The cultural organization Matica Hrvatska is celebrating 180 years of existence
ZAGREB, 13 June 2022 – Matica hrvatska, the oldest Croatian cultural and publishing institution, celebrated its 180th anniversary at the Croatian National Theater in Zagreb on Monday in the presence of prominent political and cultural figures.
Addressing the gathering, Matica hrvatska President Miro Gavran said that Matica, although living in five countries, has always maintained its primary purpose of nurturing culture, science, art and education, and love for the homeland.
He said the new Governing Council, elected seven months ago, is trying to maintain existing values, adding that it has made a large number of decisions and increased membership several times over the situation a year ago.
Gavran emphasized the importance of the Croatian language in all periods of Matica hrvatska, especially with the adoption of the Declaration on the Name and Position of the Croatian Literary Language from 1967. He said that Matica was involved in the preparation of a bill on the Croatian language that would relate to the public use of the mother tongue.
Prime Minister Andrej Plenković congratulated Matica on Croatia’s anniversary, saying that its current leadership is characterized by great professional diversity.
At a time of tectonic changes in international politics and the loss of human rights and other values, it is important to emphasize harmony and unity, the prime minister said.
For more, see our policy section.