Thousands of visitors were welcomed by Croatian Embassy staff and volunteers for an exciting day of Croatian heritage, culture, and tradition.
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 9 — The Embassy of Croatia in Washington, D.C., opened its doors on Saturday for the annual European Union (EU) Open House, welcoming thousands of visitors from across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
As one of 20+ participating European embassies, the Embassy of Croatia offered guests a vibrant introduction to the cultures, traditions, and languages that make up the European Union and an opportunity to experience Croatian heritage firsthand.
The embassy showcased a rich array of Croatian culture, greeting visitors at the front entrance with tamburitza music performed by the Pittsburgh Adult Tamburitza group of the Croatian Fraternal Union of America, photo stations, and women dressed in traditional Croatian attire. Cultural stations throughout the embassy featured tastings of Croatia’s world-renowned olive oil, sweets, Cedevita (orange soft drink), and ajvar. Young visitors also enjoyed coloring their own kravata (neckties), receiving Croatian coat-of-arms face painting, and testing their knowledge of the Croatian language and culture through word quizzes and games.
More than 30 volunteers joined embassy staff in representing both the Embassy of Croatia and the broader Croatian community, helping introduce guests to the country’s beauty, culture, and traditions.
“Volunteering at the EU Open House for Croatia alongside my sister was both exciting and deeply meaningful,” said Georgena Sepčić-Mierow. “As Croatian Americans, it gives us a special opportunity to celebrate our heritage and share Croatia’s traditions with the public, especially as we look ahead to cheering on Croatia in the World Cup.”
“The day was memorable, special, and filled with joy as we represented Croatia and showcased our beautiful culture and traditions to visitors,” said Aubrianna Mierow.
The embassy also welcomed Suzanne Thibeault, director of sales for Visit Alexandria, who hosted a station at the embassy and introduced visitors to the future base camp of the Croatian national soccer team during the FIFA World Cup.
EU Open House Day is celebrated on the first Saturday after Europe Day on May 9 which marks the signing of the Schuman Declaration on May 9, 1950, and established the multinational entity formally called the European Coal and Steel Community. This organization was pivotal in laying the groundwork for the current alliance of 27 European countries called the European Union, which Croatia has been a member since 2013.
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