THE CROATIAN COMMUNITY
In recognition of the many contributions of Croatians to the province of Ontario, the Ontario Legislative Assembly in 2024 passed a law proclaiming May 30 each year as Croatian Heritage Day in Ontario. Introduced to the Parliament by MPP Donna Skelly from the Flamborough-Glanbrook riding in Hamilton, at the initiative of the Consulate General of the Republic of Croatia in Mississauga and with a wide support of Croatian organizations across Ontario, the landmark legislation came as a recognition of the invaluable contributions made by Croatians to the rich tapestry of Ontario's cultural, social, and economic landscape.
The Republic of Croatia, homeland of the Croatian people along with Bosnia and Herzegovina, where they are one of the constitutional nations, is a modern democracy, member of the European Union, and a NATO member country.
A plaque dedicated to the Croatian community's contributions to business, culture, and sports in Toronto is exhibited at the corner of Brock Avenue and Croatia Street. George Chuvalo, the former Canadian heavyweight boxing champion, Val and Sandra Bezic, former Olympic figure skaters, and Frank and Peter Mahovlich, former Toronto Maple Leaf hockey greats, are legends in Canadian sports and the Toronto Croatian community. Croatians have shared in the making of Canada's history: Croats served in the Austrian military sent by the French government to help defend New France in 1758, and some sought their fortunes in the Cariboo and Yukon gold rushes of the late 1800s. Attracted to Toronto's growing industries at the turn of the 20th century, the early Croatian settlers left farms in Southern Ontario to find work in the city. Marko Puračić, a Croatian inventor who immigrated to the US from Croatia, is celebrated for his innovative fishing pulley system, which significantly advanced fishing technology and is so esteemed that it was featured on the Canadian 5-dollar bill, highlighting its importance to the industry and economy.
During the communist rule following the Second World War, thousands of Croatians left their home. Those who came to Canada generally settled in Toronto, finding work in industries, mining, and construction. Others worked in hospitals and public service, while some started their own businesses. In the 1950s, 60s, and 70s, a significant wave of Croatian immigrants arrived in Canada, fleeing the political repression and economic difficulties under communist Yugoslavia.
By 1951, the Croatian community had established its first parish and school, along with a number of social, business, and cultural organizations. Skilled Croatian construction workers were instrumental in building Toronto's subway system and developing Mississauga and the rest of the GTA. The Toronto Metros-Croatia soccer team proudly represented Canada by winning the 1976 North American Soccer League Championship.
In 1981, many of Toronto's 25,000 Croats enthusiastically poured into the streets of Parkdale to celebrate the renaming of Awde Street to Croatia Street. Our Lady Queen of Croatia Roman Catholic Church, at the top of Croatia Street, has been the religious, cultural, and educational pulse of the community for decades.
PLACES TO GO
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Our Lady Queen of Croatia (Tel. 416-536-3669, 7 Croatia St, Toronto; https://www.torontozupa.com/), contains an attractive display of Croatian arts and crafts, as well as a library. In the parish hall, works of art by Toronto Croatian artists depict important events in Croatian history. The church features a statue and dedication to Aloysius Cardinal Stepinac, the Archbishop of Zagreb (1898-1960).
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Father Kamber Croatian Parish Park in Mississauga (4525 Mississauga Road, Mississauga; https://croatiapark.com/) is the site for colourful Croatian picnics and gatherings. Father Kamber was a community leader and the first pastor of the Croatian parish in Toronto.
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Croatian Franciscan Centre Queen of Peace in Norval boasts a large park with various sports facilities, including soccer fields, basketball court, swimming pool, and bocce court; http://www.norvalqueenofpeace.com/.
FLAVOURS OF CROATIA
The Croatian community in Canada maintains and celebrates its rich culinary traditions, adapting them to Canadian tastes while preserving authentic flavors. Popular dishes include various grilled meats, "sarma", cabbage rolls filled with minced meat and rice, enjoyed at family gatherings, as well as "peka", where meat and vegetables slow-cook under a bell-shaped lid for a smoky flavor. Traditional outdoor gatherings feature suckling lamb or pig roasted on a spit, a longstanding Croatian tradition. For dessert, "palačinke," thin crepes filled with jam, chocolate, or cheese, are favorites, along with traditional cakes like "orehnjača." Croatians in Ontario also enjoy traditional drinks such as "rakija," a strong fruit brandy, and Croatian wines like Plavac Mali and Graševina, known for their robust flavours. Some of Croatian restaurants and shops offering Croatian dishes and flavours are Croatia Restaurant, (Tel. 905-624-4111, 1989A Dundas St. E, Mississauga; https://croatiarestaurant.ca/), Joso's Restaurant, (Tel. 416-925-1903, 202 Davenport Rd, Toronto; https://www.josos.com/), Croatia Meats, (Tel. 905-281-8980, 918 Dundas St. E, Mississauga), or Mediterranean Meat & Deli (Tel. 905-821-8787, 35 Queen Street N, Mississauga).
