In May 2025, New York will host a unique event called “The Neretva Ship in New York.” Miljenko Milojko Glasović, president of the Association for the Preservation of the Neretva Heritage in Opuzen, who, together with Thierry Paul, is the organizer of this initiative, spoke about this project, which will bring Croatian heritage to the heart of New York, in the Croatians Online program.
"The Neretva ship was the vessel in which the people of Neretva lived, died and were born. Little by little, from the 400 ships in 1900, their number decreased to only 7-8 by the end of the last century. says Mr. Miljenko, who organized the first Boat Marathon in 1998 with this traditional Neretva boat. Over time, the Neretva Boat Marathon has become a recognizable Croatian brand and one of the largest and most important maritime events in the Republic of Croatia.
So far, the Neretva boat has sailed in Prague, Venice, London, Dover and the English Channel, and this year it will sail in New York for the first time. This indigenous vessel is unique in the world, says Miljenko, it is protected as an intangible asset of the Republic of Croatia, and their desire is not only to promote Croatian heritage, but also to pay tribute to freedom.
Event, planned May 19 – 25, 2025, will be held on the occasion of the 33rd anniversary of Croatia's admission to the United Nations (May 22, 1992), which symbolizes the peak of international recognition and confirmation of Croatia's independence. "Two years ago, on the same date, the mayor of New York declared it Croatia Day in New York., Miljenko points out.
The traditional boat will be rowed by a team of 11 members, six men and five women, with the organizers further emphasizing gender equality in sports and culture. The team will row around Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. The route around Manhattan is approximately 51 kilometers long, symbolizing freedom and independence, and connecting Croatian history with American symbols such as the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, where many Croatian immigrants first arrived in the United States.
In addition to the rowing race, the event will feature a rich cultural and educational program, including performances by Croatian folklore groups and performers, presentations of traditional Croatian cuisine, educational workshops on Croatian history, maritime tradition and Croatian migration to America, and a photo exhibition about the Neretva boat and its history. The event is organized in partnership with youth empowerment organizations, such as Rocking the Boat, Village Community Boathouse and The Kayak Foundation, while the Croatian Community of New York will provide full support for the cultural aspects of the event.
"We are looking for friends in New York who will help us and accept us as their own, because we share the same homeland. We want to socialize and show our heritage. That story of Ellis Island, where our emigrants started a new life, and this story of ours about reviving the ship and promoting it, it's all somehow connected."", Miljenko points out. "I thank everyone who has helped us and who will help us create friendship because we belong to the same people."
The traditional vessel from the Neretva Valley will be transported by container from Croatia to New York. The biggest challenge was organizing the reception of the vessel in New York, says Miljenko, and that problem was solved by Mr. Veselko Bunčić, who allowed them to moor the vessel in front of his restaurant Anable Basin on Long Island.
After the event, the boat will not return to the homeland. It will remain in New York, at the same location, so that all Croatian emigrants can experience the magic of rowing the Neretva Boat, Miljenko points out. Because this event is not just a rowing race, it is a powerful celebration of freedom, cultural heritage and the journey of Croatian emigrants to America. Combining rowing, symbolism and cooperation with young people and local communities, the “Neretva Boat in New York” project not only celebrates Croatian history, but also encourages the strengthening of pride in young people from the diaspora and community building.
"Why are we leaving the boat in New York? We are leaving it for our youth and expatriates to train with the Croatian flag at the top, with the hope that one day they too will participate in the Boat Marathon, as young people from Australia and other countries have done. That is perhaps the most important thing of all," said Miljenko.
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