Commemorative Plaque Unveiled to Mark the 30th Anniversary of Croatia Street in Puerto Madryn, Chubut Province, Argentine Patagonia
By Branko Marinov Martinic
On Saturday, June 27, at 4:30 p.m., the Croatian community of Puerto Madryn gathered at the intersection of Croatia Street and Fournier Street to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the naming of Croatia Street. The initiative, launched three decades ago by the Kokotovic-Romeo family, was intended to honor the Croatian heritage of one of the city’s and Chubut Province’s most prominent immigrant communities.
The ceremony brought together Croatian descendants from various parts of the province, who traveled to Puerto Madryn to take part in this meaningful celebration of their shared heritage.
As part of the anniversary program, a commemorative plaque was unveiled in recognition of the family whose efforts led to the naming of Croatia Street. Special recognition was also presented to their descendants, Liliana Romeo and Fernando Romeo, in appreciation of their continued commitment to preserving Croatian cultural heritage and identity in Patagonia.
The purpose of the initiative is to recognize those who helped secure the designation of Croatia Street and whose dedication has contributed to keeping Croatian history, culture, and traditions alive in the region.
The celebration also included the installation of new street signage for Croatia Street. The project was carried out at the request of members of the Croatian community in Patagonia, with the support of the City’s Department of Public Works.
In addition, a ceramic commemorative plaque was installed along the sidewalk. It was created by Rawson artist and ceramicist Sonja Vitulic, herself a descendant of Croatian immigrants. She is well known throughout Chubut Province for creating several significant memorial artworks celebrating Croatian heritage.
During the ceremony, Adriana Curin, representing the organization Croatians in Patagonia, addressed those in attendance, emphasizing the importance of preserving Croatian heritage for future generations. The honored family was presented with a certificate of recognition along with a message from the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia, acknowledging their lasting contribution to promoting Croatian culture, traditions, and identity within the vibrant Croatian community of Puerto Madryn.
Gaiman, June 2026
