From Zagreb to Split: How May Day was marked across Croatia
- by croatiaweek
- in News
(Photos: Grad Osijek)
Across Croatia, thousands of people turned out on Thursday to celebrate International Workers’ Day, or May Day, enjoying traditional free meals, music, and a lively community atmosphere.
May 1st is a public holiday in Croatia, widely marked by the serving of free grah (bean stew) in parks and public spaces across the country.
From Zagreb to Vukovar, cities organised festive programmes to honour workers and offer a day of relaxation and gratitude.
Zagreb
In Zagreb, the central event took place at Maksimir Park where tens of thousands gathered to enjoy live music, cultural performances, and free food.
(Photo: Grad Zagreb)
Over 35,000 portions of grah and 30,000 servings of traditional štrukli were handed out.
(Photo: Grad Zagreb)
Performers included the Zagreb ZET Orchestra, the Ante Gelo Band featuring guests like Marko Tolja and Mia Dimšić, and various children’s choirs and dance groups.
(Photo: Grad Zagreb)
Osijek
In Osijek, the celebration took place on the left bank of the Drava near the catacombs. The city distributed a record 3,000 portions of grah, prepared by the skilled members of the Slavonia and Baranja Cooking Masters Association.
(Photo: Grad Osijek)
Each meal included a slice of gužvara (a local pastry) and a drink. Mayor Ivan Radić joined in the serving and expressed pride in the strong turnout and community spirit.
(Photo: Grad Osijek)
He noted that the city is seeing positive economic growth, with over 4,000 more employed citizens compared to 2021, a 31.9% drop in unemployment, and a rise in the number of entrepreneurs.
(Photo: Grad Osijek)
(Photo: Grad Osijek)
Vukovar
Vukovar held its traditional May Day event at Adica Park, attracting locals and visitors alike. Around 1,500 portions of grah were shared, served by Mayor Ivan Penava with help from students of the local vocational school.
(Photo: Grad Vukovar/Miroslav Šlafhauzer)
(Photo: Grad Vukovar/Miroslav Šlafhauzer)
(Photo: Grad Vukovar/Miroslav Šlafhauzer)
Alongside the food, visitors enjoyed walks on a newly opened wooden path over the Vuka River and entertainment for all ages.
(Photo: Grad Vukovar/Miroslav Šlafhauzer)
Split
Meanwhile, in Split, more than 3,000 portions of fažol (bean stew) were handed out at Marjan, prepared by the Student Centre. Mayor Ivica Puljak, along with his wife and deputy, greeted citizens and invited them to enjoy the day’s programme and evening concert by Amira Medunjanin.
