Croatian National Flag Day being observed for the first time

ZAGREB, 5 June (Hina) – This year, Croatia is marking Croatian Flag Day for the first time, a commemorative day established last year to honour 5 June 1848, when the Croatian tricolour, the red, white and blue flag, was officially raised for the first time during the inauguration of Ban Josip Jelačić.

On 5 June 1848 Josip Jelačić was inaugurated as Ban (leader) of the Kingdom of Croatia, Slavonia and Dalmatia, and when the Croatian tricolour (red, white and blue) flag was officially flown for the first time.

The decision to designate Croatian Flag Day was unanimously adopted by the Croatian Parliament on 6 June 2025, pursuant to Article 81 of the Constitution of the Republic of Croatia.

Croatia’s current flag, with its distinctive red, white and blue colours and historic coat of arms at its centre, symbolises the sovereignty, independence and unity of the Croatian people.

It remains an enduring emblem of respect for Croatia’s history, culture and the values on which the modern Croatian state is founded.

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

By marking Croatian Flag Day, the country pays tribute to the generations that helped preserve Croatian identity and statehood, while reaffirming the importance of national symbols that connect the past, present and future of the Republic of Croatia, according to a statement published by the Sabor.