Croatian Independence Day

Divya Raghav
Dec 22, 2023 By Divya Raghav
Originally Published on Feb 22, 2022
Fact-checked by Pratiti Nath
Croatian Independence Day is observed on June 25 every year.

Where is Croatian Independence Day observed?

Croatian Independence Day is observed in Central and Southeastern Europe by countries along the Adriatic coast. 

Who is Croatian Independence Day observed by?

Croatian Independence Day has been observed by the Croatian citizens under their prime minister Andrej Plenković.

When did Croatian Independence Day first start?

Primarily, Croatian Independence Day was declared on June 25, 1991. However, this memorial day is always observed in Croatia on October 8.

On this day, the European national parliament ended their legal relations between Croatia and Yugoslavia. Until 2020, that day was an official holiday called Independence Day. With the changes within the holiday, the name of the vacation was modified to Memorial Day.

Who started Croatian Independence Day?

Croatian independence was a process that began with a modification within the social group and constitutional reform in 1990, and it established the Socialist Republic of European country into the Republic of Croatia. 

History And Timeline

Previously, June 25 was known as Croatian Statehood Day. On October 8, 1991, the European country parliament cut off all remaining ties with Yugoslavia. Therefore, October 8 is the turning point, and Independence Day in Croatia. In 1992, Croatia was recognized by the member states of the Economic Community, and Croatia was admitted to the UN.

The Brioni Agreement

After the Ten-Day War, the agreement was signed between Croatia and Yugoslavia. This ended the hostility between the two countries.

July 7, 1991

Reclaim Of Management

In May and August 1995, the Republic of Croatian military offensives regained management of western Slovenija and central Croatia from Serbian insurgents.

August 1995

Eastern Slavonia Claims Dropped

In 1996, Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic agreed to drop his claims on Eastern Slavonia.

1996

Yugoslav Forces Withdrew From Territory

The Yugoslav forces then withdrew from the region underneath the auspices of the UN.

1996

Complete Territory Management Power

With the withdrawal of troops from Prilajka in 2002, Croatia regained full management of its territory.

2002

Traditions And Customs

On this day, people place candles and flowers on the city's monuments and memorials of famous contributors as a sign of respect. The Croatian government also initiates certain memorial customs like the military parade.

Ways To Observe Croatian Independence Day

 You can obserbed the day by paying tribute to the Independence Day contributors like the soldiers who sacrificed their lives. Plus, visiting the memorial plaque is a good way to observe this day.

Facts And Stats

  • Although Croatia claimed Independence on June 25, 1991, this day isn't marked by complete independence as it came later in October.
  • This day is crucial to remember that 91% of voters who voted in the Croatian referendum favored independence.
  • Independence Day was moved to October 8 by the Government of Ivica Racan.
  • In 2019, Independence Day was shifted back to June 25.
  • This day marks the signing of the Brioni declaration by Croatia and Slovenia, ending the hostile relationship between the two countries.
  • On this day Slovenia, Croatia, and Yugoslavia agreed to sign the Brioni declaration which paved the way for Yugoslav republics negotiations.

When did Croatia get its independence?

Croatia claimed its independence on June 25, 1991. They got their final independence on October 8 after breaking all the ties.

Does Croatia have Independence Day?

Yes, Croatia does have its Independence Day, observed every year on October 8. 

When did Croatia become independent from Yugoslavia?

Croatia observes declaring independence from Yugoslavia on June 25, 1991, but it got its final liberation on October 8.

Who did Croatia get independence from?

Croatia got independence from SRF Yugoslavia.

How do people observe Croatian Independence Day?

Independence Day in Croatia is a day of remembrance, not a public holiday. The city observes the day by placing candles and flowers on the city's monuments and memorable statues of people who defended Croatia in the Croatian War of Independence.

Who devised Croatian Independence Day?

On June 25, the Croatian parliament declared Croatia's independence.

What are some benefits of observing Croatian Independence Day?

There are many benefits of observing Croatian Independence Day. But the major benefit to Croatia was that they got a proper federal budget to support their country.

When Is This Day Celebrated

  • Thursday, June 25, 2020
  • Friday, June 25, 2021
  • Saturday, June 25, 2022
  • Sunday, June 25, 2023
  • Tuesday, June 25, 2024

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Written by Divya Raghav

Bachelor of Commerce specializing in Accounting and Finance, Master of Business Administration

Divya Raghav picture

Divya RaghavBachelor of Commerce specializing in Accounting and Finance, Master of Business Administration

With a diverse range of experience in finance, administration, and operations, Divya is a diligent worker known for her attention to detail. Born and raised in Bangalore, she completed her Bachelor's in Commerce from Christ University and is now pursuing an MBA at Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Bangalore. Along with her professional pursuits, Divya has a passion for baking, dancing, and writing content. She is also an avid animal lover who dedicates her time to volunteering for animal welfare causes.

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Fact-checked by Pratiti Nath

Bachelor of Science specializing in Microbiology, Masters of Science specializing in Biotechnology

Pratiti Nath picture

Pratiti NathBachelor of Science specializing in Microbiology, Masters of Science specializing in Biotechnology

A Master's in Biotechnology from Presidency University and a Bachelor's in Microbiology from Calcutta University. Pratiti holds expertise in writing science and healthcare articles, and their inputs and feedback help writers create insightful content. They have interests in heritage, history, and climate change issues and have written articles for various websites across multiple subjects. Their experience also includes working with eco-friendly startups and climate-related NGOs.

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