At the Croatian Heritage Foundation, on Friday, September 4, 2026, a ceremonial program was held to welcome the poets of the “Hrvatska izvandomovinska lirika” (HIL) (Croatian Emigrant Lyricism) association, as part of the 16th Poetry Encounter “Slavonia in Song and Heart”
The encounter brought together poets, members of the “Hrvatska izvandomovinska lirika” association from seven countries, and the Zagreb program was an opportunity to present their literary creativity, meet with the audience and have another pleasant gathering, connecting with Croatian authors from the homeland and the diaspora through poetry and the Croatian word.
The festive program was moderated by Ivanka Sabolić Rukavina, a longtime member of the “Hrvatska izvandomovinska lirika” (HIL) association and the author who presented the association and their activities to the attendees. On behalf of the Croatian Heritage Foundation, the participants were welcomed by CHF Director, Zdeslav Milas, M.Sc., who once again emphasized the importance of preserving the Croatian language, highlighting that poetry can be a strong link between the homeland, emigrants and returnees.
On this occasion, HIL President Nadica La Rosa also presented a special acknowledgment to the CHF Director for the support and cooperation that has continued for years.
The program brought together authors from the United States, Australia, Denmark, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia, confirming once again that the Croatian word lives and connects people wherever Croats may be.
Twelve poets presented themselves in the welcome program: Ivan Gerić, Ivanka Sabolić Rukavina, Anita Martinac, Suzana Tkalčić, Pero Rotim, Zoran Sova, Ana Petrović, Marija Perić-Bilobrk, Anđa Luburić, Maja Tomas, Ljubica Perhat and Nadica La Rosa. With their verses, the participants brought different poetic sensibilities, experiences and motives, connected by a common belonging to the Croatian language and cultural space.
Among other things, it was an opportunity to present the collection “Slavonia in Song and Heart 2026”, published on the occasion of the encounter’s 26th edition. The collection testifies to the continuity of poetic creativity and the effort to preserve Croatian authors’ connection through the written word, whether they live in the homeland or abroad. Namely, “Hrvatska izvandomovinska lirika” (HIL) follows its traditional annual meetings by publishing joint poetry collections, whose titles relate to the encounter’s theme or venue.
After welcoming emigrants to the Croatian Heritage Foundation, the poetic meeting continues from September 5 to 7 in Donji Miholjac and Valpovo, where participants will continue the program dedicated to poetry, togetherness and preservation of Croatian cultural heritage.
Text: CHF / Photo: Filip Marinović
