Public Holidays in Croatia 2024

Croatia, a country with a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty, celebrates various public holidays throughout the year. These holidays reflect the country’s history, traditions, and religious diversity, providing opportunities for Croatians to come together, celebrate, and commemorate important events. In this guide, we will explore the public holidays in Croatia for the year 2024, providing detailed descriptions of each holiday along with information on the groups entitled to days off.

National Holidays

New Year’s Day (Nova godina) – January 1, 2024

New Year’s Day in Croatia marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. It is celebrated with parties, fireworks, and gatherings of family and friends. Croatians often attend concerts and public events held in city centers to ring in the New Year.

Days off: New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Croatia, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.

Epiphany (Bogojavljenje) – January 6, 2024

Epiphany, also known as Bogojavljenje or the Feast of the Three Kings, commemorates the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus. In Croatia, it is celebrated with religious services, processions, and blessings of water.

Days off: Epiphany is not a public holiday in Croatia, but it is observed by the Catholic community.

Easter Sunday (Uskrs) – April 21, 2024

Easter Sunday is the most significant religious holiday in Croatia, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Croatians attend church services, participate in Easter egg hunts, and enjoy festive meals with family and friends.

Days off: Easter Sunday is not a public holiday in Croatia, but it is widely celebrated, and many businesses and institutions may be closed.

International Workers’ Day (Praznik rada) – May 1, 2024

International Workers’ Day, also known as Labor Day or May Day, honors the contributions of workers to society. In Croatia, it is a day for workers’ rights demonstrations, marches, and celebrations organized by trade unions and labor organizations.

Days off: International Workers’ Day is a public holiday in Croatia, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.

Corpus Christi (Tijelovo) – June 20, 2024

Corpus Christi is a Catholic holiday that celebrates the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist. In Croatia, it is observed with religious processions, church services, and the decoration of streets and altars with flowers and greenery.

Days off: Corpus Christi is not a public holiday in Croatia, but it is observed by the Catholic community.

Statehood Day (Dan državnosti) – June 25, 2024

Statehood Day in Croatia commemorates the country’s declaration of independence from Yugoslavia on June 25, 1991. It is a national holiday marked by official ceremonies, flag-raising ceremonies, and cultural events.

Days off: Statehood Day is a public holiday in Croatia, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.

Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and the Day of Croatian Defenders (Dan pobjede i domovinske zahvalnosti i Dan hrvatskih branitelja) – August 5, 2024

Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and the Day of Croatian Defenders commemorate the Croatian War of Independence and honor those who fought for Croatia’s freedom. It is a day of remembrance, reflection, and gratitude for the sacrifices made during the war.

Days off: Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and the Day of Croatian Defenders is a public holiday in Croatia, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.

Assumption of Mary (Velika Gospa) – August 15, 2024

The Assumption of Mary, also known as Velika Gospa, is a Catholic feast day that commemorates the Virgin Mary’s assumption into heaven. In Croatia, it is celebrated with religious services, processions, and pilgrimages to Marian shrines.

Days off: Assumption of Mary is not a public holiday in Croatia, but it is observed by the Catholic community.

Independence Day (Dan neovisnosti) – October 8, 2024

Independence Day in Croatia commemorates the country’s declaration of independence from Yugoslavia on October 8, 1991. It is a national holiday marked by official ceremonies, flag-raising ceremonies, and cultural events.

Days off: Independence Day is a public holiday in Croatia, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.

All Saints’ Day (Svi sveti) – November 1, 2024

All Saints’ Day is a Catholic holiday that honors all saints, known and unknown. In Croatia, it is a day for visiting cemeteries, lighting candles, and remembering deceased loved ones.

Days off: All Saints’ Day is a public holiday in Croatia, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.

Christmas Day (Božić) – December 25, 2024

Christmas Day in Croatia commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ and is celebrated with religious services, family gatherings, and the exchange of gifts. It is a time for festive meals, music, and decorations.

Days off: Christmas Day is a public holiday in Croatia, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.

St. Stephen’s Day (Sveti Stjepan) – December 26, 2024

St. Stephen’s Day, also known as Boxing Day, is celebrated the day after Christmas Day. In Croatia, it is a time for relaxation and spending time with family and friends. Some Croatians may attend church services or participate in charitable activities on this day.

Days off: St. Stephen’s Day is a public holiday in Croatia, observed nationwide, providing a day off for government offices, businesses, and schools.

Table: Summary of Public Holidays in Croatia 2024