Since I’ve lived in Mississauga since the second grade, this city will always have a special place in my heart. I was born to Croatian parents who immigrated to Canada not speaking a word of English at the time. After travelling back and forth between Toronto and Calgary in search of construction work, our family finally settled into Mississauga, and we’ve lived here ever since.

Fortunately for us, the city is home to one of Canada’s largest Croatian populations. That meant we could speak our native language everywhere, not just at home but with extended family, at cultural events, and at Croatian school.

In this post, I’ll talk about Mississauga’s incredible Croatian heritage, along with everything else there is to know and love about this city.

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Outstanding Cuisine Options

Thanks to its rich cultural diversity, Mississauga is a foodie’s paradise. Since there are so many people from different nations and backgrounds, the local restaurant scene offers every cuisine in every variation imaginable. 

You don’t have to travel to find the best dishes from around the world; there’s a restaurant on every corner or you can even have it delivered straight to your door. The outstanding food scene is one of the best in the country. Whatever you’re craving, Hakka, Mexican, Thai, Chinese, Egyptian, or anything else, you will easily find something to satisfy your taste buds. 

And, of course, Mississauga is home to Croatia Restaurant, your ultimate go-to place for traditional menu offerings such as Chicken s Gljivama, Cevapcici, and Pljeskavica–to name a few. 

I could talk about the incredible culinary options all day, but the joy of Mississauga’s Croatian heritage extends far beyond just food.

Oakville and Halton are also great places for Croatian residents and families. Learn more in the posts below:

The Festivals

Few things speak to Mississauga’s culture like the festivals and events! The Canadian Croatian Folklore Federation puts on several throughout the year, including Tamburafest, FEC Folklore Ensemble Croatia, and the ​​Canadian Croatian Folklore Festival, which will soon celebrate its 50th year!

Mississauga also features other highly anticipated events, including the Streetsville Bread and Honey Festival. Though it’s not specifically related to Croatian culture, it does attract a diverse crowd that includes people of all backgrounds. In fact, this event is second only to the CNE in terms of the largest and longest-running festivals in Ontario. 

Other events, such as Cooksville Festival Of Cultures and Carassauga, are joyous festivals where you can immerse yourself in a celebration of food, music, and dance from cultures all over the world, including Croatia. There is no question that Mississauga residents always have something to look forward to.

A Close and Supportive Community

Mississauga is teeming with resources and special support services designed specifically for the Croatian community. Notable examples include:

  • Croatian Parish Park: Also called “Father Kamber”, Croatian Parish Park is located in Streetsville and is a beautiful spot for members of the community to relax and socialize. The hiking trails provide a perfect opportunity to get some exercise and fresh air. In addition, there’s an outdoor pool where your family can cool off on hot summer days.
  • Croatian Social and Cultural Centre – Queen of Peace Croatian Franciscan Centre: Here, you’ll find weekly worship services as well as access to a Croatian language school so you can ensure children retain their heritage. The Croatian Social and Cultural Centre also organizes sporting events to keep your family engaged and active. Most programs are offered in the Croatian language.
  • Croatian Chamber of Commerce: If you’ve got the spirit of entrepreneurship, the Croatian Chamber of Commerce is there to support your dreams. It provides networking opportunities, seminars on various topics, and encourages the development of trade and investment between Canada and Croatia. The organization is also passionate about helping young entrepreneurs to pursue their goals.

Looking for guidance on finding a high-quality real estate agent? The posts below will help:

How to Find a Croatian Real Estate Agent in Mississauga

A knowledgeable and experienced real estate agent is essential to a seamless transition when planning to buy or sell a home. Is it possible to find the right professional who can also speak Croatian fluently? In a city as diverse as Mississauga, absolutely! 

The first step is to focus on the skills, expertise, and level of service of the real estate agent. Once you begin to narrow it down, then you can choose a Realtor® who has it all–the knowledge to get the best results in the current market and the ability to communicate in a way where you feel comfortable through each step of the process. 

Damir Strk is a Mississauga and Oakville-based real estate agent fluent in English and Croatian, with over two decades of experience in the region. Reach out today to damir@damirstrk.com or call  416-884-7925 to begin a conversation about your goals.