Croatian flag celebrates 177 years since its historic debut

Ban Jelacic’s fist Croatian flag (Photo: Croatian Institute of History)

The first Croatian flag marks its 177th anniversary today since its first official appearance back on 5 June 1848.

The Croatian tricolour – red, white, and blue – is a powerful symbol of national unity and statehood. Its origins date back to 1848, a pivotal year in European history.

On 2 May of that year, the Croatian newspaper Narodnih novina first published the red-white-blue arrangement as the national colours.

Ban Josip Jelačić, a central figure in Croatia’s 19th-century political awakening, played a key role in shaping the flag. In collaboration with his peers, he sought to create a unifying emblem that represented all regions of the Kingdom of Croatia. The red and white were drawn from Croatia’s historic coat of arms, while the blue symbolised the regions of Slavonia and Dalmatia.

The newly crafted flag made its first official appearance on 5 June 1848 during Jelačić’s appointment ceremony as Ban. Count Laval Nugent, a key supporter of Jelačić’s elevation, carried the flag on that significant day.

Throughout its history, the Croatian flag has weathered political changes, bans, and redesigns. Yet, its symbolism has endured, deeply embedded in the national consciousness.

Stamp released this week to honour the anniversary of the first official flag (Croatian Post)

A defining moment came on 30 May 1990, during the first session of Croatia’s multiparty Parliament, when Jelačić’s original tricolour was displayed alongside the new Croatian flag. This act paid tribute to the past while signalling a new chapter for the nation.

Today, the Croatian national flag features three equal horizontal stripes – red at the top, white in the middle, and blue at the bottom – with the Croatian coat of arms prominently displayed in the centre. It is a lasting emblem of the country’s sovereignty, resilience, and pride.

Croatian flag

As the flag marks its anniversary, a proposal is gaining support to officially designate 5 June as Croatian National Flag Day.

The initiative for Croatian National Flag Day is led by Member of Parliament Andro Krstulović Opara and has received backing from the Government, with a final decision now pending in Parliament.

While it would not be a public holiday, the proposed day would serve as a commemorative occasion to honour the flag’s historical and cultural significance.

If the proposal is approved, 5 June would annually commemorate the flag’s first ceremonial use, linking the past with the present and strengthening awareness of one of Croatia’s most important national symbols.