The Croatian Statehood Day is a holiday celebrated on 30 May in Croatia (from 2002 to 2019 it was celebrated on 25 June) and marks the constitution of the first modern multi-party Croatian Parliament in 1990. The Statehood Day is the National Day of Croatia, being both an official holiday and a day off work.
From a historical perspective, on 19 May 1991, 94% of Croatians voted in a referendum for separation from the other Yugoslav republics. A month later, on 25 June 1991, the Croatian Parliament adopted the decision and began the process of leaving Yugoslavia. Although the nation declared its independence on this day, it would take another 3 months for it to come into effect following unsuccessful negotiations with the other countries.
During this holiday, typical state activities take place, involving speeches by the President of Croatia and other dignitaries, as well as the commemoration of the Croatian War of Independence. The first Croatian military parade of the Republic of Croatia Armed Forces took place in the neighborhood of Jarun in 1995 marking the Statehood Day.
Did you know?
- By joining the EU in July 2013, Croatia became the 27th and newest member state.
- 78% of Croatians claim knowledge of at least one foreign language.
- Croatia has the highest number of UNESCO Intangible Goods of any European country together with Spain.
- The necktie is a famous Croatian invention. This modern marvel of fashion originally called cravat stems from an accessory worn by members of the 17th century military unit known as the Croats.
- Croatia has 1246 islands, isles and inlets.
You can celebrate the Croatian Statehood Day by practising your interpretation skills on Croatian speeches. The Speech Repository offers you 31 public and 26 restricted speeches on a variety of topics in Croatian. Let’s get started!
Happy practice,
Your Speech Repository Team