These Croatian Songs Are the Heartbeat of Every Festa
No matter the city—Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Perth or Adelaide—one thing is certain: when Croatians in Australia gather for a ‘zabava’ or a ‘fešta’, music is the heartbeat of the celebration.
And not just any music—Croatian music that electrifies the room, brings generations together, and turns dance floors into scenes of joyful nostalgia and pure energy.
To find out which Croatian hits truly set the mood at community parties, we launched a fun and spirited online poll: “Zabava Party Favourites – Croatian Song Poll”, inviting members of the Australian-Croatian community to vote for their go-to party anthem. The response was overwhelming—and incredibly passionate.
The Songs That Light Up Every Zabava
From the moment the band starts strumming the first chords, there’s always that one song that draws everyone to the dance floor. For some, it’s Mišo Kovač’s “Poljubi zemlju”, a timeless tribute to homeland that stirs emotions and patriotism. For others, it’s the unmistakable rhythm of Severina’s “Moja štikla” that gets the ladies kicking off their heels and dancing in a circle.
Top picks from the poll included:
Thompson – “Lijepa li si”
Oliver Dragojević – “Vjeruj u ljubav”
Mladen Grdović – “Nije u šoldima sve”
Klapa Intrade – “Croatio, iz duše te ljubim”
Mladen Grdović – ‘’Nije u šoldima sve’’
Tutti Frutti – ‘’Dalmacijo’’
Prljavo kazalište – ‘’Kiše jesenje’’
Miroslav Škoro – ‘’Otvor’ ženo kapiju’’
Siniša Vuco – ‘’Podigla me iz pepela’’
Klapa Intrade – ‘’Croatio, iz duše te ljubim’’
Other beloved suggestions in the comments reflected just how deep and varied the Croatian musical tradition is, from Jasmin Stavros’s “Maro Marice” to Novi Fosili’s classics like “Za dobra stara vremena”, “E da si barem noćas ovdje”, and “Košulja plava”.
One nostalgic favourite that never fails? Tomislav Ivčić’s “Večeras je naša fešta” – the unofficial anthem of every celebration.
More Than Music – A Cultural Connection
What makes these songs special isn’t just the catchy melodies or powerful vocals—it’s the way they connect people. From elderly guests who wipe away a tear during “Mojoj majci”, to teenagers shouting “Geni kameni!” at the top of their lungs, Croatian music bridges generations.
And perhaps the most heartwarming scene at any zabava is this: young children who barely speak Croatian, singing every word to their favourite song. It’s living proof that music is a cultural thread—woven through generations, uniting the diaspora in rhythm and song.
Bands Know the Magic
For local Croatian bands across Australia, these hits are non-negotiable on the playlist. “We don’t even have to ask,” one band member laughed. “The minute we play the intro to Lijepa li si, the crowd roars like we scored in a World Cup.”
Croatian music doesn’t just entertain—it energises. It’s the spark of every festa, the glue that holds traditions together, and the shared heartbeat of a community proudly singing its identity.
Got a song we missed?
Keep adding to our growing ‘zabava’ playlist in the comments and help us honour the soundtrack of our heritage.
What’s the one Croatian song you have to hear at every party?
Here’s one of many beloved songs to brighten your day – enjoy and let the music lift your spirits!: Major Minor, tribute of ‘Nije u šoldima sve’ https://youtu.be/WKAInQro-Z0?si=FqwfSg75cMWS8lcw