Celebrating a Croatian Christmas in New York
- by croatiaweek
- in News
by Ane Strazicic Rodriguez
The build up to our Croatian Christmas in New York started with the 50th anniversary celebration of Kolo Group Kardinal Stepinac NY on 20 November 20 at the Croatian Center New York.
The Celebration started with the singing of the American and Croatian national anthems which were performed by Kolo Group Kardinal Stepinac NY and the Croatian School.
Founding member Zvonko Crnogorac, Consul General of the Republic of Croatia in NY Nikica Kopačević and the Ambassador of the Republic of Croatia to the USA, Pjer Šimunović all then gave speeches. Fra Nikola Pašalic then blessed the event and a traditional dinner prepared by well-known Croatian catering company LaFortuna, who are known for their generous donations to the Croatian Community in NY whenever needed, then followed.
The Croatian School Kardinal Stepinac NY then performed dances from the region of Slavonia (Slavonsko Kolo), whilst Kolo Group Kardinal Stepinac NY performed dances from Prigorje (Splet kola Prigorje) and Alumni Kardinal Stepinac NY started with a medley of traditional songs from all over Croatia and finished with dances from Turopolje (Splet kola Turopolja). The program was dedicated to Vukovar and to two individuals, one who spearheaded the formation in the beginning, Fra. Mladen Čuvalo and the other Vlado.
The Sts. Cyril & Methodius and St. Raphael Croatian Church is the center for all Croatians to come together to pray, sing, dance and preserve their rich culture, heritage and language. These Croatians wanted to ensure that these deep-rooted traditions were passed on to their children to ensure they never forget their roots and where they came from. As a result a Croatian School and Folklore group Kardinal Stepinac was established in 1971.
The board of the Kardinal Stepinac group thanked everyone who was able to attend the 50th anniversary celebration and promised to continue exhibiting our Croatian heritage and hope to do so for many more years to come and to look forward to many more performances and the continuation of our Croatian faith that the youth in the community will continue the legacy of Kolo Group Kardinal Stepinac NY.
St.Nicholas
On December 6, St.Nicholas gave out presents to all the kids at the Croatian Center NY.
On December 12, the Croatian School Kardinal Stepinac NY organized a traditional Christmas Celebration and performance at the Croatian Center where they celebrated with their parents and friends. A number of Croatian social clubs and organizations organized Christmas parties at Croatian Restaurants like Restaurant Dubrovnik, LaFortuna, Konoba Hantington, Istra and Rudar Club where they celebrated with Croatian music and traditional Croatian food.
Christmas
But best of all is Polnoćka – Midnight Mass – at the Croatian Church Sts. Cyril and Methodius and St.Raphael’s and the Christmas celebration Mass on Christmas Day when Croatians with their families from all three states, NY ,NJ, and Connecticut, celebrate Christmas together singing traditional Croatian Christmas songs and going to Croatian Mass.
After mass every Croatian family like mine continues celebrating at home with friends and families with delicious traditional Croatian Christmas food, deserts and wine and singing carols (kolende).
Sretan Božić – Merry Christmas!
(Photos: Kolo Grupa and Croatian School Kardinal Stepinac NY/Private album)
