Croatia, with its breathtaking Adriatic coastline, historic towns, and deep rooted traditions, places great value on work life balance and family time. Each year, the Croatian government designates official public holiday and days off, allowing citizens to rest, celebrate, and honor important cultural, religious, and national events.
In this article, we take a closer look at the Public Holidays in Croatia for 2026, exploring the meaning of each day and highlighting when Croatians can enjoy a well earned break from work.
2026 Public Holidays in Croatia
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New Year’s Day (Nova godina) – Thursday, January 1
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Epiphany (Sveta tri kralja) – Tuesday, January 6
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Easter Sunday (Uskrs) – Sunday, April 5
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Easter Monday (Uskrsni ponedjeljak) – Monday, April 6
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International Workers’ Day (Praznik rada) – Friday, May 1
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Corpus Christi (Tijelovo) – Thursday, June 4
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Statehood Day (Dan državnosti) – Thursday, May 30
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Anti Fascist Struggle Day (Dan antifašističke borbe) – Monday, June 22
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Victory & Homeland Thanksgiving Day (Dan pobjede i domovinske zahvalnosti) – Wednesday, August 5
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Assumption of Mary (Velika Gospa) – Saturday, August 15
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All Saints’ Day (Svi sveti) – Sunday, November 1
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Christmas Day (Božić) – Friday, December 25
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St. Stephen’s Day (Sveti Stjepan) – Saturday, December 26
Public Holidays in Detail
New Year’s Day (Nova godina) – January 1, 2026
Croatians welcome the new year with fireworks, music, and family celebrations. It’s a day to relax, set new goals, and enjoy festive gatherings after New Year’s Eve festivities. (Day off: January 1)
Epiphany (Sveta tri kralja) – January 6, 2026
Also known as the Feast of the Three Kings, Epiphany marks the end of the Christmas season. Many Croatians attend mass and bless their homes with holy water and chalk in remembrance of the Three Wise Men. (Day off: January 6)
Easter Sunday (Uskrs) – April 5, 2026
Easter is one of Croatia’s most important religious holidays, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Families attend church, share festive meals, and exchange decorated eggs (pisanice) as symbols of new life. (Day off: April 5)
Easter Monday (Uskrsni ponedjeljak) – April 6, 2026
Easter celebrations continue into Monday, offering an extra day for family visits and relaxation. Easter Monday is a public holiday, allowing people to extend their celebrations and enjoy the springtime atmosphere. (Day off: April 6)
International Workers’ Day (Praznik rada) – May 1, 2026
This holiday honors workers’ rights and achievements. In Croatia, people celebrate with outdoor picnics, community gatherings, and concerts a joyful sign of spring and solidarity. (Day off: May 1)
Corpus Christi (Tijelovo) – June 4, 2026
A deeply spiritual holiday, Corpus Christi celebrates the presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Across Croatia, processions and religious services fill the streets with devotion and color. (Day off: June 4)
Statehood Day (Dan državnosti) – May 30, 2026
Statehood Day commemorates Croatia’s first democratic parliament session in 1990 marking a milestone in national independence. Parades, concerts, and official ceremonies celebrate Croatian unity and freedom. (Day off: May 30)
Anti Fascist Struggle Day (Dan antifašističke borbe) – June 22, 2026
This national holiday honors the formation of Croatia’s first anti-fascist resistance movement during World War II. It is a day of remembrance, emphasizing courage, resilience, and peace. (Day off: June 22)
Victory & Homeland Thanksgiving Day (Dan pobjede i domovinske zahvalnosti) – August 5, 2026
Celebrated to mark the victory in the Croatian War of Independence in 1995, this day is filled with patriotic events, military parades, and cultural performances. It’s one of the most important national holidays. (Day off: August 5)
Assumption of Mary (Velika Gospa) – August 15, 2026
A major religious feast honoring the Virgin Mary’s ascension to heaven, this holiday sees thousands of Croatians attending pilgrimages and church ceremonies. (Day off: August 15)
All Saints’ Day (Svi sveti) – November 1, 2026
A solemn holiday dedicated to honoring the deceased. Families visit cemeteries to light candles and lay flowers, turning graveyards into glowing displays of remembrance. (Day off: November 1)
Christmas Day (Božić) – December 25, 2026
Christmas is one of the most cherished holidays in Croatia. Families come together for festive meals, gift exchanges, and midnight mass. Homes are decorated with lights, nativity scenes, and evergreens. (Day off: December 25)
St. Stephen’s Day (Sveti Stjepan) – December 26, 2026
The day after Christmas continues the celebration with family visits, shared meals, and relaxation. It’s an official public holiday and a peaceful end to the festive season. (Day off: December 26)
Conclusion
Croatia’s public holidays in 2026 reflect a balance of faith, culture, and national pride. They provide citizens with opportunities to celebrate key moments in history, observe religious traditions, and enjoy time off with loved ones.
Whether attending church processions, relaxing by the Adriatic Sea, or joining national parades, Croatians embrace these holidays as a time for connection and reflection.
For travelers, these dates also offer a chance to witness the country’s authentic spirit from Easter customs to vibrant summer festivities. Plan your visits accordingly and experience the warmth, tradition, and unity that define Croatia in 2026.