Planning Your Vacation in Croatia? Here’s a List of Croatian Public Holidays  

The best time to visit Croatia? During the holidays? But which are Croatian public holidays, and which ones are we celebrating in Croatia? And, what’s open on those days? Some of these days can significantly influence your travel plans – from open attractions to available services. Let’s dive into the details so you can make the most out of your holiday in Croatia!

New rules for Croatian public holidays

Since mid 2023 public holidays are non-working days in Croatia. During public holidays in Croatia, almost all businesses, and all government offices, and schools are closed. However, some essential services and restaurants remain open. Nava’s charter office in the summer months is also open on Saturdays or Fridays, regardless of holidays! On such occasions, we recommend ordering provisions in advance. This will help you avoid too expensive grocery shopping or items missing from the only small local store that is open.

Exceptions to the general rule of closed doors on a public holiday are prescribed by law. These include businesses that are located within or are a part of;

• railway and bus stations
• airports and ferry ports, inland waterways ports
• ships, airplanes and ferries for passenger and vehicle transport
• gas stations
• hospitals
• hotels
• cultural and religious institutions
• museums, visitor centers or interpretation centers 
• marinas
• campsites
• family farms 
• protected natural areas

Another exception is the sale of primary agricultural products on-site, at stands and stalls in retail and wholesale markets. This also includes occasional sales at fairs and public events, as well as sales through vending machines and distance selling.

Press distribution on kiosks is also a special form of sales, and they may be open on Sundays and public holidays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

These new rules have also changed working schedules on Sundays. Now all stores need to define only 16 Sundays per year on which they are allowed to open. Most of the stores and shopping centers along the coast have opted for the summer Sundays so you won’t have that many problems in peak season. However, in the autumn or spring Sundays, you might need to check in advance or upon arrival.

Winter holidays

In the winter holidays, sailing is not that common, but let’s just mention the following public holidays: 

• All Saints’ Day (1^st November)
• Remembrance Day for Homeland War Victims (18 November)
• Christmas (25^th December, 26^th December – St. Stephens’),  
• New Year’s Day (1^st January) 
• Epiphany (6^th January)

Croatian Public Holidays in the Spring and Summer

During the summer, warm weather makes Croatia ideal for beach activities and sailing with Nava. So, knowing which public holidays are due and what to expect in terms of working hours of shops, marinas, restaurants, museums etc., might come in handy! 

Expect heavy traffic before and after these holidays due to many Croatian workers taking the opportunity for short vacations.

Below is the list of all public holidays in Croatia during the sailing season:

Easter Monday – different date each year (March-April) 

Easter usually marks the start of the sailing season. But only, for true sailing aficionados. Great wind conditions, and sometimes even warm temperatures, all create an excellent sailing holiday in Croatia. Since Nava Boats are excellently equipped (with air-conditioning and heating) boating even this early in the season is a joy.

Each city and island has its traditions, and that makes this time of year perfect for exploration of the coastline. The custom of egg painting symbolizes the birth of new life. It’s very festive in and around all churches along the coastline since this is the most important Christian holiday. Bells are ringing, holy masses are held, and congregations gather to celebrate Jesus’ victory over death. 

Hvar island has a unique tradition of a procession called “Za Križen” (following the Cross). Six local parishes in central Hvar participate; Jelsa, Pitve, Vrisnik, Svirce, Vrbanj and Vrboska. Groups of parishioners and visitors start in their own local church with a Cross-Bearer and his suite and walk in a clockwise direction between the six churches. These churches are ornated to represent Jesus’ grave, and the people in the processions sing special hymns, chants and prayers at each stop. It takes all night to finish the procession, so it starts on Maundy Thursday and ends on Good Friday morning. 

As for working hours, only essential services are open on Easter and Easter Monday, such as the police, hospitals, small kiosks or small shops in airports, marinas etc. Most restaurants and cafés work, as usual.  

