Anti-Fascist Struggle Day in Croatia
Croatia observes Anti-Fascist Struggle Day every June 22. It is a public holiday that recalls the formation of the First Sisak Partisan Detachment in 1941 in Brezovica forest, near Sisak.[1][2]
A Croatian public holiday
Croatia’s Holidays, Memorial Days and Non-Working Days Act lists June 22 as Anti-Fascist Struggle Day, among the country’s public holidays and non-working days. The law gives employed people a right to wage compensation for a holiday when they would otherwise have been working; it also allows the government to require certain public bodies and other entities to work.[1]
The law sets no substitute day if a holiday falls on a Sunday. In practice, the date remains June 22 when it falls on a Sunday.[1]
The 1941 origins and their meaning
The date marks the formation of the First Sisak Partisan Detachment in Brezovica forest, near Sisak. The Croatian Parliament describes it as the first anti-fascist formation in Croatia and in this part of Europe. It says the resistance grew from Sisak and connects the wartime anti-fascist movement with the work of the State Anti-Fascist Council for the National Liberation of Croatia, known as ZAVNOH.[2]
The holiday recalls resistance to fascism and Nazism in wartime Croatia. The Croatian Government has described Croatian anti-fascists’ contribution to the Allied victory in the Second World War as part of the day’s significance.[3]
Commemorations
Brezovica Memorial Park is a focal point for official observances. Government representatives have attended ceremonies there, and the law assigns the organization of this and several other national holidays to the Government, working with the President, Parliament, and local and regional authorities.[1][4]
A Croatian Government account of a Brezovica commemoration records a ceremony at the memorial park in remembrance of the detachment’s formation. These sources establish the official commemorative focus; they do not establish a nationwide custom involving particular foods or family activities.[3][4]
What to expect on the day
The holiday has practical effects for workers and shoppers. Employees who would normally work that day are entitled to wage compensation if they do not work; employees who work on the holiday are entitled to increased pay under the terms set by their collective agreement, workplace rules, or employment contract.[1][5]
Retail sales outlets are closed on public holidays under Croatia’s Trade Act, according to the Ministry of Economy’s explanation of the rules. Check opening hours with banks, public transport providers, restaurants and tourist attractions before making plans.[6]
Frequently asked questions
When is Anti-Fascist Struggle Day in Croatia?
Is it a day off work?
It is a public holiday and non-working day. Employees who would otherwise have worked but do not are entitled to wage compensation; some entities may be required to work.[1]
Are shops open?
Retail sales outlets are closed on public holidays under the Trade Act. Check opening hours with other businesses before you go.[6]
Where are official commemorations held?
Is there a substitute day if June 22 falls on a Sunday?
No. Croatian law says a public holiday that falls on a Sunday is not transferred to the next day.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Anti-Fascist Struggle Day in Croatia:
- Zakon o blagdanima, spomendanima i neradnim danima u Republici Hrvatskoj- Narodne novine (Official Gazette of the Republic of Croatia)
- 22 June – Anti-fascist Resistance Day- Croatian Parliament
- We pay tribute to Croatian anti-Fascists- Government of the Republic of Croatia
- Ministar Ružić u Brezovici: Antifašizam je važan dio hrvatske povijesti, izvorišnih osnova našeg Ustava i suvremenog nacionalnog identiteta- Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy of the Republic of Croatia
- Rad u dane blagdana- Ministry of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy of the Republic of Croatia
- Pojašnjenje odredbi Zakona o trgovini vezano uz rad trgovina nedjeljom i blagdanima- Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Croatia