Croatia Celebrates Statehood Day

Croatia marks Statehood Day

Croatia marks Statehood Day on Monday 25 June.

On 25 June 1991, the Croatian Parliament adopted its historical decision on starting the process of separation from other former Yugoslav republics.

This decision was preceded by a referendum held on 19 May 1991, where 94 percent of the citizens decided Croatia was not to remain in Yugoslavia but was to achieve independence. The 25th of June is therefore celebrated as the Croatian Statehood Day.

Officials will lay wreaths at a monument today (Oltar domovine) in Zagreb for those that died in the homeland war, as they will all over Croatia at various ceremonies.

Oltar domovine (Photo: Ex13 under CC)

The President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic extended congratulations to all citizens.

As we celebrate Statehood Day, the day when by the decision of the Croatian Parliament the sovereign and independent Republic of Croatia was proclaimed, it is with gratitude that we remember our defenders, the first Croatian President Dr. Franjo Tuđman and all those who have left a contribution to the establishment of an independent Croatian State.

Let us be proud of our successes over the past twenty-seven years of State independence, the successes that our scientists, athletes, pupils, students, innovators, entrepreneurs and other citizens confirm on a daily basis with their outstanding achievements, thereby carrying the name of our country throughout the world.

Let today be an incentive for us to persevere in creating a Croatia that will provide all of its citizens with room for security, peace, progress and prosperity. The future of Croatia is in our hands and in our hearts! To all Croats and to all Croatian citizens in our Homeland and across the world, I extend my heartfelt congratulations on the occasion of Statehood Day of the Republic of Croatia.

Congratulations also have come in from heads of states around the world, including Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump, and Pope Francis.

(photo credit: Pablo Cammarots Instagram)

A number of other events around the country have to planned to celebrate the day. This holiday, however, should not be confused with Croatia Independence Day which is observed on 8 October.

Although independence was proclaimed on 25 June, due to the negotiation of the Brioni Agreement, a three-month moratorium was placed on the implementation of the decision and the Parliament cut all remaining ties with Yugoslavia in October.