie.




Submit your Cleveland Croatian cultural items.


Profiles of Croatians in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio



If you know of a Cleveland Croatian who should be profiled,
please let us know.
ClevelandPeople.Com - Croatian Ambassadors

Croatian Ambassador Sonja Unger
Sonja Unger
Branka Malinar

Read more about the Armenian and other Ambassadors. If you are interested in being considered to be an official ClevelandPeople.com Ambassador to the Cleveland Croatian community, please contact us.




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