Outsider's View: Why Don't Croatians Understand Blackface Is Racist?
September 29, 2020 - The Croatian version of hit TV show 'Your Face Sounds Familiar' returned to primetime this weekend and with it a continuing controversy. Why don't many Croatians understand that blackface is racist?
Aired by Nova TV at 8.15pm on Sunday evenings, the Croatian version of 'Your Face Sounds Familiar' is popular family entertainment. In the show, celebrity contestants impersonate famous singers The first episode of this sixth series in Croatia saw two contestants imitate black American acts Ciara and Outkast. Both of the white performers who undertook these imitations did so using blackface.
Croatian celebrity Marko Braić as Outkast, performing their song 'Roses' in blackface.
This is not the first time blackface has been used on the show. Nor is it the first time that the use of blackface has caused a mixed response. Croatian media outlets Index and Vecernji List both published stories the following day, detailing the condemnation the show received from some viewers.
What's more, Index included a reader poll in their story. On the issue of using blackface, of almost 18, 000 votes cast at the time of writing, 80% chose the option 'I don't see a problem, it's just imitations. It's acceptable.' Only 9% of voters chose 'That is racism – therefore offensive and unacceptable.' 11% chose 'I don't think it's racism, but it should be avoided.'
In the USA, UK, France, Germany and most other countries in what's regarded as the 'west', blackface is now considered racist. The tradition of white performers adopting blackface stems back to mid 19th century when American actors would perform as blacks in minstrel shows. When doing so, they caricatured the mannerisms, character and features of blacks, often depicting them as lazy, ignorant, cowardly or hypersexual. The practice of blackface reinforced racial stereotypes. The minstrel shows aimed to amuse all-white audiences and to embody white people's notions of superiority. The imitation taking place on the Croatian version of 'Your Face Sounds Familiar' is nothing like this monstrous past practice.
Reproduction of a 1900 William H. West minstrel show poster. In minstrel shows, blackface was racist - deliberately so © Strobridge & Co. Lith
Needless to say, black Americans were always of the opinion that blackface is racist and were deeply offended. As the civil rights movement gained pace, this hurt finally began to be acknowledged. Introspection and education assisted in shifting perspectives so that now it is widely considered that blackface is racist. The regular appearance of blackface on TV in the UK ended in the 1970s, even earlier in the USA.
"By distorting the features and culture of African Americans - including their looks, language, dance, deportment and character - white Americans were able to codify whiteness across class and geopolitical lines as its antithesis," says the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture today.
White performer Al Jolson famously used blackface in the 1927 film The Jazz Singer © Warner Brothers
If it is now widely accepted that blackface is racist and its undertaking all but outlawed, why is it still an acceptable part of primetime family viewing in Croatia? And why do so many Croatians not think that blackface is racist?
Well, it is almost beyond doubt that the celebrities taking part in the show choose to imitate these black singers because they like them and their songs. They are not mocking but paying tribute. Nova TV itself has a reputation for being among the more liberal and openminded broadcasters in the country. But, even if they are granted the benefit of the doubt and their intentions deemed as innocent, does that mean in this context it's not true that blackface is racist?
George Floyd mural created by protesters in Portland, Oregon. One result of the protests is that many broadcasters decided blackface is racist © Rickmouser45
In 2001, old photos and a video of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in blackface surfaced. "I regret it deeply. I'm deeply sorry I did that. I should have known better, but I didn't,” he said after the revelations, apologising to his nation via collected journalists. “I didn't consider it a racist action at the time, but now we know better. This is something unacceptable and it is racist. Darkening my face, no matter the context or circumstances is always unacceptable because of the racist history of blackface. I should have understood it then and I should never have done it.”
On 25 May 2020, American George Floyd was killed as he was being arrested. A white police officer named Derek Chauvin knelt on Floyd's neck for a period initially reported to be 8 minutes and 46 seconds. Floyd's death caused widespread protests that spread internationally.
One result of the protests in the UK was a re-examination of blackface's use by non-racist comedians in popular comedy satire shows Little Britain, The Mighty Boosh and The League Of Gentlemen. The BBC, who commissioned all three series, removed all episodes which employed blackface, including some full series. The actors and creators of the shows apologised. Netflix removed two of the series from its platform altogether.
