The program of the Alliance of Croatian Associations in Slovenia and the Croatian Heritage Foundation confirmed the importance of connecting young generations with the Croatian language, tradition and homeland
On June 29, the Croatian Language Camp 2026, a four-day program for children of Croatian descent from Slovenia, was held again this year in Pazin, as well as at numerous other locations throughout Istria. The camp once again confirmed the importance of these gatherings for the preservation of the Croatian language, culture and national identity among young Croats living abroad.
The Alliance of Croatian Associations in Slovenia and the Croatian Heritage Foundation jointly organized the project, with financial support from the Central State Office for Croats Abroad, while Barbara Buršić, head of the Croatian Heritage Foundation – Pula Branch, designed and led the entire program.
During their stay, the participants were accommodated in the Pazin College – Classical Secondary School, which provided excellent conditions for education, socializing and living together during the four days filled with content.
The first day focused on getting to know Istria through nature and the sea. After arriving and settling in Pazin, the participants visited Vrsar, where they enjoyed swimming and socializing, then visited the MoreMore Multimedia Interpretation Center. The interactive content brought them closer to the richness of the Adriatic Sea, its flora and fauna, and the importance of preserving the marine environment.
The second day included a tour of Pazin and a visit to the Ethnographic Museum of Istria with expert guidance. The young participants learned about the traditional heritage, folk costumes, old crafts and customs that testify to the rich cultural diversity of Croatian regions. After lunch, the program continued in Rakalj, where participants bathed in the beautiful Bay of Luka and visited the birth house of writer, poet, and academician Mate Balota. The day ended with a folklore workshop, where they became familiar with Croatia’s intangible cultural heritage through dance, song, and traditional customs.
The third day was particularly eventful, reserved for a tour of Brijuni National Park. Participants learned about the archipelago’s natural beauty, rich flora and fauna, and cultural and historical heritage. After lunch in Fažana, they toured Pula, visiting the Arena, Kaštel, the underground tunnels of Zerostrasse, and the historic downtown.
The evening unfolded in a special atmosphere of unity. Together, the participants watched the Croatian national soccer team match, wearing fan jerseys with the Croatian red-and-white checkers provided by the Alliance of Croatian Associations in Slovenia. Loud cheering, shared celebration and the victory of the Croatian soccer players further strengthened the sense of belonging and community among the young people.
The last day of the camp was spent in central Istria, visiting Roč and Hum, two historical towns that preserve the rich Glagolitic tradition. Through the programs “Story of Roč” and “Story of Hum”, they learned the history of the Glagolitic alphabet, and at the workshop, they had the opportunity to write in this old Croatian script. Lunch in Hum was followed by a return to Slovenia, filled with impressions, new friendships, and memories that will last a long time.
This year again, the Croatian Language Camp has shown that language learning can be much more than teaching – it becomes an experience that connects young people with their roots, cultural heritage and the community to which they belong. Through meetings, workshops, excursions, and shared activities, participants developed new friendships, improved their Croatian language skills, and learned about the richness of Croatian history, tradition, and natural beauty.
The Alliance of Croatian Associations in Slovenia would like to thank all the participants, parents, partners, hosts, and associates who, through their efforts, enabled the successful implementation of this year’s camp, and who look forward to a new, successful gathering next year.
Text and photo: SHDS