1^st May – International Labour Day

The Labour Day, celebrated on 1^st May, is a special day in Croatia and many parts of the world. It’s dedicated to commemorating the fight for workers’ rights. In Croatia, this day is considered a time to relax and enjoy living in the present moment. It usually includes grilling with friends and family outdoors in public locations and spaces. Local municipalities also organize cooking and distributing large amounts of meals to inhabitants and visitors. 

The same working schedules apply to 1^st of May as to all public holidays. 

30^th May – Statehood Day 

The national holiday of Croatia, known in Croatian as Dan drzavnosti, commemorates the constitution of the first democratically elected multi-party Parliament in 1990. This assembly then put in motion the process of Croatia’s declaration of independence from the Yugoslav Republic. 

On this occasion, the President of Croatia and other dignitaries deliver speeches at events commemorating the significant efforts of the Croatian people in their struggle for independence.

Retail stores close on this day, but restaurants, bars, and cafés stay open, especially in tourist areas, along with most tourist attractions.

Corpus Christi “Tijelovo” – different date each year (May-June)

Corpus Christi, known as “Tijelovo” in Croatian, is a Christian holiday celebrated in Croatia and other Catholic-majority countries. It occurs on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, which is the first Sunday after Pentecost. Corpus Christi is dedicated to honoring the Eucharist and the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. 

On this day, Catholics participate in processions, especially in towns and villages where the celebration holds particular cultural significance. For instance, on the island of Brac, the fishermen have the custom of holding a ceremony to bless their fishing nets, after a procession in their boats with candlelights. 

The most prominent part of the Corpus Christi celebration is the Eucharistic procession, during which the Blessed Sacrament is carried through the streets, often adorned with rose petals, banners, and other decorations. 

22^nd June – Day of Anti Fascist Struggle

Since 2002, June 22^nd has been designated as Antifascist Resistance Day in Croatia, commemorating the formation of the First Partisan Detachment in the Brezovica forest in 1941. This day is dedicated to remembering and honoring the antifascist resistance in Croatia during World War II. It is a time when official ceremonies and commemorations are held to remember those who fought against fascism and to defend the values of freedom, democracy, and human rights. 

5^th August – Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and the Day of Croatian Defenders

This public holiday is to remember and celebrate the last major battle in the Croatian War of Independence, and, in particular, the liberation of Knin town in 1995.  It is a day to honor veterans of the Homeland War and recognize the struggles and victory of Croatia becoming an independent state. In Knin, dignitaries hold speeches during the main parade, and the air forces fly across the entire country. Don’t be surprised if you see some aerial acrobatics in the sky during the day.

15^th August – Assumption of Mary 

The Feast of the Assumption of Mary, also known as Velika Gospa in Croatian is a significant Catholic public holiday in Croatia. This holiday commemorates the belief in the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven, both body and soul, at the end of her earthly life.

On this day, thousands of Croatian Catholics gather at various pilgrimages dedicated to Mary, to honor and venerate her. These churches often hold special Masses, processions, and other religious ceremonies to celebrate the Assumption of Mary.

Expect crowds and traffic jams near the pilgrimages, for instance, Marija Bistrica or Sinj. 

Navigating Your Holiday Around Festive Times

Summer represents peak travel season in Croatia. Travelers swarm beaches while islands buzz more than ever with festivals often coinciding with public holidays adding vibrancy everywhere you turn! Chartering yachts or booking cruises around these times necessitates early arrangements due to high demand.

Be Ready for Anything!

The beauty of traveling around Croatian public holidays lies in spontaneous discoveries. For instance, local feasts where you can taste authentic dishes not found in regular tourist spots; music that energizes streets otherwise calm; and traditions that unfold before your eyes enriching every moment spent here.

Set Sail With Insight

Now you know about Croatian public holidays, which should help you fine-tune your plans, whether sailing along crystal-clear waters or wandering through ancient, history-steeped alleys. Remember — while on certain days you may find yourself in front of closed shop doors, be open for culturally rich experiences at every corner and explore our stunning country!

Embark on your Croatian journey mindful of these special dates but allow space for spontaneity because sometimes it’s during these unexpected stops we find adventures worth a lifetime. Happy travels!