Croatian Festival Returns to Plaquemines Parish
The annual Croatian Festival will return to Plaquemines Parish on Friday, March 27 and Saturday, March 28. The event will combine traditional food, music, and cultural celebrations at the Croatian American Society in Belle Chasse.
The event will take place at the society's cultural center at 220 Croatian Way, which is a space that has become well known within the region's Croatian American community. Every year, the event draws visitors from across the Greater New Orleans area and farther, blending Old World traditions with the flavors and energy of coastal Louisiana.
The Croatian American Society
The Croatian American society is dedicated to preserving and educating about Croatian heritage in southeastern Louisiana. The group hosts cultural programs, social events, and activities throughout the year, with the goal of maintaining ties of Croatian history, language, and traditions with the surrounding community. Through the festival and various events, they highlight the contributions of Croatian immigrants and their descendents to the Gulf Coast in industries like fishing and catching oysters.
Festival Offerings
The festival will offer various food items that combine the influences of Croatian and coastal Louisiana cuisine. Dishes will include Croatian dishes such as ćevapčići, which is seasoned minced meat sausages, as well as spit-roasted lamb, grilled calamari and sardines, and Croatian prosciutto, cheese, and desserts. There will also be fresh Louisiana oysters, raw and charbroiled, that emphasize the shared coastal heritage of Croatia's Dalmatian Coast and the Gulf South. There will also be imported Croatian beers and wines.
Along with the food, the event will feature live music and dance performances. Traditional Croatian folk songs and kolo dancing will be involved in the lineup, with performers often inviting festival attendees to join in on the fun. There will also be cultural exhibits, videos, and displays to provide education on Croatia's history and landscapes, while the children's area offers activities designed for young individuals.
The Croatian American Society shares regular updates, photos, and event details on their social media pages, where intended festival goers can find new announcements and previews leading up to the festival weekend.
The festival is designed to be family-friendly and welcoming to attendees of all backgrounds, whether individuals have Croatian roots or are just curious about the culture.
