PHOTOS: President opens new Croatian House in New Orleans
- by croatiaweek
- in News
Croatian House (Photo: Croatian American Society)
Croatian President Zoran Milanović was on hand to cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the Croatian House in Belle Chasse, near New Orleans in Louisiana on Saturday.
Construction on the 9,000-square-foot Croatian House, which is valued at $5.2 million, concluded in August. Designed in the Croatian architectural style, this center encompasses a grand hall, an indoor kitchen, a bar, an outdoor pavilion, and a kitchen.
Anticipated events comprise a Croatian Festival in the spring, a Croatian dance in autumn, gatherings to watch sporting events, holiday celebrations, card game nights, women’s luncheons, language courses, and culinary classes.
(Photo: Office of the President of Croatia/Ana Marija Katić)
(Photo: Office of the President of Croatia/Ana Marija Katić)
“Be dedicated to your community, use this building that has arisen as a result of the sacrifices of many, and I wish that it serves many more in the future. Continue to nurture your culture and heritage, remain true to who you are,” President Milanović conveyed to Croatian immigrants who gathered in large numbers on Saturday for the grand opening of the Croatian House.
(Photo: Office of the President of Croatia/Ana Marija Katić)
The host for the President of the Republic and his wife, Sanja Musić Milanović, was the Croatian-American Society, which is also behind the construction of the new Croatian House, funded by many esteemed members of the Croatian community in Louisiana. Anthony Cibilich, the president of the society, welcomed President Milanović on behalf of the organization.
Croatian House (Photo: Croatian American Society)
After socializing and conversing with them, President Milanović stated that the time spent with Croatians in Belle Chasse would be remembered for a lifetime.
(Photo: Office of the President of Croatia/Ana Marija Katić)
“As a politician, I have practically been to all the places where Croatians have settled around the world – New Zealand, Australia, Chile, the Pacific – but this is truly amazing for me. Everywhere, there are good and special people, hardworking, of similar origins. The reason your ancestors came here was in pursuit of happiness, to make life better, to earn money. Striving to be better, to work, to climb the social ladder is legitimate and should be more deeply ingrained among our people and in our culture. Less focus on the past, more on working, being responsible, and committed to family and community,” President Milanović said.
(Photo: Office of the President of Croatia/Ana Marija Katić)
During the ceremony, the President of the Republic also presented three certificates of Croatian citizenship to Honorary Consul of the Republic of Croatia in New Orleans, James Owen Coleman, and his wife Leah Monique Coleman, as well as to the distinguished member of the Croatian-American Society, Anita Farac Cognevic. The grand opening of the Croatian Cultural Center was attended by the Deputy Governor of Louisiana, Billy Nungesser.
(Photo: Office of the President of Croatia/Ana Marija Katić)
New Orleans was the center of the first migrations of Croatians in the early 20th century from Southern Dalmatia and the Pelješac Peninsula, especially from the town of Duba. Today, there is a large Croatian community in this American city and its surrounding areas, which has expressed its connection to the Homeland through the construction of the aforementioned Croatian Cultural Center. The construction of the facility, worth 5.2 million dollars, began in December 2021 and was completed in August of this year.
(Photo: Office of the President of Croatia/Ana Marija Katić)
(Photo: Office of the President of Croatia/Ana Marija Katić)
The Croatian-American Society was founded in 1991 to provide aid to Croatia after it declared independence. After Croatia became an independent country, the society shifted its focus towards preserving Croatian culture and tradition.
(Photo: Office of the President of Croatia/Ana Marija Katić)
(Photo: Office of the President of Croatia/Ana Marija Katić)
The Croatian-American Society is not only a hub for Croatians in New Orleans but, through its daily activities, it is also one of the most important bearers of Croatian national identity in Louisiana. The society has around five hundred members.
