December 16, 2015
Article/Photos by Frank Jankac
I have been living in the Greater Toronto Area for over a decade and have attended many Croatian Christmas-Hrvatski Božić celebrations. This annual tradition organized by the Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce, the Consulate General of the Republic of Croatia in Mississauga and Croatian National Home in Hamilton this past weekend was undoubtedly the best I have attended.
Following mass at Holy Cross Croatian Parish in Hamilton, members and friends of the Croatian community congregated at the Croatian National Home where they were treated to a wonderful afternoon of Christmas cheer. Master of Ceremonies Ed Mavrinac charmed all in attendance and ensured that the program moved smoothly.
Appearances by honoured guests His Excellency Veselko Grubišić (Croatian Ambassador to Canada), Andrea Javor (Croatian Consul General), Bob Bratina (MP for Hamilton East-Stoney Creek), Fred Eisenberger (Mayor of Hamilton), Rev. Marijan Mihoković (Holy Cross Parish), Ivan Lukšić (President, Croatian National Home) and Ivan Grbešić (Board Member, Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce) were interspersed between performances by the Canadian Croatian Choral Society, Hrvatsko Srce Tamburica Orchestra, Folklore Ensemble Croatian Village-Hrvatsko Selo, Zlatni Pajdaši Tamburica Orchestra from Holy Cross Parish and the Croatian National Home Tamburica Orchestra.
Known for its hospitality, the Croatian National Home treated all guests to appetizers, 
a buffet lunch and delicious desserts. After the meal, the children were treated to a visit from St. Nicholas, who left Krampus in the GTA as all the kids in Hamilton were good this year! Special thanks to Eurotrade Import Export Inc. of Mississauga who provided Croatian products for the event!
While family is foremost at Christmas time, it is also heartening to come together as a community and celebrate the traditions of the season. The fact that the Croatian National Home has been doing so for almost ninety years made this year’s Hrvatski Božić-Croatian Christmas event all the more special.
The complete photo album can be found on the Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.919267711484018.1073741839.297875570289905&type=3
