The Great Chicago-Croatian Census Caper: How Many Does it Take to Fill a Polka Hall?
Ah, Chicago. City of wind, deep dish pizza, and...a surprising number of Croatians? That's right, folks, the Windy City boasts one of the biggest Croatian communities outside of, well, Croatia itself. But just how big are we talking? Buckle up, because this census caper is about to get wilder than a kringle eating contest (it's a delicious pastry, look it up).
Counting Sheep vs. Counting Croats: A Statistical Sheep Dip
The official numbers, like a lukewarm cup of strong coffee at a Croatian grandma's house, are a bit hazy. The 2015 census says around 6,000 Cook County residents identified as Croatian. But hold your štrukli (a savory strudel), that number seems to be deflated like a polka player's accordion after a long night. Community leaders say there's a hidden army of Croatians out there, probably busy perfecting their rakia recipe (a potent plum brandy) to reveal themselves.
The 150,000 Strong Theory: We're Everywhere!
Now, the Croatian community itself throws around a much tastier number: 150,000! That's enough people to fill Wrigley Field...several times over. They point to historical settlements, cultural hotspots like Andersonville, and the sheer number of places to get a decent cevapcici (grilled sausages) as proof.
So, How Many Croatians Are There Really?
The truth, my friends, is probably somewhere in between those two šljivovicas (shots of slivovitz). There's definitely a strong Croatian presence, and their influence on Chicago's food scene, music scene, and overall awesomeness is undeniable.
Here's the takeaway: Whether it's 6,000 or 150,000, there are enough Croatians in Chicago to keep the polka parties going strong, the grills smokin', and the šljivovica flowing. Next time you're in Chicago, keep an ear out for the infectious beat of the accordion and a nose out for the scent of roasting cevapcici - you just might have stumbled into a Croatian fiesta!
