Croatia

Croatian Culture

The people of Croatia are sociable, optimistic, proud of their heritage, and hospitable. They value their families, education, and careers. As independence took centuries to achieve, Croats are extremely proud of their internationally recognized sovereign country and eager for others to accept them and learn of Croatian history and culture. Their historical ties to Western Europe also bring Croatians much pride. They have worked to integrate with European organizations, such as NATO and the EU. Most Croatians hope for the establishment of democratic principles and rights for all citizens.

Croatia is located on the Balkan peninsula, and with its temperate Mediterranean coasts, vast forests, and mountainous regions, is quickly become on off-the-radar tourist destination.

Host a Croatian student in the U.S.

Croatian people and flag in sporting event

Family Dynamic

Families are moving away from multigenerational homes, but young married couples usually live with one set of parents or a grandparent because of a shortage of housing. There is also a preference for keeping small children in the care of resident grandparents and for caring for the elderly at home.

Children are raised to obey their parents and other adults, show respect for elders and property, play quietly, eat what adults prepare for them, and go to sleep at a regular bedtime. They do not bring other children home to play because homes are small and for the family and adult guests. Parents take responsibility for the behavior of children.

Teenage Life in Croatia

Croatian teenagers love sports, especially soccer and basketball. Swimming, skiing, fishing, and many other activities are also popular. Teens like to watch TV, play video games and spend time with their friends. Most Croatian teens spend a few hours a week in music classes after school as well. Young Croatian people like to meet each other at school and cafés and often walk together at night. They like to hang out downtown or at the town square in rural areas. Many cafés serve as dance clubs at night.

Holidays in Croatia

Official public Croatian holidays include the New Year (January 1-2), Feast of the Magi (January 6), Easter Monday (the day after Easter Sunday), Corpus Christi, May Day (also called International Workers Day, May 1), Day of the Antifascist Struggle (June 22), Day of Croatian Statehood (June 25), Day of Patriotic Thanksgiving (August 5), Ascension (August 15), Croatian Independence Day (October 8), All Saints’ Day (November 1), and Christmas (December 25-26).

Official Language

The official language is Croatian, though there are a number of regional dialects.

Communication Styles

Croatians have an animated and lively communication style. This is interpreted as passionate, rather than aggressive. While they tend to be straightforward and direct in conversation, they do so in a diplomatic manner. Making eye contact during conversation is expected and is a sign of politeness. While interrupting someone mid-sentence is common, it isn’t always considered discourteous. A sense of humor is particularly important in Croatian culture and is used widely in conversation.

The Croatian Diet

The main meal of the day is a late lunch. In the north and inland, the majority of the foods have an Austrian or Hungarian flavor. A typical lunch includes chicken or beef soup, cooked meat (often pork), potatoes, and bread. Greens with vinegar and oil are served in the spring and summer, and pickled vegetables in the winter. Along the coast, a meal usually includes fish and pasta, risotto, or polenta. Lamb is common in the Dalmatian highland region. Breakfast is simple, usually consisting of strong coffee and bread with jam. The traditional dinner typically consists of leftovers from lunch, cold meats, and cheese with bread. Restaurants are normally formal and expensive, but having coffee at cafes is popular.

Crystal-clear waters and ancient towns