Niagara Folk arts festival
2026 Croatian open house
2025 Croatian open house
U subotu smo uživali u pravom narodnom veselju na Open House događaju, koji je okupio brojne posjetitelje svih generacija. Dan je protekao u znaku tradicije, zajedništva i odlične zabave, a tijekom cijele 2025. godine slavimo dvije velike obljetnice – 1100 godina krunidbe kralja Tomislava, prvog hrvatskog kralja, i 50. godišnjicu Hrvatskog Centra. Ove važne jubileje osjećali smo i na našem događaju, koji je bio prava prigoda za izražavanje ponosa i zahvalnosti našoj bogatoj kulturi i povijesti.
Cijelim prostorom odjekivali su zvuci narodne glazbe, a za vrhunsku atmosferu pobrinule su se plesne i tamburaške skupine Hrvatsko Selo, Veseli Hrvati i Živa Grana koje su oduševile publiku svojim energičnim nastupima. Uz pjesmu, ples i iskreni smijeh stvorena je topla, domaća i srdačna atmosfera – upravo onakva kakvu želimo kroz ovu posebnu godinu obilježavanja naših značajnih obljetnica.
Posebno oduševljenje izazvala je bogata ponuda tradicionalnih domaćih jela. Na stolovima su se našle razne delicije pripremljene s puno ljubavi i pažnje, koje su mnoge podsjetile na mirise i okuse djetinjstva, što je još snažnije povezalo sve generacije u slavlju naših hrvatskih korijena i tradicije.
Ovaj događaj ne bi bio moguć bez predanog rada i nesebične pomoći naših volontera. Njihov trud, osmijeh i dobra volja stajali su iza svakog detalja – od pripreme hrane i uređenja prostora do dočeka gostiju. Od srca zahvaljujemo svakome od njih!
Ove godine imamo čast i sreću što je Samantha Marnica naša Ambasadorica hrvatske kulture. Samantha nesebično volontira i pomaže u organizaciji brojnih događanja poput zabava, večera, ručkova za umirovljenike i humanitarnih akcija. Njezin cilj je očuvati i promovirati našu prekrasnu hrvatsku kulturu kako bi i dalje živjela i napredovala, a u godini kada slavimo velikane naše povijesti i zajednice, njena posvećenost ima poseban značaj.
Open House nije bio samo prilika za dobru zabavu, već i lijep način da zajedno slavimo i čuvamo našu kulturnu baštinu – kroz umjetnost, tradiciju i omiljene kulinarske specijalitete. Bio je to dan ispunjen radošću, ponosom i osjećajem zajedništva, još više naglašenim ovom jubilejskom godinom.
Hvala svima koji su svojim dolaskom učinili ovaj događaj posebnim. Radujemo se ponovnom susretu!
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On Saturday, we enjoyed a true celebration of community spirit at our Open House event, which brought together visitors of all ages. The day was filled with tradition, togetherness, and great fun — all set against the backdrop of two very special milestones we’re celebrating throughout 2025: the 1100th anniversary of King Tomislav’s coronation, Croatia’s first king, and the 50th anniversary of our Croatian Center. These historic occasions added a deeper meaning to our festivities, reminding us of our rich heritage and the strength of our community.
The entire space resonated with the joyful sounds of folk music, as dance and tamburitza groups like Hrvatsko Selo, Veseli Hrvati, and Živa Grana energized the crowd with their lively performances. Their passion and energy created a warm, welcoming atmosphere filled with song, dance, and genuine laughter — exactly the spirit we want to embrace during this remarkable year of celebration.
Guests were especially delighted by the wide array of traditional homemade dishes. The tables were laden with lovingly prepared delicacies that brought back memories of childhood and family gatherings, further connecting everyone to our shared Croatian roots and customs.
None of this would have been possible without the dedicated efforts of our volunteers. Their hard work, smiles, and generous spirit were behind every detail — from preparing the food and decorating the space to warmly welcoming every guest. We extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of them.
This year, we are also honored to have Samantha Marnica as our Ambassador of Croatian Culture. Samantha selflessly volunteers her time and energy to organize many events, from celebrations and dinners to gatherings for seniors and humanitarian causes. Her commitment to preserving and promoting our beautiful Croatian culture is especially meaningful in a year when we honor such historic milestones and the enduring strength of our community.
The Open House was more than just a fun day — it was a beautiful way to come together and celebrate our cultural heritage through art, tradition, and beloved culinary specialties. It was a day filled with joy, pride, and a strong sense of unity, amplified by the significance of this milestone year.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and made this event so special. We look forward to seeing you again
Cijelim prostorom odjekivali su zvuci narodne glazbe, a za vrhunsku atmosferu pobrinule su se plesne i tamburaške skupine Hrvatsko Selo, Veseli Hrvati i Živa Grana koje su oduševile publiku svojim energičnim nastupima. Uz pjesmu, ples i iskreni smijeh stvorena je topla, domaća i srdačna atmosfera – upravo onakva kakvu želimo kroz ovu posebnu godinu obilježavanja naših značajnih obljetnica.
