Fourth edition of the “Domovina Birthright Program” begins in Dubrovnik on Sunday, June 1. It was the starting point for youth, descendants of Croatian emigrants, for learning about the cultural and natural heritage of southern Dalmatia.
The Domovina Birthright Program is organized this year by the Central State Office for Croats Abroad, in partnership with the Association of Croatian-American Professionals (ACAP), and is being held with the objective of strengthening the identity of Croatian emigrants, encouraging global networking of Croats, cultural and academic cooperation with the young generation of descendants of Croatian emigrants and raising awareness of belonging to the indivisible Croatian nation.
By June 13, participants will visit a multitude of sites of cultural, religious and historical importance to the Croatian people around the world. Together they will enjoy Croatian cuisine and music, become familiar with the richness of the Croatian language and experience the beauty of life in the homeland of their ancestors.
This program is a unique opportunity for young descendants of Croatian emigrants aged 18 to 30 to to become more familiar with Croatia, its history, culture, tradition and natural beauties.
After visiting Dubrovnik and Lokrum, Cavtat and Konavle, Opuzen and Ston, the road will take them to Brela and Omiš, and their journey will then continue the following day to Sinj, Knin, Šibenik and Skradin.
On this unforgettable trip lasting until June 13, they will visit Zadar, Kornati (Telašćica) and Pirovac, as well as tour Split and Dugopolje. Then, on June 8, they will leave Dalmatia and head for Gospić, Ozalj and Krašić. Their journey will then continue to Varaždin, Trakošćan and Marija Bistrica, and on Tuesday, June 10, Zagreb will prepare a reception for them in the facilities of Croatia’s Ministry of Defense.
The trip ends with a visit to Slavonia – Vukovar and Osijek, followed by the final farewell in Zagreb.
And once again, it will be confirmed that this, for many, journey of a lifetime, was more than about just getting to know the natural beauties of Croatia, but rather also about discovering their mutual homeland together through both social and meaningful conversations. Participants from all continents will have the opportunity to recognize the similarities that mutually connect them, as well as discover their connection with their Croatian roots, their ancestors and their people. This glimpse into their own past will certainly shape their future, towards which they will tread deeply rooted in their Croatian identity.
Text: The Voice of Croatia; Photo: The Voice of Croatia/Flora Lennihan
