The past weekend for Istrians in New York was marked by the celebration of long-standing togetherness and the maintenance of tradition far from their homeland. Istria Sport Club New York, together with the Rudar Club, is a place where numerous Croatians gather to enjoy joint celebrations, small and large, with traditional Istrian cuisine.
In the New York area, there are numerous other clubs that bring together residents of certain Istrian villages, such as Club cap, or certain groups, such as Istria Seamens Club (Association of Seafarers from Istria), which recently celebrated its hundredth anniversary, and Histria Association for Women, which recently celebrated 35 years of activity. It is also important to mention that all these organizations are always ready to help their native region. We will mention on this occasion, Istrian American Charities Association A few years ago, she collected a significant donation to help the City of Labin purchase a mammogram, which is just one in a series of numerous campaigns, both small and large, that Istrians in exile have organized for their homeland.
Istria Sport Club was founded in 1959, when a group of Istrians wanted to play ballon (or soccer, which should be distinguished from balun, an Istrian dance) in America. There was not much money, but there was more than enough will, so the Istria soccer team was soon formed, which in its beginnings joined the Italian American Soccer League in matches played in Central Park. We also learn an interesting fact from the history of the Club. Namely, each member of the team paid one dollar to cover the costs of the match. The club was officially registered in 1960 and had its first premises on 40th Street and 9th Avenue in Manhattan. Despite the difficulties, the team continued to exist, play successfully and even win trophies in the following years. The Istria Sport Club found its final home in 1974 when a group of Istrians bought a building in Astoria, where they still gather today. Istria Sport Club was no longer just a football team, but also a restaurant and a gathering place, a place where Istrians felt "at home".
In order to celebrate this significant anniversary in a dignified manner, the President Ratko Zenzerovic and members of the Board – Vice President Bruno Viscovih, tajnik Francis Good, cashier Susan Karlic te Mirella Verbanac, event and membership coordinator, invited distinguished guests from Istria to New York. Participants from the Istrian County participated in the celebration Tulio Demetlika, Deputy Prefect of the Istrian County, Boris Miletić te Ivan Glusac, Head of the Administrative Department. They were joined by Igor Merlić, Director of the County Agency for Rural Development (AZZRI), Ph.D. Ezio Pinzan, Head of the Administrative Department for Agriculture, Forestry, Hunting, Fisheries and Water Management, and Mayor of the Municipality of Sveti Petar u Šumi Mario Bratulic i Neven Turcinovic from the same place. On Saturday, in front of numerous Istrians gathered at the Istra Club, they presented the project "Adopt MEEE" and the manifestation "With sausage in the EU".
The Istrian goat, an indigenous breed from the Istrian region, was on the verge of extinction, so the Istrian Rural Development Agency, together with the Istrian Goat Breeders Association, came up with an excellent way to promote and preserve this unique Istrian animal. For the amount of 500 euros, it is possible to adopt an Istrian goat, of which 150 euros will be forwarded to the goat owner via the Breeders Association, and 150 euros will remain in the fund, which will be used for its functioning, as well as the promotion of this valuable project. Istrian Women's Association Histria Association for Women The first person to come forward to adopt an Istrian goat during the presentation, and many other Istrians present did the same, so that many goats in Istria will find their adopter from New York.
After an interesting presentation about Istrian goat, those present followed with special attention a demonstration of the preparation of Istrian sausage. The preparation was presented by guests from Sveti Petar u Šumi – a municipality known for its numerous entrepreneurs involved in the production of this delicacy, but also for the event that has gained great popularity in Istria and beyond in recent years. "With sausage to the EU". Those present also had the opportunity to taste Istrian sausage. Although the meat was sourced locally due to import restrictions, the recipe and skills were entirely Istrian, and volunteers who truly enjoyed making this popular specialty helped wholeheartedly.
Ahead of this event, Igor Merlić, Dr. Sc. Ezio Pinzan, Dr. Sc. Mario Bratulić and Neven Turčinović were guests on the show Croatians Saturday Live, and you can listen to the recording of the conversation on Spotify below this text.
The celebration of the 65th anniversary of the Istria Club of New York continued on Sunday, when more than three hundred Istrians and friends of the Club gathered for a celebration in the magnificent Leonards Palazzo in Great Neck, about 15 miles from Astoria (24 kilometers), where larger celebrations are often held. All attendees received a commemorative book on the occasion of this significant anniversary, in which, in addition to the history and recollection of numerous events that have marked the history of this Club, greetings and messages from numerous friends of the Istria Sport Club can be found. The attendees were entertained by the popular Istrian, Eleonora Turcinovic, and they performed alongside her Marko Pacic te Zvonimir Antolos, and what would an Istrian party be if there wasn't an accordion at it, which he took care of Mario Honović known to Istrians from New York to Florida.
In addition to the distinguished guests from Croatia, it is important to mention that two members of the original 1959 football team were also present at the celebration, Attilio Viscovih i Angelo DundaraThe program was hosted by the versatile Susan Karlic, and the president addressed the attendees Ratko Zenzerovic, who is in his second term as head of the Club. Among other things, he remembered all those who are no longer with us, to whom the Club owes gratitude and eternal praise. He greeted those present on behalf of the Istrian County Tulio Demetlika, Istrian deputy prefect and long-time friend of the Club.
In the end, we can only hope that there will be many more of these celebrations in the future, and we are sure that everyone who attended the jubilee event will remember the past weekend for a long time.
Photo: Mate Kružić
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