Croatia to celebrate historic anniversaries with big military parade

(Photo: MORH / T. Brandt)

ZAGREB, 22 May 2025 – The Government of the Republic of Croatia has approved the formation of an Organisational Committee to oversee this year’s commemorations of Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and Croatian Veterans Day, set to include a major military parade in Zagreb.

At the 92nd session of the Croatian Government, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić presented the proposal, highlighting the significance of 2025 as a landmark year.

This year marks the 35th anniversary of Croatian statehood and the 30th anniversaries of the military-police operations Bljesak and Oluja – decisive moments in Croatia’s path to independence.

“With the knowledge and experience of our veterans, we continue to build a modern and strong Croatian Armed Forces,” Minister Anušić stated during the session.

Emphasising the government’s commitment to the country’s defence forces, the Minister said: “The Croatian Government and Ministry of Defence are raising standards for our soldiers, ensuring they can live their calling with pride.

We are continuously investing in the equipment and modernisation of all branches of the Armed Forces. This will be showcased in Zagreb during the parade, which will also feature other components of the homeland security system.”

The parade is expected to be one of the central events in this year’s commemorations, bringing together the Croatian Armed Forces and other security services in a display of unity, readiness, and national pride.

The proposal was unanimously adopted by the Croatian Government. The Organisational Committee, chaired by Minister Anušić, will be responsible for developing the programme and overseeing preparations for the event.

The commemorations and parade aim to pay tribute to the veterans and all those who contributed to Croatia’s independence while demonstrating the country’s continued investment in a capable and modern defence system.