JUNE 2, 2025 — Croatia may soon designate June 5 as a commemorative day honouring its national flag, net.hr reports.
The proposal, initiated by MP Andre Krstulović Opara, has government backing and awaits a final vote in the Sabor.
June 5 marks the day in 1848 when Ban Josip Jelačić received a red-white-blue cavalry flag bearing the Triune Kingdom’s coat of arms. This tricolour became the model for later Croatian flags, said TPortal.
This flag became the prototype for all later Croatian national and state flags, according to the Croatian Institute of History.
The original flag is held by the Croatian History Museum, though rarely exhibited. A replica was displayed in the Sabor on May 30, 1990, during the first session of the multiparty parliament.
The initiative is supported by the Croatian History Museum, the Croatian Heraldic and Vexillological Association, the Croatian Institute of History, and the Brotherhood of the Croatian Dragon. A similar proposal was accepted by the government seven years ago but was never enacted.
“We’ve been working on it since then and I hope the time has come,” said Željko Heimer, president of the Heraldic and Vexillological Association.
“Most Western European countries already have designated days for their national flags.”
“It would be a time for reflection. Children in schools would learn about the history of the flag, and I believe Croatians would finally display their flags again on Statehood Day,” said Krstulović Opara.
Public reaction is mixed. “My husband was killed in the war, so this means a lot to me,” said Ivanka Klobučar. “There are always emotions, but I don’t know if we really need a special day for it,” said Stanko Uzelac.
A vote in the Sabor is expected within days.
