These spring-to-summer months in Croatia seem to be taking on the flavour of the diaspora, with an increasing appeal. And so, anyone holidaying there at that time, whether of Croatian roots or not, would, I strongly believe, enjoy the events which all contain a message of Welcome. A couple of these events are maiden – organised for the first time, while another is in its second year.

Week for Croats Outside Croatia is being held for the first time from May 25 to May 31, inclusive. Being held in Croatia’s capital Zagreb, its goal is reported to be to strengthen ties and unity among Croats worldwide. This initiative includes Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Croatian national minority in 12 European countries, the Croatian diaspora, their descendants, and returnees to their homeland.

The program is rich, catering for many tastes and preferences. From art and other exhibitions, talks, lectures, stalls displaying the traditional heritage of Croats outside Croatia, theatre shows and performances, musical concerts and several other cultural events.

“The Week of Croats Abroad is being held in the week when we will mark Statehood Day, Armed Forces Day, and Zagreb Veterans Day, which gives it an additional dimension in terms of the goals we want to achieve. In this way, we also wanted to raise awareness among the domestic Croatian population about Croats living abroad, to highlight their contributions to the creation of Croatian statehood and to Croatia’s development. We want to connect people, institutions and organisations, and to create a platform through which we strengthen Croatian unity,” said Zvonko Milas, head of the Central State Office for Croats Outside of the Republic of Croatia, organising these events.

“This will be an opportunity to once again revisit one of the foundational policies of President Franjo Tuđman in the early 1990’s, which emphasised the strong ties between Croatians at home and abroad. And in that context our investment into and support for Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as a constituent and equal people and with all of the rights we have secured for members of the Croatian Defence Council, support for Croatian minorities in neighbouring countries, and care for the Croatian diaspora takes on a new dimension, and that is why we look forward to the numerous cultural events connected to this week,” said Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic.

Then, on 9^th June 2025, at the Concert Hall Vatroslav Lisinski in Zagreb, for the second year in a row, there will be a grand concert organised by the renowned Croatian diaspora media outlet CroExpress and its Editor in Chief, Marina Stojak, under the name of “Faith, Family, Homeland! This year’s concert theme is “It is best at home” or “Home is Best!”

Performers from Croatia and the diaspora who will take to the stage on the evening include: the Samoana Band – Christian and Austin (New Zealand),  Ana Rucner (Croatia),  Đani Stipaničev (Croatia), Josip Ivanković and Ana Maria Ćavarušić (Tomislavgrad, Bosnia and Herzegovina), Darko Capo (Switzerland), Klapa Berlin (Germany). This concert is especially dear to my heart because it provides a public stage in Croatia where the diaspora can showcase its musical talents. What a great thing! Don’t miss it if you are in Zagreb or passing through on 9^th June.

Then in July 2026, 16 to 20^th inclusive, the First World Diaspora Friendship Games will be held, covering the locations of the city of Split and the island of Brač. The goal of this event is to permanently connect the Croatian diaspora worldwide with the Homeland through sport, culture, gatherings, and the exchange of experiences.

The idea for the Games was born during the summer on sports fields in Croatia, where spontaneous gatherings of members of the diaspora and athletes from the Homeland revealed the need for an event of lasting national and international character. The Games are envisioned as an annual event to be held each summer in a different Croatian region, welcoming all interested athletes and recreational participants from all countries, regardless of age or gender.  

The initiator and main organiser of the project is the American Croatian Congress (ACC) headed by its president Nada Pritisanec Matulich. With its organising committee and with the support and participation of dozens of distinguished partner organisations from the Homeland and the diaspora this event has all the hallmarks of being memorable and thrilling.

Program of the Games

July 16, 2026 – Split

Croatian Chamber of Commerce – County Chamber Split – Business Speed Dating at 14:00.; Ceremonial opening of the 1st World Diaspora Friendship Games at Galerija Meštrović at 19:30;

July 17, 2026 – Milna, island of Brač

Tennis, table tennis, pickleball, beach volleyball, bocce, five-a-side football, basketball.

July 18, 2026 – Split

Golf, paddleboarding and rugby, taekwondo, judo, kickboxing, jiu-jitsu, karate

Through Pickleball Toward Inclusion, Skill Development, and Active Participation of Persons with Special Needs

July 19, 2026 – Culture and Sport Day- Split

Visit to the Museum of Sport Split, city sightseeing tour, and an

Exhibition match between veterans of HNK Hajduk Split and Croatian diaspora players.

July 20, 2026 – Closing Ceremony – Split

At Aspira University of Applied Sciences, an exhibition by Družba “Braća Hrvatskoga Zmaja” will be held to mark the 1100th anniversary of the Croatian Kingdom.

Best of times, everyone!

Ina Vukic