Croatto is a term that refers to the people, culture, and language of the Istro-Romanian community, an ethnic group with roots in the Istrian peninsula, primarily located in modern-day Croatia. The term "croatto" is derived from the Italian word "croato," which means "Croatian." The Croattos are a distinct group, known for their unique language, Istro-Romanian, which is a Romance language with strong influences from Croatian and Italian.
The Croatto community is believed to have migrated to Istria during the Middle Ages, and their culture and language have been preserved over centuries through isolation, despite living in a predominantly Croatian and Italian-speaking region. Traditionally, the Croattos were engaged in agricultural activities and relied on farming and livestock as their primary sources of livelihood. They have managed to maintain their distinct cultural heritage, including traditional clothing, music, dances, and cuisine, which reflects a blend of Romanian, Croatian, and Italian influences.
Due to the small size and isolation of the Croatto community, Istro-Romanian has faced challenges to its survival, and the number of native speakers has been gradually declining. Efforts have been made to preserve the language and revive interest in the Croatto culture, such as language revitalization programs and cultural events. Today, Croattos are recognized as an important cultural minority in Croatia, contributing to the diverse ethnic tapestry of the country.