RELIGIOUS CENTRES
The majority of Croats are Roman Catholic and have founded numerous parishes across the GTA and Ontario:
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Our Lady Queen of Croatia in Toronto (Tel. 416-536-3669, 7 Croatia St, Toronto; https://www.torontozupa.com/); Pastor: Father Mladen Horvat.
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Croatian Martyrs Parish in Mississauga (Tel. 905-826-8844, 4605 Mississauga Rd, Mississauga, https://www.croatianmartyrs.ca/); Pastor: Father Božidar Tenšek.
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Holy Trinity Croatian Parish in Oakville, (Tel. 905-842-2386, 2110 Trafalgar Rd., Oakville, https://www.holytrinitycroatian.org/). Pastor: Father Ilija Petković.
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Croatian Franciscan Centre Queen of Peace in Norval (Tel. 905-456-3203, 9118 Winston Churchill Blvd, Norval, http://www.norvalqueenofpeace.com/); Pastor: Robert Kavelj, OFM.
HOLIDAYS, CELEBRATIONS, AND EVENTS
Croatian Statehood Day - May 30 is commemorated in memory of the constitution of the first democratically elected multi-party Parliament on 30 May 1990. It is the central Croatian National Day which hold great significance for Croatians around the world. In celebration of the Croatian Statehood Day on May 30, 2021, the Croatian Consulate General organized the illumination of the famous CN Tower in the colours of the Croatian flag: red, white, and blue. In 2022, 2023, and 2024 the Consulate also organized the illumination of the Niagara Falls in the colours of the Croatian flag.
Croatian Heritage Day in Ontario - May 30 was introduced in 2024 as a recognition of the invaluable contributions made by Croatians to the rich tapestry of Ontario’s cultural, social, and economic landscape.
Day of Remembrance for the Victims of the Homeland War and Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Vukovar and Škabrnja, commemorated on November 18, is a Croatian national holiday in memory of all victims of the Homeland War in Croatia.
Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and the Day of Croatian Defenders, commemorated on August 5, is a Croatian national holiday in rememberance of the August 5, 1995, when the Croatian town of Knin and surrounding occupied territories were liberated by the Croatian police and armed forces.
Blessed Aloysius Stepinac Day, celebrated on February 10th, holds significant importance for Croatians in Canada marking the death and legacy of Blessed Aloysius Cardinal Stepinac, a Croatian spiritual leader who died in 1960 while imprisoned by Yugoslav communist authorities. For Croatians in Canada, Stepinac represents a symbol of faith, bravery, resilience, and national pride.
Feast Day of the Assumption of Our Lady - August 15 holds great importance for Croatians in the GTA and Canada as it is deeply rooted in Croatian Catholic tradition and spirituality. It serves as a day of communal celebration, reflection, and spiritual renewal, reinforcing cultural identity and connections to their homeland's rich religious heritage. It usually includes religious ceremonies and big social gatherings and celebrations.
Canadian-Croatian Folklore Festival East held annually during the Victoria Day weekend, serves as a vibrant celebration of Croatian culture in Canada. It plays a pivotal role in fostering community spirit and preserving cultural heritage through traditional music and dance performances that showcase the rich diversity of Croatian traditions.
The Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce's Business Excellence Award Gala, held annually in May, plays a crucial role in recognizing and celebrating the achievements of Croatian-Canadian businesses and professionals. It serves as a platform for networking, showcasing entrepreneurial success stories, and promoting economic cooperation between Canada and Croatia.
The Croatian National Soccer Federation of Canada & USA Annual Soccer Tournament
The Croatian National Soccer Federation of Canada & USA's Annual Soccer Tournament, held during the Labour Day long weekend, holds significant importance for the Croatian community in North America.
St. Anthony Picnic at the Croatian Franciscan Centre Queen of Peace in Norval, taking place on a weekend before or after June 13, is one the Croatians’ biggest gatherings and picnics in the GTA. After a procession and a mass, thousand of Croatians gather for a picnic featuring traditional foods and sport activities.
Taste of Croatia Annual Golf Tournament, organized by the Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce, is a highly anticipated event that combines sport with cultural and gastro-enological celebration. Held each year in September, this tournament brings together members of the Croatian-Canadian community and friends for a day of friendly competition on the golf course, pairing the experience with traditional Croatian cuisine.
Pavilion Croatia Carassauga is one of the original four pavilions at Carassauga Festival of Cultures. Showcasing Croatian culture and traditions at Carassauga, one of Canada’s largest multicultural festivals taking place every year on the weekend following Victoria Day in May, this symbiosis of culture, folklore, and food is a great way to experience a breath of Croatia.