Matt Lucas and David Walliams in the comedy show Little Britain © BBC
For some in Croatia, the insistence that blackface is racist comes across as liberal attitudes and political correctness taken to unacceptable extremes. This is probably quite a similar response to that of neanderthals when they were eventually told there are better ways of going about reproduction than forcibly dragging females back to their caves by their hair. And yet, doesn't Croatia at least deserve to have this debate by itself?
Unlike the UK and the USA, Croatia has no track record of colonialism. Croatia has no economic superiority that was shamefully assisted by hundreds of years of slavery and imperialism. Croatia does not have a history of endemic racism directed towards its own black population. Blackface does not have the same hurtful history in Croatia that it does in the UK and the USA. There is no sizeable black population here that requires extra sensitivity because of previous and widespread ill-treatment. Unlike the USA and the UK, Croatia does not owe apologies for such.
In Croatia, racism may exist in some quarters, but there is nowhere on earth where it does not. And just because we see blackface on Nova TV, it would be wrong for people to automatically assume that programme makers, celebrity contestants and viewers are racist. Although, some will. One former winner of the show, Damir Kedzo has apologised for having used blackface in past editions.
Croatia does an amazing job of assimilating black people and others who come to live in the country. Unlike the UK and the USA where, over countless decades, large communities of non-whites have been ghettoised within their own communities, migrants to Croatia are placed within regular society. They live side by side with Croatians and accept the culture of the country that embraces them. And they are happy and grateful to be here. You would hear very few of them complain about the use of blackface on Croatian TV.
Someone dressed as Black Pete in the Netherlands. A debate about the character has been going on for years. For some, he is part of Christmas tradition. For others, blackface is racist © Sander van der Wel
But, just because Croatia has a clean history in its treatment of black people, unlike the UK and the USA, and just because few black people live here, can Croats easily dismiss any opinion that blackface is racist? As stated, it is perhaps a debate that Croatians deserve to have among themselves. But, just like the debate surrounding St Nicolas's controversial companion Zwarte Piet (Black Pete) in the Netherlands and Belgium, you cannot stop the rest of the world from watching as this debate takes place.
Is it important to Croatians that many outsiders will see them as racists because they enjoy a mode of performance now archaic elsewhere? Again, that is a question best answered by Croatians. By the same token, if Croatians are expected to understand how they might be viewed as racist for using blackface, it is only correct for former colonial (and now supposedly reformed) nations to try and understand why Croatia feels it is not.
It is too simplistic to say that many Croatians don't get that blackface is racist because few black people live here. It is more true to say that Croatia has no history to be ashamed of in regard to its treatment of black people and therefore feels no shame in using blackface as a homage. The performances on Croatia's 'Your Face Sounds Familiar' are clearly imitation. They are not the cruel caricature of minstrel shows. However, it also true to say that many Croatians don't understand that blackface is racist and offensive simply because they are not themselves black.
The opinions expressed in this piece are solely those of the writer and not necessarily shared by Total Croatia News
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Economic Expectations for Croatia Deteriorate Mildly in Sept
ZAGREB, Sept 29, 2020 - Economic expectations in Croatia deteriorated mildly in September, under a wave of pessimism in the services sector, but managers expect to employ new workers, a European Commission report released on Tuesday notes.
The Economic Sentiment Indicator (ESI) for Croatia decreased by 2.3 points in September compared to August, slipping to 88.6, the Commission's regular report shows.
In August it jumped by 7.7 points, signalling a strong wave of optimism after stringent lockdown measures against the coronavirus were lifted. Those measures led to the ESI sinking to a record low of 72.3 points in April.
By far the biggest deterioration in expectations among managers in September occurred in the services sector, which is obvious in the drop in the relevant index by 4.8 points after jumping by 19.3 points in August.
The consumer confidence index deteriorated too, by 3.8 points.
Construction confidence and retail confidence, however, improved slightly, increasing by 3 points and 2.4 points respectively.
Industry confidence remained at the same level as in August, when it had plunged compared to July.
Managers expect that they will continue to employ new workers, with the Employment Expectations Indicator recording an increase of 3.8 points compared to August, when it also increased, by 2.1 points, the Commission's report says.
