A cultural hub known as the Croatia House will come to San Pedro during the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Los Angeles Councilmember Tim McOsker announced Wednesday, Nov. 13.
While visiting Zagreb, Croatia, McOsker and Zlatko Matesa, president of the National Olympic Committee of Croatia, signed off an agreement for the Croatia House, representing a formal commitment between the two parties to celebrate Croatian culture and community spirit in the L.A. port community.
The project is an example of what are known as Olympic Houses, which serve as hospitality and cultural venues set up by participating countries in host cities during the games.
These locations are gathering places for national teams, fans and local residents to celebrate and experience each nations culture. The sites may also include live event broadcasts, athlete meet-and-greets and traditional food, among other activities.
San Pedro has a proud Croatian community that has helped shape the spirit and culture of Los Angeles, McOsker said in a statement, and were honored to bring visitors from Croatia, Croatian athletes, dignitaries and Croatian Angelenos together in the Harbor for the 2028 Olympics.
This partnership with the National Olympic Committee of Croatia, he added, allows us to showcase Croatian heritage, deepen our international bonds, and celebrate the global cooperation that the Olympics represent.
L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn and U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Croatia Nathalie Reyes witnessed the two leaders sign the agreement.
San Pedro is home to one of the largest Croatian diasporas outside of Croatia, with more than 30,000 residents of Croatian descent, according to McOskers office.
The Croatia House will be located within the boundaries of McOskers Council District 15, encompassing the Harbor Area, and Los Angeles Countys District 4, represented by Hahn.
We came to Croatia to pitch the idea of hosting Croatia House in San Pedro and I applaud Councilman Tim McOsker for sealing the deal, Hahn said in a statement. The ties between San Pedro and Croatia run deep and even Croatias highest officials know about our tight-knit Croatian American community.
The four-year contract outlines both parties responsibilities, costs and allows flexibility in the projects scope of work. It will also provide an opportunity for personnel exchanges and specialized training in cultural and Olympic hospitality.
Croatia House will be a home away from home in San Pedro, where the Croatian community has contributed to the citys vibrancy for decades, Reyes said in a statement. We look forward to welcoming athletes, fans, and the global community to experience the spirit of Croatia firsthand in Los Angeles.