Mississauga Hosted the Twelfth Yearly Gathering of the Croatian Diaspora Poets

Toronto, Canada - On April 13th The Endowment for Croatian Studies,  Association of Poets in Diaspora, as well as Croatian Heritage Language School from Mississauga hosted the Twelfth Yearly Gathering of the Poets of Croatian background who live outside of Croatia.

This organization of Poets was established twelve years ago in New York, USA, and since then it successfully promotes Croatian language and culture in North America, and worldwide. The organization was initiated by Nada Pupačić poet from Split. Today it has over one hundred active members; among them there are prominent Croatian writers, Croatists, musicians, artists and editors. It was because of the dedication and efforts that the organization has published eleven books over the years with the collection of poetry works of Croatian writers in each book.

Last year’s collection of poetry “Po utrtim putovima” was promoted at this year’s poets gathering in the Church of Croatian Martyrs in Mississauga, by Vlado Bubrin.  Poets from USA, Canada and Denmark showcased their poetry:  Ana Ganza,  Marija Fumić, Ivan Gerich, Anton Kikaš, Nadica LaRosa, Ivanka Madunić Kuzmanović, Ante Prlić, Nada Pupačić, Ivanka Sabolić Rukavina, Zoran Sova, Suzana Tkalčić i Vera Valčić Belić.

The honorable guest of the evening was Tomislav Bilosnić, distinguished Croatian writer and artist from Zadar, Croatia, whose book of poetry “Hrvatska ogrlica’ was showcased during this year poets gathering.

At the yearly conference, chaired by Ana Ganza, Vice President of the Organization of Poets in Diaspora, it was decided that the next year Annual Conference will be held in Vienna, Austria.  All the participants expressed their gratitude to a benefactor Anton Kikaš who generously  sponsored this year event in Canada.