Croatian festivals, events, and holidays are part of what makes visiting the country so memorable. Whether it’s a lively summer celebration or a religious procession in a small town, these moments offer a real glimpse into local life—and sometimes a good reason to grab a drink and join the party.
Here are some of the public holidays celebrated in Croatia. Just keep in mind that many of them come with business closures, so it’s good to check ahead if you’ve got something specific planned that day.
National Holidays
- New Year’s Day (Nova godina) – January 1
- Epiphany (Bogojavljenje) – January 6
- Easter Sunday (Uskrs) – Date varies (usually in March or April)
- Easter Monday (Uskrsni ponedjeljak) – Date varies
- Labour Day (Praznik rada) – May 1
- Corpus Christi (Tijelovo) – Date varies (usually in May or June)
- Statehood Day (Dan državnosti) – June 25
- Assumption of Mary (Velika Gospa) – August 15
- Independence Day (Dan neovisnosti) – October 8
- All Saints’ Day (Dušni dan) – November 1
- Christmas (Božić) – December 25
Festivals & Events
Croatia hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating its heritage, music, arts, and local traditions. Here are some of the biggest festivals and events in Croatia:
- Dubrovnik Summer Festival – Held annually from mid-July to mid-August in Dubrovnik. It features a variety of cultural events including theatre, music, dance, and art exhibitions.
- INmusic Festival – Croatia’s largest open-air music festival held in Zagreb usually in late June, attracting international and local musicians.
- Croatian Summer Salsa Festival – Takes place in Rovinj in June. The festival features workshops, performances, and parties dedicated to salsa dancing and Latin music.
- Split Summer Festival – A cultural festival in Split held from mid-July to mid-August, showcasing theatre performances, concerts, and art exhibitions across the city.
- Ultra Europe – One of Europe’s largest electronic music festivals, held in Split in July, featuring top DJs and electronic music acts from around the world.
- Rijeka Carnival – Held in Rijeka during February or March, it’s Croatia’s largest carnival celebration with parades, masquerade balls, and street performances.
- Pula Film Festival – Croatia’s oldest film festival held annually in Pula in July, featuring Croatian and international films, premieres, and awards.
- Zagreb Advent – A festive Christmas market and cultural event held throughout December in Zagreb. The event features food stalls, entertainment, and ice skating.
- Špancirfest – Held in Varaždin in August, it’s a street festival featuring music, art, theatre, and various cultural performances.
- Motovun Film Festival – A film festival held in the picturesque hilltop town of Motovun. It is held in July and showcases independent and art-house films.
These events showcase Croatia’s cultural scene and those looking to experience the country’s traditions and entertainment.
If this guide to Croatian festivals, events, and holidays has sparked your interest, be sure to check out two of our favorite reads to help you plan your trip. Discover all the reasons why Croatia should be at the top of your bucket list, and get inspired with a detailed 16-day itinerary covering both Croatia and Slovenia. These resources will give you even more ideas to make the most of your adventure in this beautiful region.