Croatian National Holidays

National Holidays. Now, I am sure that you will agree with me when I say that there is a certain excitement to being on holiday in a foreign country. There is just something magical about being immersed in a new culture.

The fun of trying local delicacies and drinks. The excitement of getting to know local ways of life and daily routine. Not to mention navigating the local supermarkets. And every now and then, when on holiday in a foreign country, you venture out to grab a coffee or a loaf of bread only to discover that everything is shut! Turns out, it’s a local public holiday that you knew nothing about!

Be Prepared

Be prepared and avoid situations like this when you holiday in Croatia by referring to this, our handy guide on Croatian public holidays.

Some holidays will necessitate closures. Other may not. On some holidays you may experience an increase in traffic or road closures. Make sure that you know about these things beforehand so that you can be on top of it.

Note: The dates laid out below are relevant to 2021.

April 3-5:  Easter Weekend

Easter is a very important holiday here in Croatia and traditional commemorations begin on Palm Sunday. They continue throughout the week until Easter Monday. You will find that churches and the surrounding area will become quite congested, especially on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

Easter Sunday and Monday are official national holidays so some shops may be closed. The supermarket chain Konzum definitely closes on these days. Other supermarket chains may or may not be open. It pays to ask in store to be sure.

May 1:  Labor Day (International Workers Day)

Labor Day / May Day is a public holiday. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed. For more information about this holiday, click here.

In 2021, it falls on a Saturday. Some businesses may choose to follow Saturday opening hours.

May 30:  Statehood Day

This public holiday celebrates the country’s 1991 declaration of independence from Yugoslavia. It is a day off for the general population, and schools. Most businesses are closed. For more information about this holiday, click here.

In 2021, it falls on a Sunday. Some businesses may choose to follow Sunday opening hours.

June 3:  Corpus Christi

This national holiday falls 60 days after Easter, so the date changes each year. It is a day off for the general population. Schools and most businesses are closed.

June 22:  Day of Antifascist Struggle

This national holiday is a day off for the general population. Schools and most businesses are closed. For more information on this holiday, click here.

August 5:  Homeland Thanksgiving Day

This national holiday is marked with lighting candles, laying wreaths, organising parades, concerts and fireworks. It is a day off for the general population. Schools and most businesses are closed.

August 15:  Assumption of Mary

This national holiday celebrates the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is a day off for the general population. Schools and most businesses are closed.

In 2021, it falls on a Sunday. Some businesses may choose to follow Sunday opening hours.

November 1:  All Saints’ Day

This national holiday is a day where families and friends get together to honour those they’ve lost. In the days leading up to November 1, you will see flowers for sale everywhere.

Shops, markets, workplaces, government offices and local postal services will all be closed on this day

November 18:  Remembrance Day

This national holiday commemorates the memory of all the military and civilian victims of the Croatian War of Independence.

It is a day off for the general population. Schools and most businesses are closed. For more information on this holiday, click here.

Start Planning Now

Trip planning can be a daunting task. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, especially when you haven’t been to the country you are visiting before, you do not know the language or the customs.

We hope that by providing your with this list of National Holidays we make your planning process a little easier.

And while you’re here remember to check out our amazing range of holiday homes and villas.

Book early to avoid disappointment.