Croatia Public Holidays
Croatia Public Holidays
Searching for the national holidays in Croatia? All public holidays in Croatia are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Croatia employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Croatia and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.
Croatia, with its rich history, deep-rooted traditions, and a blend of various cultural influences, celebrates several public holidays throughout the year. These holidays are a mix of secular and religious observances, many of which are influenced by the country’s Christian heritage. Public holidays in Croatia serve as an opportunity for reflection, community engagement, and patriotism. People in Croatia honor their history, culture, and values through national celebrations, religious holidays, and significant milestones. The government also observes certain holidays that highlight the country’s historical events, offering insight into the nation’s journey toward independence and its national identity. In addition to national observances, local festivals, saints’ days, and traditional celebrations enrich Croatia’s public holiday calendar.
National Holidays in Croatia
1. New Year’s Day (Nova Godina) – January 1
Date: January 1
Description: New Year’s Day is a major holiday in Croatia, celebrated with much enthusiasm across the country. It marks the start of the Gregorian calendar year. The celebration often begins on the night of December 31 with large parties and fireworks. On January 1, many people spend time with family, enjoy festive meals, and participate in local events. Most businesses and government offices close on this day, allowing the Croatian population to rest and reflect on the past year while welcoming in the new one.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
2. Epiphany (Bogojavljenje) – January 6
Date: January 6
Description: Epiphany, or Bogojavljenje, is a Christian holiday that celebrates the revelation of Jesus Christ as the Son of God. In Croatia, this day marks the visit of the Three Wise Men to the newborn Jesus in Bethlehem. It is observed with church services, especially in Catholic communities. The day is a public holiday, and while it is less festive compared to other holidays, it holds religious significance. Most public institutions are closed, and many people attend Mass or reflect on the importance of the occasion.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
3. Labour Day (Praznik rada) – May 1
Date: May 1
Description: Labour Day, also known as International Workers’ Day, is a public holiday in Croatia that honors the contributions of workers and celebrates labor rights. Traditionally, it is a day of solidarity for workers across the globe. In Croatia, this day is celebrated with parades, speeches, and various events in support of workers’ rights and social justice. People gather in parks, attend concerts, and participate in marches. It is a day to reflect on the importance of labor and the workforce in society.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
4. Statehood Day (Dan državnosti) – June 25
Date: June 25
Description: Statehood Day marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1991, which declared Croatia’s sovereignty from Yugoslavia. It is a national holiday that reflects the country’s struggle for independence and sovereignty. The day is marked by various events, including speeches, concerts, and patriotic ceremonies, especially in the capital, Zagreb. Croatia celebrates its statehood with pride and commemorates the sacrifices made for the country’s independence.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
5. Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day (Dan pobjede i domovinske zahvalnosti) – August 5
Date: August 5
Description: Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day is one of Croatia’s most significant holidays, as it commemorates the victory of Croatian forces in the Croatian War of Independence, particularly the recapture of the city of Knin in 1995. This day honors the sacrifices made by soldiers and civilians during the war and is a day of national pride. It is observed with ceremonies, parades, and other patriotic events. The holiday serves as a reminder of the importance of Croatia’s independence and sovereignty.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
6. Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Velika Gospa) – August 15
Date: August 15
Description: The Assumption of the Virgin Mary is a major Catholic feast day celebrated across Croatia. It marks the day when the Virgin Mary was taken to heaven, body and soul. This is an important religious holiday for the predominantly Catholic population of Croatia. The day is marked by religious services, especially Mass, processions, and various cultural events. Many people make pilgrimages to shrines dedicated to the Virgin Mary, particularly in the town of Trsat, near Rijeka.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
7. Independence Day (Dan neovisnosti) – October 8
Date: October 8
