The Croatian Fraternal Union takes great pride in contributions toward the preservation and perpetuation of Croatian culture and music among the youngest members.
Recognizing the importance of preserving our beautiful Croatian folklore and the necessity of passing this on to future generations living in America, our National President, Bernard M. Luketich, who was Supreme Treasurer at the time, along with some of his colleagues, created the CFU Junior Cultural Federation in 1967. This annual exhibition of Croatian music and dance was created specifically for the youth of the Society and quickly became the premier event of the Croatian Fraternal Union.
The first Junior Festival was held in Des Plains, IL at the CFU Children’s Home and is held every year, on the weekend nearest the Fourth of July, in cities across the United States, Canada and on four occasions in Zagreb, Croatia.
Today, the Federation consists of approximately 35 Junior Tamburitzan ensembles from across the United States, Canada and Croatia. The highlight of each festival is the combined performance of all participants under the direction of a Festival Guest Conductor, as well as the combined performance of the groups’ instructors at the conclusion of the groups’ performances.
In addition to the annual Festival, the Croatian Fraternal Union continually promotes and supports its affiliated Junior Tamburitza Ensembles throughout the year through advertising of events in the “Zajedničar,” concert program books and other endeavors.
