Happy Independence Day to all the Croatians in the world. Among the most momentous dates in history, 25 June is honored as the day when the final and permanent decision on the independence of the Republic of Croatia became effective.
October 8 marks the Independence Day of Croatia. In Croatia, Independence Day is known as ‘Dan Neovisnosti’. This special event holds great importance for every Croatian, as the historical goal of a ‘free Croatia’ was achieved after long centuries of fighting and struggle.
Croatia’s Independence Day marks a turning point in the country’s history after its long connection with the Austria-Hungarian Empire. This Empire collapsed with the conclusion of World War I, after which Croatia soon became one of the six republics formed under Yugoslavia. In 1991, Croatia decided to declare its independence from Yugoslavia, yet more work had to be done to move toward complete independence…
When is Croatia’s Independence Day?
Croatian Independence Day is celebrated on 25 June. It will mark Croatia’s 30th Independence Day or 29 Years of Independence since separating from Yugoslavia in 1991.
Interesting Facts about Croatia
- Croatia is the home of the world’s most popular dog breed – Dalmatians
- Croatia has 1246 islands
- Game of Thrones Kings Landing is in Croatian Dubrovnik
- Croatia is full of natural wonders
- Croatia enjoys about 2,715 hours of sunshine a year – that’s more than Sydney, Australia!
- The seaside town Zadar has the best sunset in the world. Zadar also has the world’s first pipe organ played by the sea
- Croatia has the world’s smallest town called Hum, with a population of 20 people only
- Luka is the most popular boys’ name in Croatia. Mia is the most popular female name in Croatia.
SECTION # 1
Croatia Independence History: How Did Croatia Get Its Independence?
Croatian Independence Day (also known as Dan neovisnosti) is celebrated annually on 8 October in order to mark the official day that it split from Yugoslavia.
Croatia had a long connection with the Austria-Hungarian Empire. By the end of World War I, this Empire Collapsed, and Croatia soon became one of the six republics formed under SFR Yugoslavia.
In May 1991, the Croatian referendum on independence was held with 93% of voters supporting the independence. On 25 June, the Croatian parliament declared the independence of Croatia from the SFR Yugoslavia. Yet more work had to be done to move towards complete independence…
On July 7, a week after declaring independence from Yugoslavia, Croatia as well as Slovenia signed the Brioni Declaration. Under this agreement, both the nations consented to suspend all assertions and acts passed by the Croatian and Slovenian parliaments related to those states’ withdrawal from Yugoslavia for a time of three months.
As these talks ended in disappointment, Croatia proceeded with its choice to gain independence. Finally, on 8 October 1991, Croatia’s split from Yugoslavia was finalized in the basement of an INA building but not in its usual Saint Marcus Square building since the center of Zagreb had been attacked the day before.
Croatia’s Independence happened formally on 8 October 1991. Ten years would pass before the Independence Day holiday was implemented on this date by the administration in Croatia, and it would take one more year before it became a public holiday in 2002.
SECTION # 2
Croatia Independence Day Celebrations & Activities
Croatian Independence Day or Croatia National Day is celebrated every year on October 8. This national public holiday is held, commemorating the important day in 1991 when Croatian Parliament’s unanimous decision came to separate Croatia from the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. It’s the day when the last and final decision on the freedom of the Republic of Croatia became effective.
The celebrations of Croatia Independence Day start with a flag raising ceremony followed by a military parade in Zagreb. The day is about patriotism and pride, so many Croatians attend the parade wearing their national flag’s color – red, blue, and white, while also carrying the national flag with them.
Croatia’s National Flag is hoisted at all important public and private sector buildings. Many Croatians decorate their homes and streets with pennants and lights.
Many people along with their families and friends, visit national monuments, while some enjoy the public holiday by throwing a barbecue party or visiting recreational spots. Firework shows are also put together on the eve of Croatian Independence Day.
Most of Croatians indulge in traditional Croatian dishes to celebrate the day. Some of the famous dishes include Brodet, Burek, Ajvar, Buzara, and Cevapcici.
Special programs and shows are held, where tribute is given to the ancient leaders who made Croatia’s Independence possible. The nation, with gratitude, recalls all those throughout history whose sacrifice in labor and lives contributed to the achievement of this goal.
Croatia National Day Public Life & Holiday
The National Day of Croatia is celebrated every 8th of October. A public holiday is observed on this special day. All private and public buildings including educational institutes remain closed.
Independence Day was first implemented by Ivica Račan’s government in 2001. A public holiday in the nation and the celebrations of Independence Day were announced for the first time in 2002.
Croatia National Flag & Symbols
The National Flag of Croatia consists of three equal-size, horizontal stripes in colors red, white and blue. In the middle is the coat of arms of Croatia.
The red-white-blue tricolor has been associated with romantic nationalism.
Happy Croatia Independence Day Quotes Wishes Greetings
- Happy Independence Day Croatia. May you always be strong and beautiful.
- Today Croatia is celebrating 28 years of independence. Happy Independence Day to all Croats around the world.
- October 8 marks the day Croatia formally cut all ties with Yugoslavia. Happy Independence Day Croatia. Grateful to call this beautiful country my home.
- I wish a happy Independence Day to all Croatian citizens in Croatia & throughout the world! On 8 Oct 1991 the Croatian parliament adopted a unanimous decision on severing Croatia’s state ties with the other Republics of the ex Yugoslavia.
- Sretan Dan neovisnosti, Hrvatska! Happy Independence Day, Croatia! Exactly 28 years ago today, Croatia declared that it is breaking all ties with socialist Yugoslavia and embraced its own path of freedom and independence.
- Happy October 8 to my homeland Croatia! I’m so proud of all of us and how far we’ve come as a nation! Proud to be a Croatian!