San Pedro Memories

Kenny Bezich and John Burich, both of San Pedro, recall the traditions of their shared Croatian heritage. Bezich, who was born in San Pedro and is half-Italian, says that he enjoyed the best of both worlds, with rabbit stew on pasta, cannolis, and seafood. As both Croatia and Italy are predominantly Catholic countries, fish was an integral part of Christmas Eve dinners.

Burich says that in his hometown of Komiza on the island of Vis, fresh fruit, a scarcity during the winter months, was a highly prized gift for children at Christmas. He tells the story of his mother leaving an apple, one each for him and his sister, under their respective pillows.

“As soon as she left [the room], I went over and got my sister’s apple and put it under my pillow,” he laughs. “The next morning, I’m waiting for my mother to walk in and say, ‘Let’s see what Santa Claus brought you!’ And I say, ‘Okay, Ina, you go first.’ My sister picks up the pillow and there’s nothing. I pick up my mine and there’s two apples. I go, ‘Man, I was twice as good as her!’ My mother looked at me and said, ‘Give her [the] apple back!’”