From Croatian nativity tradition to Ukraine: a conversation with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Croatia to Ukraine, Anica Djamić
On January 26, the banner exhibition “Croatian nativity scene” closed at the Okolnyi Castle Museum Space, with the participation of the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Croatia to Ukraine, Anica Djamić, members of the public, and journalists.
At the beginning of the meeting, Head of the Tourism and City Promotion Department Kateryna Moisiuk drew parallels between Lutsk and Croatia, noting that our city has its own philosophy, “tut lutsko,” while a district of Zagreb is called “Lučko.” She also mentioned that in early December, as part of the Lutsk Literary Residency “City of Inspiration,” the Croatian poet and editor-in-chief of the journal “Poezija,” Ivan Herceg, visited our city. Thus, despite the geographical distance, our nations are closer than it might seem at first glance, particularly through shared traditions.
The conversation began as a discussion of Croatia’s Christmas traditions, their symbolism, and living cultural heritage. They also spoke about culture as a language of dialogue, shared European values, and the role of tradition in the modern world. Gradually, the focus shifted to the war and Croatia’s support for Ukraine. Croatia’s experience in overcoming the consequences of war and migration was also discussed. The Ambassador noted that in assisting Ukraine, Croatia has focused on three main areas: demining territories, providing recreation for Ukrainian children, and supporting veterans.
The discussion proved informative, candid, and engaging, and the meeting took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Background:
The exhibition in Lutsk was made possible at the initiative of Lutsk’s honorary ambassador Olha Olkhova and with the personal support of Anica Djamić, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Croatia to Ukraine.
In Croatia, as in many other European countries, the first mention of a nativity scene appears in descriptions of Jesuit activities in their documentary sources. It was within the framework of their theatrical work that the first known reference to a nativity scene in Croatia was recorded: one installed in the Jesuit Church of St. Roch in Rijeka in 1628.
Notably, in Lutsk the exhibition was warmly hosted by the Okolnyi Castle Museum Space, part of whose premises once belonged to a Jesuit collegium. Overall, this initiative will contribute to promoting our city in the context of highlighting Ukrainian culture in close connection with global culture.
The exhibition was on display from December 24, 2025, for one month.
Department of Tourism and City Promotion,
Department of International Cooperation and Project Activities