The Croatian community in Colombia is growing stronger
Angela Sankovich, a Colombian of Croatian descent, affirms that for her, Croatia is no longer just her father's story, but has become an essential part of who she is today. She proudly notes that the Croatian community in Colombia is growing stronger.
I've traveled through cities that seem frozen in time, yet vibrate with a unique energy. Dubrovnik, with its imposing walls and medieval atmosphere; Split, where Roman history blends with daily life around Diocletian's Palace; Trogir, small and charming, like an open-air museum; Zadar, with its sunset magic and the hypnotic sound of the sea organ; Hvar, with its elegance, crystal-clear waters, and incomparable light; Šibenik, authentic and serene, guardian of history and tradition; Opatija, sophisticated and marked by its Austro-Hungarian heritage; Zagreb, vibrant and cultural, where the classic and the contemporary coexist naturally; and Pula, with its imposing Roman amphitheater that evokes the grandeur of bygone eras.
In every corner I found something that deeply surprised me: the presence of castles that seem straight out of a fairy tale, the crystal-clear blue of the Adriatic Sea, the impeccable cleanliness of its cities, and above all, the constant feeling of safety. These are details that, beyond the visual, speak of an organized culture, respectful of and proud of its environment – notes the Colombian of Croatian descent.
However, Rijeka was the city that touched Angela's heart the deepest.
Walking through its streets was like stepping back into my father's childhood. I had the opportunity to see the house where he was born and raised before emigrating. Being there was a difficult moment to describe: a mixture of pride, nostalgia, and an almost tangible connection to my family history. Thinking that those same streets witnessed his childhood games, that my grandparents lived there (one of whom I barely met on a trip he took to Colombia when I was little), made me understand that the past never disappears; it just waits to be rediscovered
I've always gone with my husband, and once my youngest son came along too, and he fell deeply in love with Croatia. Today he dreams of returning, this time to study at one of its universities, which for me represents a beautiful generational continuity.
My connection to Croatia extends beyond the personal. For several years, I have actively worked in Colombia, through the Colombia-Croatia Chamber of Commerce and as one of the founders of CroActivas, to raise awareness and strengthen the Colombian-Croatian community. Through workshops, meetings, and participation in international events such as those focused on the South American diaspora, I have sought to create spaces where our roots remain alive.
This work reached a particularly significant point this year when I received recognition from the Croatian Women of Influence Awards 2026 in the entrepreneurship category. It was a profoundly inspiring experience, not only for what it represents on a personal level, but also for the context in which it occurred. Being part of that group, and also representing Colombia, marked a very special milestone in my career – says Ángela Sankovich.
The ceremony held in Zagreb was simply memorable.
– A gathering filled with powerful stories of leadership, resilience, and commitment to our roots. Each woman there had a different path, but we were united by something in common: our connection to Croatia and our desire to make an impact from our respective places in the world. Beyond the award, it was a space for genuine connection. I met extraordinary women with whom I shared experiences, projects, and visions for the future. I left not only with recognition but also with a network of support and friendship that transcends borders.
I am deeply grateful to the State Office for Croatians outside the Republic of Croatia, whose support has been fundamental in developing projects in Colombia focused on preserving our traditions and culture.
Today I proudly witness this community growing and strengthening. On May 30th, approximately 120 of us will gather in Bogotá to celebrate Croatians Abroad Week and Croatian National Day. There is enthusiasm, joy, and above all, a strong sense of belonging.
Thanks to this journey, the travels, the business relationships fostered through the Chamber, and the accolades, I've also built something invaluable: friendships. Friends who welcome me back every time I return, who recommend new places, new flavors, new experiences. People who have made Croatia an even more welcoming place.
And as I look ahead, I see that this story is far from over. My eldest daughter, also deeply connected to her roots, has decided to forge her own path in Croatia, to start a life there, full of expectations and dreams.
For my part, my husband and I also dream of returning more often and even, why not, living there for a while. Because in the end, some trips aren't just about seeing a place. They're about finding yourself. And in Croatia, I found a part of myself that had always been waiting to be discovered – emphasizes Angela Sankovich.