Croatian-Slavic Day at the International Exposition

1894 San Francisco: Not only the Croatian newspapers Dalmatinska Zora and Slavenska Sloga, which were being published at that time in San Francisco, but the American press as well agreed that Slavic Day-- celebrated in the city on July 21, 1894-- was an overwhelming success. It was, they felt, the best celebration staged by an ethnic group during the city’s Mid Winter-International Exposition that year. After offering brief, but glowing quotes from the Examiner, Chronicle and Daily Report, Skrivanic turned to Dalmatinska Zora for a detailed description of the day’s activities. With slight editing by the translator (RLM) the description is as follows:

At 9 a.m. our countrymen began to assemble at the intersection of New Montgomery and Market Streets-- the starting point for the parade. The various Slavic flags, including our Croatian tricolor, fluttered in the breeze and our language was being spoken as if we were in ancient Zagreb. The musical groups were playing our marches, most often “Napred zasdrave slave” and Zivela Hrvatska.” And then the band music burst form on Market Street. These were our people from Oakland. Lined up with them were various dignitaries on horseback, our man Ivan Klecak being among them, Then came the contingent from San Jose, 300 strong and complete with band. Led by parade deputy marshal L.V. Slavich, the San Jose group had traveled to San Francisco by special train.

The parade got underway at 11 a.m. in the following order: A large group of police officers led the way, followed by the grand marshal, H. Giara, with a swath of Croatian tricolor across his chest. Seated with him were assistant P Szakalski, S. Kucich and A. Tadich. Then came the first of the parade’s three sections-- a Slavic band followed by another of the parade’s deputy marshals, C. Prosek, and his assistants-- Dalmatians N. Marich and R. Radich. The panslavic flag was carried by our patriot, V.N. Bakulich, while the American flag was handled by G. Arnerich. Then came the float “American Freedom” and 18 young women representing 18 different Slavic nations.  Each was dressed in white and adorned with flowers. Next were 20 coaches with the following: (Dignitaries) A.E. Barbich, Ivan Ivankovich, N. Barovich, J. Klecak, I. Slavich, Marko Rabasa, M. Malovoz, Dr. J. Prosak, Jos. Korbel, F. Lastufka, Captain Bjelavski, L. Jankovich, J. Kucich, F. Antunovich, M. Ljubetich, B. Radovich, N. Miklo, Dr. Pavlicki, A Truhlar, A Gecan, and N. Plancich. (Speakers) F. Zan, Dr. G. Vecki, F. Snajder, J. Vostrovsky and L. Svetnich. (Newsmen) V. Snajder (from Ohio), Z.V. Muzina (editor of Danica visiting from Alleghany), V. Piskulic and reporters form the San Francisco papers.

The Slavonic Illyrian Mutual Benefit Society, flying the red-white-blue tricolor, came next with a large contingent. They were followed by marchers and a beautiful float representing the “Veselo-zabavno” club. This float also proudly displayed the Croatian tricolor. Miss M. Zaro, dressed in with with a wreath on her head, was seated in the center of the float surrounded by several little girls. We tip our hat to club president, Mr. Bradasich, for his wonderful float.

Section two of the parade led off with a marching bad followed by deputy marshal V. Komery and his assistants M. Vodjanski and S. Adamko. The society “Sasinek” Lodge 33 of the National Slovak Society came next-- with 200 marchers led by a flagbearer displaying the Slovak national flag. Then came a large group representing the Slovenian Catholic Society followed by our brothers, the Czechs, represented by their society “Zlatna Brana.” After them came four horses pulling a float that was decorated with flowers, flags and heraldic coats of arms bearing such names as Strossmayer, Starcevic, B Biankini, Preradovic, Klaic, etc.-- all heroes to us. A beautiful young woman representing Slavdom stood in the middle of the float. She was surrounded by young men who represented our various national heroes. Outstanding among these were the personifications of Bishop Strossmayer, Nikola Zrinski, King Zvonimir and Ivan Gundulic. Our brother Slavs from the north had their heroes as well. This float was the best of all.

The Croatian-Dalmatian Club “Zvonimir” came next with 82 marchers and 50 carriages filled with the club’s members. This huge contingent was also represented by its president, Mr. Gecan, and parade deputy marshal, Mr. Glavich.

Part three of this grand parade led off with the San Jose contingent-- its band, its parade deputy marshal, L.V. Slavich, his lieutenants, S. Zaro and J. Chirgin, and 300 marching members of the Slavic-American Society. This was truly something to see-- All these brave, young Dalmatians marching with our tricolor proudly waving overhead. The Slavs from Santa Clara followed the San Jose group, marching and riding in coaches. This brought the parade to an end.

To the above description from Dalmatinska Zora, Skrivanic appended the following summary: The parade was 12 blocks long and lasted two hours.  It culminated at the Exposition Grounds where, at a special forum, lengthy speeches were delivered by A.E. Barbic, F. Zan,. Dr. G. Vecki and others. Barbic and Zan spoke in English, while Dr. Vecki delivered his address in Croatian. This day contributed to a great deal to the Croatian movement in California and will be denoted with golden letters in the history of the 19th century.