New Year's Day, which is on January 1, is a national holiday in Croatia, as it is in many countries around the world. It marks the start of a new calendar year and is often celebrated with various customs that symbolize an outlook of hope, prosperity, and happiness for the coming year. In Croatia, this holiday is commemorated with immense joy and enthusiasm with people participating in different sorts of festivities to welcome the year ahead.
Traditionally, Croatians celebrate New Year's Eve, known as 'Silvestrovo,' with grand parties, lavish meals, music, and dance. Once midnight strikes, huge firework displays light up the sky, and people raise toasts to the new year, share gifts, and wish each other 'Sretna Nova Godina' which means 'Happy New Year'. After the midnight celebrations, it's common for people to attend mass on New Year's Day, followed by the continuation of festivities with family and friends.
On New Year's Day, many families in Croatia also enjoy the first meal of the year together. Traditional dishes like sarma (cabbage rolls with minced meat) are commonly served. Croatians also indulge in customs such as the first-footing tradition, where the first person to enter a home after midnight is expected to bring good luck to the household in the coming year. Thus, New Year's Day in Croatia is a blend of folk traditions, family gatherings, spiritual reflection, and lively celebrations, reflecting the country's rich culture and heritage.