The Statehood Day in Croatia used to be celebrated on 30th May, while President Franjo Tudjman was alive (died 1999). It marked the day when in 1990 the first post-Communist multi-party Parliament was constituted. Since 2002 June 25th has prevailed as the Statehood Day because it marks the day of Croatia’s declaration of independence from Yugoslavia.
“I declare to the whole world that on this day the Republic of Croatia is proclaimed sovereign and independent state,” were dr Franjo Tudjman’s words on 25th June 1991.
To make things confusing even more Croatia’s Independence Day is marked on October 8th because it was on 8 October 1991 when Croatia cut all ties with former Yugoslavia. Those in government and leadership who wanted any which way to discredit and vilify Franjo Tudjman were the ones most responsible for creating such confusion. Needless to say they come from die-hard communist echelons; many of whom did not want an independent and democratic Croatia in the first place.
Little did they suspect that a grand love for freedom and democracy would prevail and result in multitudes celebrating Croatian Statehood Day on both May 30th and June 25th ! Spreading pride and love can never come in surplus!
So, to join in June 25th celebrations of Croatian Statehood Day I offer the following snapshots of that absolute beauty that will, come 1st July, become a full member state of the European Union. (Click on photos to enlarge)
A view from the house I was born in, Island of Korcula Croatia
Old Korcula town Croatia
June 2013 – passenger ship arriving in
Korcula Croatia
June 2013 – fishing at Korcula Croatia
June 2013 – a Korcula Croatia beach
June 2013 – inviting waters at Korcula Croatia
Cruising on a boat around old town of Korcula Croatia
Pristine waters at wharf in Korcula Croatia
June 2013 – Badija Island near
Korcula Croatia
June 2013 – old chapel at cemetery
Korcula, Croatia
June 2013 – alleyway in old town of Korcula,
Island of Korcula, Croatia
Grape vine shade Island of Korcula Croatia
June 2013 – Hvar Croatia
Small beach on Island of Hvar Croatia
St Mark’s church Zagreb Croatia
May 2013 – Zagreb Croatia Mimara Museum
April 2013 – Tkalciceva street cafes Zagreb Croatia
May 2013 – King Tomislav statue Zagreb Croatia
the glory of Spring and history
March 2013 – the snow still here Zagreb Croatia
March 2013 – Zrinjevac Park Zagreb Croatia
Folk singers on Ban Jelacic Place Zagreb Croatia