Description: Independence Day celebrates the day Croatia formally declared its independence from Yugoslavia in 1991. The declaration marked the beginning of Croatia’s path as an independent republic. It is a national holiday celebrated with patriotic ceremonies, cultural events, and speeches. The holiday is significant as it honors the country’s path to sovereignty and its journey toward becoming a full member of the international community.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
8. Christmas Day (Božić) – December 25
Date: December 25
Description: Christmas Day is one of the most celebrated holidays in Croatia. It marks the birth of Jesus Christ and is observed with great religious significance in Catholic families. The holiday is celebrated with midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, followed by festive meals and family gatherings. Traditional dishes such as fish, roasted meats, and special desserts like “božićna pogača” (Christmas bread) are served. Christmas is a time for reflection, charity, and spending time with loved ones.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
9. St. Stephen’s Day (Sveti Stjepan) – December 26
Date: December 26
Description: St. Stephen’s Day is celebrated as the feast day of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr. This holiday is celebrated by attending Mass and reflecting on St. Stephen’s role in Christianity. In Croatia, it is also a day for family gatherings, continuing the Christmas celebrations. Many people visit friends and relatives, exchange gifts, and enjoy holiday meals.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
Religious Holidays in Croatia
1. St. Blaise Day (Dan svetog Vlaha) – February 3
Date: February 3
Description: St. Blaise Day is a religious holiday celebrated in the city of Dubrovnik in honor of the patron saint of the city, St. Blaise. The day is marked by a grand procession through the streets of Dubrovnik, where people gather to pray and celebrate the city’s patron. The celebration includes Mass, a blessing of candles, and other local traditions. St. Blaise is considered the protector of the city, and this day is of immense importance to the people of Dubrovnik.
Observance: In Dubrovnik
Days Off: 1
2. Good Friday (Veliki Petak) – Varies (March/April)
Date: Varies (March/April, depending on Easter)
Description: Good Friday is a key day in the Christian liturgical calendar, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is observed with solemnity and reverence, especially by the Catholic community in Croatia. Many people attend Good Friday services, and some towns and villages organize processions to reenact the Passion of Christ. While this day is not a public holiday for all workers, it is significant for religious observance.
Observance: Nationally, with special observance in Catholic communities
Days Off: 1 (for religious purposes)
3. Easter Sunday (Uskrs) – Varies (March/April)
Date: Varies (March/April, depending on Easter)
Description: Easter Sunday celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. In Croatia, Easter is widely celebrated by attending Mass, feasting with family, and participating in festive events. The holiday marks the end of Lent, a period of fasting and penance. Easter traditions include egg painting, egg rolling, and family gatherings. The holiday is significant for both religious and cultural reasons.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
4. All Saints’ Day (Dan svih svetih) – November 1
Date: November 1
Description: All Saints’ Day is a religious holiday in Croatia, dedicated to remembering all the saints in the Christian tradition. It is a time to reflect on the lives of saints and martyrs, and many people visit the graves of their loved ones to honor their memory. The holiday is marked by Mass and various religious services. All Saints’ Day is a solemn occasion, and it is widely observed across the country.
Observance: Nationally
Days Off: 1
Public Holidays Observance and Work Schedule
The following table shows the public holidays, the number of days off, and which groups of people observe the holidays.
| Holiday | Date | Days Off | Groups Observing |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day (Nova Godina) | January 1 | 1 | Nationally |
| Epiphany (Bogojavljenje) | January 6 | 1 | Nationally |
| Labour Day (Praznik rada) | May 1 | 1 | Nationally |
| Statehood Day (Dan državnosti) | June 25 | 1 | Nationally |
| Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day (Dan pobjede i domovinske zahvalnosti) | August 5 | 1 | Nationally |
| Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Velika Gospa) | August 15 | 1 | Nationally |
| Independence Day (Dan neovisnosti) | October 8 | 1 | Nationally |
| Christmas Day (Božić) | December 25 | 1 | Nationally |
| St. Stephen’s Day (Sveti Stjepan) | December 26 | 1 | Nationally |
| St. Blaise Day (Dan svetog Vlaha) | February 3 | 1 | Dubrovnik |
| Good Friday (Veliki Petak) | Varies (March/April) | 1 | Nationally (Catholic community) |
| Easter Sunday (Uskrs) | Varies (March/April) | 1 | Nationally |
| All Saints’ Day (Dan svih svetih) | November 1 | 1 | Nationally |