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Security in Croatia Not Undermined, Says Interior Minister
ZAGREB, Sept 29, 2020 - Interior Minister Davor Bozinovic said on Tuesday security in Croatia was not undermined "in these extraordinary circumstances and special epidemiological conditions", also underlining the importance of combating corruption and illegal migration.
Speaking at a ceremony marking Police Day, Bozinovic said security was not undermined "even during the tourist season."
"With a set of new operative solutions and models of their implementation, the police have adjusted to changes in the commission of crimes caused by the epidemic, paying special attention to domestic violence and vulnerable groups."
Bozinovic said illegal migration and the smuggling networks connected to them became active again after the spring lockdown, adding that the police met the rising trend prepared both technically and in terms of staff.
Police are doing their job responsibly and professionally
"The Croatian police are doing their job responsibly and professionally, focusing on priority problems," he said, highlighting the fight against human trafficking, illegal migration, and corruption.
Bozinovic said emphasis would be put on digitalisation, efficiency, European funds, and streamlining civil protection. He added that 22 projects, worth HRK 117 million, had been launched to procure police equipment.
Milina: Fight against organised crime and corruption high on list of priorities
Police Director Nikola Milina thanked all police officers for their efforts after the March earthquake in the Zagreb area and during the coronavirus epidemic, saying he was also pleased with the efforts made to protect the external EU border, the longest land border on the migration route.
He recalled that in October 2019 Croatia met one of its strategic goals, technical readiness to join the Schengen Area, saying the next strategic priority was to become guardians of the Schengen border.
Milina recalled that over the past year the Croatian police had successfully carried out several operations at national and international level in which a large number of criminals were arrested.
"High on our list of priorities remains the fight against all forms of organised crime as well as the prevention of white collar and corruption crimes in all spheres of society."
Milina said another priority was investigating all war crimes and that they would not stop until all were prosecuted.
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Interior Minister, Police Director Talk Information Leaks, Surveillance Breaches
ZAGREB, Sept 29, 2020 - Interior Minister Davor Bozinovic said on Tuesday that parliamentary Domestic Policy and National Security Committee chair Niksa Vukas would receive a report on information leaks and that he could always contact the ministry and the police.
Speaking to the press, Bozinovic said Vukas "can ask and will receive an answer, probably to the effect that DORH (State Prosecutor's Office) and the police are conducting preliminary investigations. They are doing that and they will inform the public about the results."
Vukas said this morning that he would request Bozinovic's comment on the situation in the system, surveillance breaches and information leaks, and that next week he would convene the Domestic Policy and National Security Committee over the JANAF corruption case.
Surveillance breaches are not good
Asked if he was concerned about surveillance breaches in big cases and if anything had been identified in that regard in the case of former state secretary Josipa Rimac, Bozinovic said that it was not good that those breaches were occurring.
"However, as far as I know, DORH is conducting preliminary investigations in coordination with the police which are aimed at uncovering the reasons and those who are illegally involved in surveillance breaches."
The most important part of the criminal investigation, which is conducted by the police in cooperation with DORH and USKOK (anti-corruption office), was finished and charges have been filed, which means that they collected enough evidence, Bozinovic said.
"This isn't good, of course. However, DORH and the police are working on it and I'm sure they will inform us when they have some results."
Asked if the police were powerless about surveillance breaches, the minister said all criminal investigations were long, painstaking, and uncertain.
"When several months pass and result in the collection of enough evidence, it means... that a good job was done and that it was done as the law stipulates, which means keeping preliminary investigations secret."
Emergency services are working
Bozinovic also commented on the HT telecom's technical difficulties today due to which it is not possible to get 112, the number for emergency services.
"I'm sure someone will say what happened. When it comes to key communications and the communications of all emergency services, that shouldn't be a problem as they all have their own line of communication, their own means of communication when it comes to civil protection services," he said, voicing confidence that the system was working.
That was financed with European money and the Interior Ministry has made sure that those communications, based on TETRA devices, work in all emergency services, he added.
Police intensively working on finding those responsible for information leaks
Police Director Nikola Milina told the press the police were intensively working on finding those responsible for leaking police information while simultaneously working on the prevention of information leaks.
He said they reported police officers for information leaks in 15 cases over the past two years.
