As many as 36 folk dance groups arrived for the event, which attracted more than 1,500 descendants of Croats from the United States and Canada.
On behalf of the festival's host and co-organiser, those present were addressed by the Director of the Croatian Heritage Foundation, Mijo Marić, who said that the festival's motto "Tamburas Through Generations" best testified to the fostering of the cultural heritage of the Croatian people in the United States.
"Many young Croatian Americans are visiting the native country of their grandparents for the first time, which arouses deep emotions in all of us. The great-grandchildren speak English while singing enthusiastically from their Croatian hearts," Marić said.
Croatian Fraternal Union president Edward Pazo said that this concert is a great pride for all Croatian Americans.
"While watching our children sing the Croatian national anthem here in Zagreb, we remember all our ancestors who came to the US and Canada six generations ago, but never forgot their roots," he said.
Zvonimir Milas, State Secretary for Croats Abroad, said that the festival is strong proof of Croatian identity among emigrants even in the most distant parts of the world and makes Croats one family wherever they live.
The festival is organised by the Croatian Fraternal Union and the Croatian Heritage Foundation under the auspices of Croatian President Zoran Milanović.