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
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Beautiful pictures!!
Thank you xbox2121
You have nice touch and lots of class Ina. I wish there are more Hrvata I Hrvatica like you!!
Thank you Roko. There a lots, some we meet, some we see, some we don’t
Happy statehood day, my dear Croatia. Thank you for sharing those beautiful photos, Ina, it’s certainly made my day.
Thanks Kat
Sretan Dan državnosti Ina …. Wow …thank you so much for this wonderful insight into your life growing up in Croatia. As I write my Thesis regarding Croatia’s struggle for legitimacy and recognition of Statehood It is so clear from this blogpost as to how much this assertion of independence meant to Croats 22 years ago ! 🙂
Thank you Joe – yes it meant a great deal; it means a great deal. Look forward to reading your Thesis when it’s done. Keep up the good work and success is guaranteed.
Such beautiful photos in today’s post!!
Thank you gpcox – they’ve been shot with feeling and awe at mother nature’s generosity
Yes, Mother Nature certainly has a knack for putting things together.
She has proven that to us over and over again, gpcox. Thanks.
Beautiful pictures of the country….but with a beautiful country comes beautiful people!
Beauty begets beauty. Thanks Sunman
Very nice places.
Thanks Chef Doru
Thank you Ina for taking your time and surf through my recipes. I’m originally from Romania but never had a chance to visit Croatia even if was so close.
Your recipes are well worth the visit and trying out Chef Doru – perhaps one day on a leisurely holiday you will visit Croatia – well worth the while
Definitely worth a visit. I read some stuff on the internet, saw numerous pictures, heard and saw on TV, but unfortunately I cannot go back to any former communist country, including Romania. All of them are still “dirty” from the communists and will take another 4-5 generations until everything will go on the normal path. I left Romania in 1996 and went back twice just to visit family and dear friends and both times I left with a bad taste. I know for a fact (from friends I have) that in Rusia, Ukraina, Bulgaria is the same and I’ll asume Croatia is not different.
Know what you mean Chef Doru – you’re right about similar things in Croatia there is a definite taste of pro-communist happenings particularly under the current leftist government etc – things were when this is concerned much much better previously under the right wing or centre right governments … the former communists who are still leaning to those political striving do not tolerate well people who are or were against it
Croatia is one of the most beautiful and unique places on earth. I wish more people knew this. Many customers of mine who come back from Dubrovnik and Split say they love these ports more than Italy and Greece. Beautiful post, thanks 🙂
Thank you ahardrain, couldn’t agree more 🙂
Thank you for the beautiful photos. I was in Bosnian with the peace keeping force. I’m glad the country is going better. Your site is amazing. I will stop by later.
Thanks johncoyote, they’re doing better but still a great deal of work ahead in building up democracy.
I was there at her worst time. Democracy is hard to get to and harder to maintain.
Indeed
I visited Korchula & Hvar, and found the land so very beautiful and the people spirited and friendly. Lovely photos!
Thank you Theresa
Muy Bella.
Gracias Ruben
De nada .
Un beso!
🙂 🙂 XXXX