Epiphany in Croatia
Epiphany is a public holiday in Croatia, where it is called Bogojavljenje or Sveta tri kralja. It is observed on January 6, and the holiday law lists it as a non-working day.[1]
A statutory holiday
Croatia’s 2019 Law on Holidays, Memorial Days and Non-Working Days names January 6 as “Bogojavljenje or Sveta tri kralja.” The law lists it among the country’s holidays and non-working days. Employees are entitled to wage compensation for these days under the law.[1]
The law says that a holiday falling on a Sunday is not transferred to the following day. It also allows the government to designate public bodies and other entities that must work on holidays.[1]
Meaning and names
Bogojavljenje is the Croatian name for Epiphany, also known in everyday usage as Sveta tri kralja, or the Three Kings. The Croatian Encyclopedia describes the Christian feast as commemorating the revelation of Christ; in Western liturgy, it is associated with the star and the visit of the Magi.[2]
The Encyclopedia dates the feast to January 6 and describes it as one of the oldest Christian holidays, recorded as early as the second century. It also says that the name “Three Kings” reflects a medieval tradition that called the Magi kings and gave them the names Gašpar, Melkior and Baltazar.[2]
Church rites and recorded customs
The Encyclopedia describes the blessing of water and homes as customary in the Western rite. These are religious observances, so visitors interested in attending a service or blessing should check with a local parish for its arrangements.[2]
It also records a custom in Croatian regions in which “star boys,” dressed as the Three Kings, went from village to village. The reference describes this as a folk practice, but does not establish how widely it continues today.[2]
What to expect
Croatia’s Ministry of Economy says retail sales premises are closed on public holidays under the Commerce Act, and its guidance lists January 6 as one of those holidays. Plan grocery shopping ahead and check for any applicable exceptions or individual store notices.[3]
Government service counters are closed. Check directly with banks, museums, restaurants or transport operators before visiting or travelling.[1]
Frequently asked questions
When is Epiphany in Croatia?
It is observed every year on January 6.[1]
What is Epiphany called in Croatian?
Is Epiphany a day off in Croatia?
It is a statutory holiday and non-working day. Employees have a legal entitlement to wage compensation for the holiday, subject to the conditions in the law.[1]
Are shops open on Epiphany?
The Ministry of Economy says retail sales premises are closed on public holidays. Check directly with a particular store about its hours or any applicable exception.[3]
Sources and references
Sources used for Epiphany in Croatia:
- Zakon o blagdanima, spomendanima i neradnim danima u Republici Hrvatskoj- Narodne novine; Hrvatski sabor
- Bogojavljenje- Hrvatska enciklopedija; Leksikografski zavod Miroslav Krleža
- Pojašnjenje odredbi Zakona o trgovini vezano uz rad trgovina nedjeljom i blagdanima- Ministarstvo gospodarstva Republike Hrvatske