Croatian Cultural Center Chicago
Hrvatski Kulturni Centar Chicago
TAMBURA AND CROATIAN FOLKLORE ENSEMBLE
T.P.S.
HRVATSKA
LOZA
Preserving Our Heritage. Celebrating Our Traditions. Connecting Generations.
1979
Founded in Chicago
46+
Years of Croatian heritage
8–18
Children ages 8 to 18
17+
Sets of authentic regional costumes
SINCE 1979
OUR STORY
Founded in Chicago in 1979 under the sponsorship of the Croatian Cultural Center and Angel Guardian Croatian Church, T.P.S. Hrvatska Loza has proudly preserved and celebrated Croatian heritage for more than 46 years.
Through traditional tambura music, dance, and authentic regional costumes (nošnje), we introduce young people to the rich cultural traditions of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, inspiring them to embrace their roots and carry these traditions forward.
But Hrvatska Loza is much more than music and dance. It is a place where lifelong friendships are formed, lasting memories are made, and a love for our Croatian heritage grows. We hope to inspire future generations to stay connected to their roots and help Chicago’s Croatian community continue to flourish.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to preserve Croatian heritage by sharing the traditional music, dances, and customs of our homeland, inspiring young people to embrace their Croatian identity and carry these cherished traditions forward.
OUR GROUPS
Hrvatska Loza welcomes children ages 8 to 18, providing opportunities to learn, grow, and perform. Based on age and experience, members participate in the following groups:
01
BEGINNING TAMBURA GROUP
Introduces young musicians to the fundamentals of tambura music and traditional Croatian melodies.
02
JUNIOR GROUP
Develops tambura and dance skills while building confidence, teamwork, and an appreciation for Croatian folklore.
03
PERFORMING GROUP
Brings Croatian traditions to life through advanced tambura music, choreography, and performances at cultural events and festivals.
Beyond music and dance, our members develop discipline, confidence, teamwork, and friendships that often last a lifetime.
SEPTEMBER – MAY
REHEARSAL SCHEDULE
Hrvatska Loza rehearses every Wednesday from September through May at the Croatian Cultural Center. Additional rehearsals include one Sunday per month for the Performing Group and occasional Tuesday practices.
Croatian Cultural Center · 2845 W Devon Ave, Chicago
WEDNESDAY REHEARSALS
TIME
GROUP
6:15 – 7:15 PM
Junior Tambura – Beginners & Intermediates
7:20 – 8:20 PM
Junior Dance
7:30 – 8:45 PM
Performing Group Tambura
8:20 – 9:00 PM
Combined Rhythm Practice – Bass, Bugarija & Cello
8:50 – 10:00 PM
Performing Group Dance
Additional rehearsal times are communicated to families throughout the season.
CELEBRATING CROATIAN TRADITIONS
Our member families trace their roots to many regions of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. We proudly celebrate this diversity through traditional music, choreography, and our beautiful collection of regional costumes, known as nošnje.
Hrvatska Loza maintains more than 17 sets of authentic regional costume reproductions, each reflecting the unique history, craftsmanship, and traditions of the region it represents. These costumes are an important part of our performances, bringing the beauty and diversity of Croatian folklore to life.
SHARING OUR HERITAGE NEAR AND FAR
Over the years, Hrvatska Loza has proudly performed at cultural celebrations and folklore festivals throughout Chicagoland, across the United States and Canada, and in Croatia.
These performances and travels offer our young members unforgettable experiences, opportunities to form friendships, and a deeper connection to their Croatian heritage.
CHICAGOLAND
UNITED STATES
CANADA
CROATIA
JOIN THE HRVATSKA LOZA FAMILY!
For more than 46 years, Hrvatska Loza has brought generations of families together through a shared love of Croatian culture.
Whether your child is just beginning to discover Croatian music and dance or is ready to build on existing skills, Hrvatska Loza offers a welcoming environment to learn, grow, and become part of something special.
We invite families to join us in celebrating our heritage, creating lifelong friendships, and ensuring that Chicago’s Croatian traditions continue to thrive for generations to come.
Preserving our past. Celebrating our present. Inspiring our future.
