Reclaiming Tradition: Teaching kids Croatian values in a screen-filled world
If you grew up with Baba’s cooking, Dida’s backyard tomatoes, and Sunday church in Croatian – but now find yourself living a fast-paced, Aussie life, you’re not alone.
As the new generation of Croatian-Australians begins building adult lives (and maybe even starting families), many are wondering: How do we keep our heritage alive in a world that looks so different from the one our parents or grandparents knew?
The good news? Keeping the culture going doesn’t mean living in the past.
From everyday traditions to modern twists on old-school customs, here are a few simple, meaningful ways to stay connected to your Croatian roots – without giving up the life you’ve built here.
Cook one traditional meal a month
Keep culture alive in the kitchen! Try cooking a classic like sarma, pogača, or ćevapi with a friend or relative.
It’s tasty, fun, and keeps the tradition going.
Recipes for sarma and pogača are available on the Vjesnik.
Getting a cookbook to learn the basics, such as “My Mother’s Kitchen” or “My Croatian Kitchen” are a great kitchen staple.
Re-learn the language in bite-sized ways
Don’t stress about fluency – just start small.
Learn a new word each week, follow Croatian meme pages, listen to a Croatian playlist on Spotify, or chat with your Baba.
Even a little bit helps you reconnect.
Celebrate the “little” traditions
You don’t need a big celebration to keep traditions alive.
Light a candle on a name day, learn catholic prayers in Croatian, bake kiflice at Christmas, keep celebratory Rakija on hand at home for special occasions, or take a quiet moment to pray before you eat a meal.
Mix old school with new through music
Make playlists that blend Oliver, Thompson, Jelena Rozga, or Grše with your usual faves.
Music is one of the easiest – and most fun ways to keep your heritage part of everyday life.
Get involved in the local community
Join a Croatian club, folklore group, or attend a festival.
Even if you don’t go often, showing up keeps you connected – to your culture, your people, and your story.
Regular options that are available across Australia are attending a weekly Croatian mass, supporting a local Croatian soccer club, or eating at Croatian owned restaurants/cafes.
