Croatian Flags Fly High Across Australia for Statehood Day
Photo: archives
Statehood Day in the Republic of Croatia is a national holiday marked on 30 May, in commemoration of the establishment of the first democratically elected multi-party Croatian Parliament on 30 May 1990, and the historical role of the Croatian Parliament in preserving Croatian statehood.
At the inaugural session of the newly formed Parliament of the Socialist Republic of Croatia, attended by numerous guests from both the homeland and the Croatian diaspora, as well as representatives of religious communities, MPs elected Žarko Domljan as Speaker of Parliament. Ivica Percan, Stjepan Sulimanac, and Vladimir Šeks were elected as Deputy Speakers.
Stjepan Mesić was appointed President of the Executive Council of Parliament, while Franjo Tuđman became President of the Presidency of the Socialist Republic of Croatia. In his first address to the newly elected MPs, Tuđman emphasised that the formation of the first multi-party Parliament represented the first step in returning the Croatian people and their state to the European cultural, political, and economic tradition, as well as to the broader civilisational framework, the Croatian Parliament recalls.
From 2001 until 2020, following amendments to the Act on Public Holidays, Memorial Days and Non-Working Days in the Republic of Croatia, this date was marked as Croatian Parliament Day. However, with the adoption of a new Public Holidays Act in November 2019—effective from 1 January 2020—the date of 30 May once again became recognised as Statehood Day, just as it was before 2001.
On this day, we remember a proud and challenging time in modern Croatian history, during which the foundations of the present-day Republic of Croatia were laid.
Part of the speech by Dr Franjo Tuđman at the celebration of Croatian Statehood Day – 30 May 1990:https://youtu.be/abIS5xQUd8o?si=SoBFBYMZc4PL-Kkn
Croatian Community in Australia Gears Up for Statehood Day Celebrations
The Croatian community across Australia is preparing to mark Statehood Day on 30 May with pride and heartfelt celebration, honouring one of the most significant milestones in modern Croatian history. The day commemorates the constitution of the first democratically elected multi-party Croatian Parliament in 1990, a defining moment that paved the way for Croatia’s independence and its return to European political and cultural traditions.
From the Croatian Embassy in Canberra and consular offices in major cities, to Croatian clubs and families across the country, the spirit of unity and remembrance will be on full display.
One of the most visible tributes can be seen in the heart of Melbourne, where Croatian flags are proudly raised in cooperation with the Consulate General of the Republic of Croatia in Melbourne. The display is a strong symbol of connection between the homeland and the vibrant Croatian diaspora in Australia.
As the holiday approaches, numerous Croatian clubs and organisations are expected to announce special events and gatherings. Among the first to share their plans is the Croatian Club “King Tomislav” in Sydney, which will be hosting a community picnic on 25 May from 12:00 noon. The event promises a festive atmosphere with traditional Croatian cuisine, colourful folklore performances, and live music by the popular band ‘Sto na Sat’—guaranteeing a lively day of celebration and cultural pride.
More information and updates: https://www.facebook.com/kingtomclub
If your club or organisation is planning a celebration to mark this important date, we encourage you to share the details with us. Together, we can help promote your event and ensure that the legacy of Statehood Day is honoured in the most meaningful way possible across the Australian Croatian community.