MEDIA
Mi Kanadski Hrvati - We Croatian Canadians radio programme on Sunday evenings broadcasts sounds of Croatian music, arts and culture, as well as interviews with members of the Croatian community. Contact: https://wecroatians.ca/; Sundays 5:00pm - 6:30pm - AM 1540; Producer and Host: Marilu Zadravetz.
Croatica TV Programme airs on Omni Television three times a week brings stories from Croatia and Croatian community in Canada. Contact: https://croaticatv.wordpress.com/; Saturdays 11:30am, Mondays 11:30am, and Wednesdays 8:30am; CEO: Anton Kikas.
ORGANIZATIONS
Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce, founded in 1995, is a not-for-profit network of Croatian-Canadian businesses, professionals and organizations that has emerged as the voice of Croatian-Canadian business in Canada. Contact: https://croat.ca/.
Canadian-Croatian Folklore Federation East’s mission is promoting and safeguarding authentic Croatian cultural and folklore traditions in Canada. It was founded in 1973 and is one of the few organizations of its kind outside of Croatia. It serves as an overarching organization for Croatian folklore in the eastern part of Canada and hosts or oversees the annual Folklore Festival as well as Tamburafest. Contact: https://www.hkfsavez.com/.
Canadian-Croatian Choral Society is a cultural organization that promotes Croatian heritage through choral music in the GTA. Known for its passionate performances and dedication to preserving Croatian musical traditions, the society enriches the cultural tapestry of the Canadian arts scene. Contact: https://canadiancroatianchoralsociety.com/.
The Croatian National Soccer Federation of Canada & USA is a soccer federation which helps coordinate Croatian-Canadian and Croatian-American teams. It organizes the annual Croatian-North American Soccer Tournament. It is based in the GTA, Ontario. Contact: https://www.hnnsna.com/.
AMCA Toronto (Almae Matris Croaticae Alumni) is an association of students and friends of Croatian Universities, founded in 1990 with the mission of connecting former students of Croatian Universities with each other and with the University of Zagreb (Alma Mater), and advocating the benefits of the integration of Croatian culture into the Canadian multicultural landscape. Contact: https://www.amcatoronto.com/.
Croatian Club Karlovac gathers Croatians from the Karlovac area in Croatia serving as one of the Croatian hubs for cultural events and fostering community ties in its local area. Through its activities and events, Club Karlovac promotes Croatian heritage, strengthens social bonds, and provides a gathering place for Croatians in the GTA. Contact: https://www.croatianclubkarlovac.ca/.
Apart from the folklore and soccer federations, there are also a number of individual Croatian folklore groups, some of them formally founded by Croatian parishes. These include Jadran Toronto, Zrinski Frankopan Toronto, Sljeme Mississauga, Vatroslav Lisinski Mississauga, FEC Mississauga, Hrvatsko Kolo Mississauga, Kralj Zvonimir Norval, Zvuci Hrvatske Oakville, and Hrvatsko Prelo Oakville. There are also several Croatian soccer teams, such as Zagreb Toronto, Croatia Mississauga, Dalmacija Streetsville, and Croatia Norval.
Consulate:
Consulate General of the Republic of Croatia, (T. 905-277-9051, 918 Dundas St. E., Suite 302, Mississauga, https://mvep.gov.hr/gkmississauga); Consul General: Mr. Ante Jović.
Prominent Torontonians
They include Anton Cetin, artist; Ante Sardelic, artist; Nada Sesar Raffay, artist; Vinko Grubisic, retired Professor at the University of Waterloo; Victor Dodig, businessman and bank president; Robert Herjavec, businessman and TV personality; Igor Stagljar, Professor at University of Toronto and fellow of the Royal Society of Canada; Anton Kikas, entrepreneur; Sandra and Val Bezic, former Olympic figure skaters, George Chuvalo, former heavyweight champion of Canada who was awarded the keys to the City of Toronto in 2013, Frank Mahovlich, hockey legend.
We are also sending 3 photos to use in the book and we ask the source be credited and captions accurate:
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CN Tower illuminated in the colours of the Croatian flag – organized by the Consulate General – May 30, 2021
Photo courtesy of Consulate General of Croatia in Mississauga
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Biggest Croatian kolo in North America as part of the 50th Canadian-Croatian Folklore Festival East – organized by the Canadian-Croatian Folklore Federation East - May 18, 2024
Photo courtesy of Canadian-Croatian Folklore Federation East
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Official Flag raising ceremony at Queen’s Park on the occasion of Croatian Statehood Day and historic first Croatian Heritage Day in Ontario – May 29, 2024
Photo courtesy of Consulate General of Croatia in Mississauga
