The Croatian flag set to have its own special day
- by croatiaweek
- in News
(Photo: Mate Paškanović Pavković)
A proposal to officially mark a Croatian National Flag Day on 5 June is gaining traction, following a renewed initiative by Member of Parliament Andro Krstulović Opara.
The Croatian Government has given a positive opinion on the proposal, and the final decision now rests with Parliament in the coming days.
If adopted, the day would not become a public holiday but rather a commemorative day, aimed at recognising the historical and symbolic importance of the Croatian flag.
Why 5 June?
The date was chosen in reference to 5 June 1848, when Ban Josip Jelačić introduced a flag that would later inspire the coat of arms and design of the current Croatian flag.
Following the French Revolution, the tricolour design gained popularity in Europe, and on May 2, 1848, the Croatian newspaper Narodnih novina announced the red-white-blue sequence for Croatia’s flag.
Ban Josip Jelačić and his peers designed it to reflect the historical provinces by integrating red and white from Croatia’s coat of arms and blue from those of Slavonia and Dalmatia, with the combined coats of arms and the Grand Illyrian coat of arms featured at the centre to symbolise Croatia’s heritage.
Stamp released to honour the anniversary of the first official flag (Croatian Post)
The flag debuted on June 5, 1848, during Jelačić’s appointment as Ban, carried by Count Laval Nugent. Despite facing bans and changes over time, the tricolour has remained a powerful emblem of Croatian identity.
Ban Jelacic’s flag (Photo: Croatian Institute of History)
“In those 180 years, the flag has been banned more often than it has flown freely. It is time we remember this date,” said Krstulović Opara, emphasising the historical significance and emotional connection many Croatians feel towards the national flag.
Citizens Share Deep Connection
On the streets of Zagreb, as RTL Danas reported, citizens echoed this emotional bond.
“I feel very emotional about it – I’m a great patriot. The independence and everything that was achieved during the war deserve to be honoured. I’m very proud,” said Dragica from Zagreb.
“My husband was killed in the war – it means a lot to me and stirs strong emotions,” shared Ivanka.
“There’s definitely pride, especially at major events when you see everyone waving the flag. It’s a beautiful feeling,” added Jana.
This is not the first time such an idea has been brought forward. A similar initiative was proposed seven years ago, and although the Government supported it, the proposed Law on Holidays, Commemorative and Non-Working Days at the time never incorporated it.
“We’ve kept pushing since then and I hope the time has finally come. Most Western European countries already have an official day to honour their flag,” noted Željko Heimer, President of the Croatian Heraldic and Vexillological Association.
Mixed Reactions
However, not everyone is convinced that another commemorative day is necessary.
“Of course emotions are involved, but I’m not sure we need a special day for everything,” said Stanko from Zagreb.
What Would Flag Day Look Like?
Krstulović Opara clarified that the day would be educational and reflective, not celebratory in nature.
“It would not be a festive occasion. On that day, children would learn in school about the history of the flag, and I believe Croatians would finally display the flags they already own – particularly around Statehood Day,” he explained.
A decision from Parliament is expected within the next five days, potentially marking a new tradition in Croatia’s national calendar.
