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Croatians arrived and settled in Victoria as early as 1860. Currently there are over 18,000 Croatian-born residents in Victoria and many more of Croatian descent. Over 38,000 Victorian residents identified as having Croatian ancestry, including second and later generations. Croatian Australians are more likely to be resident in Victoria than any other state.
The Croatian community today is thriving and continues to reflect the ongoing commitment of Croats to maintaining their heritage. The Croatian community has many different clubs and organisations within Victoria. Many regular events are held within these groups. The Croatian Cultural Festival is an opportunity for the Croatian community to introduce this culture to rest of Melbourne and Victoria. Most of all, this Festival will be a celebration of Victoria’s diversity.
Nowadays, the children of Croatian born parents, regularly put Croatia on their ‘must-see’ list of travel destinations as a way of connecting with family and understanding the history and heritage of their parents. This, together with a great sense of pride in being Victorian, underpins the close knit Croatian community in Victoria.
Through the Croatian Cultural Festival we aim to:
• Involve all Victorians in learning about and valuing the cultural diversity of our State by exploring and celebrating Croatia's unique culture.
• Encourage the Victorian community to be more aware of, and participate in celebrating, the diversity of the Croatian culture in Victoria.
• Showcase the contribution that Victorians with a Croatian heritage have made to the growth of Victoria and Australia.
We hope that you will be a part of this special event by attending the Croatian Cultural Festival to “see, hear and taste.” |
