Croatian cultural heritage on show in Chandler, Arizona
- by croatiaweek
- in Entertainment
Chandler, a city southeast of Phoenix, Arizona, recently hosted its annual Multicultural Festival, an event that shines a spotlight on the diverse tapestry of the community.
The 29th edition of the Multicultural Festival, hosted by the City of Chandler’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Division, was held recently and was a celebration of cultures, embodying the ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the civil rights movement.
This year’s festival also showcased the rich cultural heritage of Croatia, thanks to the efforts of local Croatian residents who passionately set up an information booth dedicated to their homeland.
Attendees were treated to a captivating display of authentic artifacts, books, traditional clothing, and nošjne (folk costumes).
The Consulate also contributed by providing books and pamphlets containing valuable information about the region.
Last year, the Croatian American Club of Arizona took charge of a food booth, offering festival-goers a taste of Croatian cuisine. This year, their focus shifted towards providing deeper insights into Croatian culture through the information booth. The booth not only showcased the beauty of Croatia but also fostered a deeper understanding of its traditions and history.
The festival’s culinary experience was not left behind, as the Croatian American Club of Arizona continued its tradition of sponsoring a food booth. The star of the menu was the traditional Ćevapi plate, a Croatian delicacy that quickly became a crowd favorite, selling out during the festivities.
Attendees were treated to the authentic flavors of Croatia, leaving taste buds delighted and curious for more.
The vibrant representation of Croatia at the Multicultural Festival garnered positive responses from attendees, who expressed appreciation for the meticulous presentation of the country’s culture, landscape, and traditions. Local residents, filled with enthusiasm, are already looking forward to the next edition of the festival, hoping to see Croatia represented on the main stage.
In the coming year, efforts are underway to secure Croatian dancers and musicians for a cultural performance, further enhancing the festival’s commitment to showcasing the global richness of heritage.