Commenting on surveillance breaches in the cases of Rimac and the recently arrested director of the JANAF oil pipeline operator, Dragan Kovacevic, Milina said the police "are intensively working on those cases... We are the least interested in having surveillance breached. However, each case is different."
He said that in both cases the police pressed charges on suspicion that a number of persons had committed various white collar and corruption crimes.
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Island of Cres: Oldest Oak Tree Medunac, Caves and Griffon Vultures
September 29, 2020 - If you are looking for a perfect autumn atmosphere, the island of Cres is waiting for you. The oldest oak tree Medunac, caves, and griffon vultures are just a few things that you can expect on your visit to this part of Kvarner Bay.
As Turistickeprice.hr writes, one of the attractions of the island of Cres, which is the most interesting in the fall, is the wooded area of Tramuntana, in the northern part of the island of Cres. The area of the Tramuntana forest is almost 5,500 hectares, and it represents an important natural heritage. The vegetation of this area consists of forests of tall oak, hornbeam, and chestnut. The oldest Medunac oak tree was declared a protected natural monument in 1997.
One of the most famous oak Medunac is located in the hamlet of Sveti Petar. Due to its age and appearance and the large cavities in the body, various stories and legends are woven around it that you will probably be able to learn from the locals or at the Visitor Center in Beli. Anyone who has had a chance to see the beauty of this tree before it has been ravaged by several storms in recent decades and has broken most of its branches and top of the canopy is likely to be disappointed with today’s appearance of the tree. However, the tree still looks impressive and will probably withstand future weather and other adversities for a long time.
Experience the magnificent silhouette of a griffon vulture in flight
Watching the flight of griffon vultures in Kvarner is a unique experience. Vultures most often fly in groups, hardly flapping their wings and searching for food for hours, which is very attractive for bird watchers and all visitors to the island. They cross great distances with ease, and their appearance in the air or on one of the island's cliffs leaves no one indifferent.
Vultures are charismatic birds. Although they may not look attractive at first glance, the fact is that they have shared living space with people over a long history and have become part of folk tales and legends, taking on an important ecological and cultural role in the island space. Their charisma is also proven by the fact that they are considered a symbol of the island of Cres. Anyone who visits Cres and the Kvarner islands must look up at the sky, searching for the magnificent silhouette of a griffon vulture in flight.
Griffon Vulture | Photo by Romulic and Stojcic
The caves are hiding 12,000-year-old skeletons
There are numerous caves and pits on Tramuntana. Some of them are especially important for biospelological, paleontological, and prehistoric studies. Four skeletons of a 12,000-year-old brown cave bear were found in the Campari pit (Baniceva cave), a unique speleological object, near the village of Petricevi. These are the only such complete skeletons in this part of Europe.
Eco trails former roads that connected villages
The first educational eco-trail on the island of Cres that leads through the Tramuntana area takes you through a total of 20 stations marked by stone sculptures by the academic sculptor Ljubo De Karina. The verses of Andro Vid Mihicic, a great poet, patriot, and thinker born in Beli, are engraved on them. A network of instructive eco-trails has been established in the Tramuntana forest area. Along the trails, numerous labyrinths are designed to become a means of re-establishing the communication between Man and the Spirit of Nature.
In Tramuntana, there are a total of 7 pedestrians, the so-called eco trails that pass through the former roads that connected the now-abandoned villages and pastoral apartments on Tramuntana, seven hiking trails, and three bike trails. Experience the wilderness, meet sheep, turtles, griffon vultures. Go around the labyrinths, pass the paths surrounded by walls, and just follow the marked points.
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Oxford Economics: BAT is Biggest Foreign Investor in Croatia
ZAGREB, Sept 29, 2020 - British American Tobacco (BAT) has been the biggest foreign investor in Croatia in the past five years, shows a study by Oxford Economics on BAT's influence on Croatia's economy.
After investing almost HRK 4.2 billion in taking over the TDR tobacco company, over the past five years BAT has invested an additional HRK 490 million and continued to increase production, employment and exports.
A total of HRK 4.7 billion in investments means that in the period between 2015 and 2019, BAT generated about 20% of the total foreign investments in Croatia, the analysis notes.