Posebno oduševljenje izazvala je bogata ponuda tradicionalnih domaćih jela. Na stolovima su se našle razne delicije pripremljene s puno ljubavi i pažnje, koje su mnoge podsjetile na mirise i okuse djetinjstva, što je još snažnije povezalo sve generacije u slavlju naših hrvatskih korijena i tradicije.
Ovaj događaj ne bi bio moguć bez predanog rada i nesebične pomoći naših volontera. Njihov trud, osmijeh i dobra volja stajali su iza svakog detalja – od pripreme hrane i uređenja prostora do dočeka gostiju. Od srca zahvaljujemo svakome od njih!
Ove godine imamo čast i sreću što je Samantha Marnica naša Ambasadorica hrvatske kulture. Samantha nesebično volontira i pomaže u organizaciji brojnih događanja poput zabava, večera, ručkova za umirovljenike i humanitarnih akcija. Njezin cilj je očuvati i promovirati našu prekrasnu hrvatsku kulturu kako bi i dalje živjela i napredovala, a u godini kada slavimo velikane naše povijesti i zajednice, njena posvećenost ima poseban značaj.
Open House nije bio samo prilika za dobru zabavu, već i lijep način da zajedno slavimo i čuvamo našu kulturnu baštinu – kroz umjetnost, tradiciju i omiljene kulinarske specijalitete. Bio je to dan ispunjen radošću, ponosom i osjećajem zajedništva, još više naglašenim ovom jubilejskom godinom.
Hvala svima koji su svojim dolaskom učinili ovaj događaj posebnim. Radujemo se ponovnom susretu!
***************************************************************************************************************************************
On Saturday, we enjoyed a true celebration of community spirit at our Open House event, which brought together visitors of all ages. The day was filled with tradition, togetherness, and great fun — all set against the backdrop of two very special milestones we’re celebrating throughout 2025: the 1100th anniversary of King Tomislav’s coronation, Croatia’s first king, and the 50th anniversary of our Croatian Center. These historic occasions added a deeper meaning to our festivities, reminding us of our rich heritage and the strength of our community.
The entire space resonated with the joyful sounds of folk music, as dance and tamburitza groups like Hrvatsko Selo, Veseli Hrvati, and Živa Grana energized the crowd with their lively performances. Their passion and energy created a warm, welcoming atmosphere filled with song, dance, and genuine laughter — exactly the spirit we want to embrace during this remarkable year of celebration.
Guests were especially delighted by the wide array of traditional homemade dishes. The tables were laden with lovingly prepared delicacies that brought back memories of childhood and family gatherings, further connecting everyone to our shared Croatian roots and customs.
None of this would have been possible without the dedicated efforts of our volunteers. Their hard work, smiles, and generous spirit were behind every detail — from preparing the food and decorating the space to warmly welcoming every guest. We extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of them.
This year, we are also honored to have Samantha Marnica as our Ambassador of Croatian Culture. Samantha selflessly volunteers her time and energy to organize many events, from celebrations and dinners to gatherings for seniors and humanitarian causes. Her commitment to preserving and promoting our beautiful Croatian culture is especially meaningful in a year when we honor such historic milestones and the enduring strength of our community.
The Open House was more than just a fun day — it was a beautiful way to come together and celebrate our cultural heritage through art, tradition, and beloved culinary specialties. It was a day filled with joy, pride, and a strong sense of unity, amplified by the significance of this milestone year.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and made this event so special. We look forward to seeing you again
Croatian open house
May 24, 2025 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
We made the front page of the St. Catharines Standard!
Save the Date!
Folk Arts Festival - Croatian National Centre Niagara Peninsula
Celebrate Croatian culture - past and present!
The Folk Arts Festival in Niagara celebrates the diversity that is Canada. And the Croatian-Canadian community is proud to be part of that diversity. More information will be posted here in upcoming weeks, but Save the Date to ensure you and your family enjoy the festivities with us and our community!
Where is it happening?
Croatian National Centre Niagara Peninsula, 1416 Line 3 Road Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
When is it happening?
Saturday, May 27th 2023 from 2:00 PM EST to 7:00 PM EST
Who is invited to join the festival?
Families, individuals, Croatians and non-Croatians -- everyone is welcome! Tickets for food, drinks and baked goods will be available for purchase on site.
What is at the festival?
This is a celebration of Croatian culture with music, food, and entertainment throughout the afternoon and early evening. Food stations will include pork, lamb, cabbage rolls, and sweets for sale. The local musical groups, Veseli Hrvati (Welland) and Hrvatsko Selo (Hamilton), will be providing musical entertainment during the event. Several local dignitaries, including Members of (federal) Parliament, Members of Provincial Parliament and local Councillors will be in attendance to share in the celebration.
Volunteers
The Centre is seeking volunteers to help in shifts with food stations, baked goods sales, non-alcoholic drinks sales, and other duties on site. If you are available to support the Centre’s efforts – even for a short period of time – please reach out to [email protected] or call Anja Pavela at 905-348-2772
View A clip of A PERFORMANCE FROM A PREVIOUS YEAR below!
Centre Address:
1416 Line 3 Road
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
L0S 1J0
1416 Line 3 Road
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
L0S 1J0