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Updated: This story was originally published at 3:21 p.m. on May 26; it was updated at 5:19 p.m. after the city clarified that the team will not be present.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The city will host a free community celebration of Croatian culture at Waterfront Park on June 6, though a same-day correction to the announcement clarified that Croatia's national football team will not be present at the event.
"Flavors & Sounds of Croatia – Alexandria" will run from 5 to 8 p.m. at Waterfront Park, with City Manager James Parajon delivering opening remarks followed by a recognition of Alexandria's partnership with the Croatian Embassy.
The city's initial announcement Tuesday billed the event as a celebration welcoming the Croatian national team and recognizing the city's partnership with both the embassy and the team. A corrected version issued a couple hours after removed references to the team's involvement and stated: "The Croatian National Team will not be present at the event."
Croatia selected Alexandria as its official Team Base Camp for the World Cup in January. The Vatreni will train at Episcopal High School and stay at the AKA Hotel in Old Town throughout the tournament, which begins June 11. Training sessions are closed to the public.
The event will feature two confirmed musical acts — Muška klapa Podvorje, a Croatian a cappella group rooted in the Dalmatian coastal tradition, and an Authentic Croatian Tamburitza Band performing traditional folk music and dance — with additional performers to be announced.
Food vendors include Old House Cosmopolitan Grill serving Croatian cuisine and wine, Dolci Gelati and a selection of local food trucks. The Museum of Illusions will offer interactive games and discounted tickets. Additional vendors are expected to be announced.
A rain location is set at the first floor of the Torpedo Factory Art Center.
The celebration is the latest in a series of cultural events tied to the World Cup. Earlier this month, the Torpedo Factory hosted a weeklong exhibit of rare Croatian stamps, with Mayor Alyia Gaskins and Croatian Ambassador Pjer Šimunović speaking at the opening.
Croatia opens group play June 17 against England in Dallas before facing Panama in Toronto on June 23 and Ghana in Philadelphia on June 27.
Ryan Belmore
The Alexandria Brief
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