Mission Statement
The Croatian Cultural Society of Minnesota is a non-profit organization. The purpose of the society is to further the culture of the Croatian people through the arts, cultural presentations and distribution of Croatian literature, music and folklore to libraries, universities, schools and museums.
Our History
Our organization was started by Joseph Rukavina in 1993 and was instrumental in sending medical supplies and clothing to Croatia during the Croatian War of Independence.
The Croatian Cultural Society is a sister organization to the National Federation of Croatian Americans Cultural Foundation which focuses on promoting the interest of the Croatian people – embodying heritage of culture and language, integrity in human rights, equality in self-determination, advancing economic development and freed from persecution.
The Croatian Cultural Society of Minnesota has participated in the Festival of Nations since 1998. The Festival of Nations is the most diverse, oldest and longest running multicultural festival in the Midwest. Other popular events include the annual Croatian Christmas Party which is typically held on the first Saturday of December. At this event, traditional holiday food is served and a tambura band performs. The Croatian Christmas Party was first held back in 1977, around 15 years prior to when our organization was officially started.
In 2018, the Croatian Cultural Society became registered with the state of Minnesota as an official non-profit organization. The Croatian Cultural Society of Minnesota welcomes new members and volunteers to contribute their energy and talent to our organization. There are no fees to join our organization.
Croatian Cultural Society of Minnesota 