Oxford Economic notes that BAT has supported a series of domestic sectors, directly through its factories in Kanfanar and Virovitica and through its iNovine retail chain and also has indirect impact through its distribution network, buying up tobacco from farmers, transport, and in the financial and utility sectors as well as other service sectors.
The analysis notes that BAT's total contribution to Croatia's GDP at the end of 2019 amounted to HRK 455 million which is a 52% greater increase than TDR had in 2015.
Of that, direct contributions in 2019 amounted to HRK 212 million and more than three-quarters of that amount was generated by the factory in Kanfanar.
A further HRK 158 million in contributions to GDP was generated through BAT's supply chain, HRK 96 million of which relates to buying up tobacco from local farmers in Virovitica-Podravina and Pozega-Slavonia counties.
The remaining HRK 85 million is the result of consumption by BAT workers and suppliers.
Oxford Economics notes that in the past five years BAT increased the number of its employees by almost 800 people or 48% and in 2019 it had more than 2,400 jobs.
In 2019 18.8 billion equivalent cigarettes were produced in the Kanfanar factory, which is 125% more than in 2015. Almost 87% of its total production valued at HRK 1.2 billion was exported to other EU countries last year which is 214% more than in 2015, the study notes.
BAT also generates significant budget revenue. Excise taxes on locally produced cigarettes amounted to HRK 2.2 billion paid into the state budget in 2019.
That is 1.3% of all budget revenue and is almost HRK 500 million more than in 2015.
In addition to excise taxes BAT paid an additional HRK 171 million in other taxes, the analysis says.
Finance Minister Maric: Dialogue with TDR continuing
Finance Minister Zdravko Maric said last week that talks with TDR were continuing related to announcements by BAT that it was considering its withdrawal from Croatia.
After the government adopted its budget guidelines for the next three years reporters asked Maric what the negative risks to the budget could be apart from the Covid-19 epidemic and macroeconomic forecasts in the context of TDR's future.
"With all due respect, every job is exceptionally important. However, TDR and the factory in Kanfanar and everything that is related to it and its suppliers is not that significant as far as effects to macroeconomic forecasts are concerned, for it to either be placed in negative or positive risks," Maric said then.
(€1 = HRK 7.545637
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HT Network Experiencing Difficulties, 112 Emergency Line Not Accessible
ZAGREB, Sept 29, 2020 - Due to technical glitches the Hrvatski Telekom (HT) telecommunications provider is experiencing technical problems with its landline and mobile phone networks, which is also preventing access to the 112 emergency line.
HT told Hina that a little before 10.30 a.m. occasional disruptions were recorded with fixed and mobile voice calls due to problems in signal nodes.
"All our experts have been mobilised and we are cooperating with suppliers in removing the disruptions and expect telecommunications to be up and running as soon as possible," HT said.
Currently the 112 emergency line is inaccessible so calls for emergency medical services, firefighters, police, mountain rescue, accident assistance, search and rescue on the sea and other utility emergency services are out of contact.
The civil protection directorate confirmed that technical problems have occurred with its web site due to the technical problems being experienced with the HT network and that the 112 emergency line is inaccessible.
Citizens can be connected to the 112 emergency line by using the following numbers: 01 3650 065 and 01 3650 066.
Zagreb City authorities informed that all fixed landlines for Zagreb's emergency services are inaccessible - firefighters and medical emergency services.
A free phone has been established for Zagreb residents and they can reach emergency services by calling 0800 818 919.
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Croatia and Bosnia Agree on Maintaining and Reconstructing 10 Bridges
ZAGREB, Sept 29, 2020 - Transport Ministers, Oleg Butkovic of Croatia and Vojin Mitrovic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, on Tuesday signed an agreement on maintenance and repairs of 10 bridges in the cross-border areas, with a cost-sharing ratio of 50:50 between these two neighbouring countries.
The document signed in Zagreb regulates the maintenance and reconstruction of bridges across the River Sava as well as across the Una and Korana rivers.
Butkovic informed the press that a joint task force would be set up to implement the agreement.
The agreement envisages efforts to maintain the functionality of the bridges concerned and traffic safety, he explained.
The costs for each bridge concerned will be specified before their reconstruction starts, and Butkovic does not think that the expenses will be high.
He added that the Gunja-Brcko bridge, which was built 130 years ago, was in a poor condition and the project of the bridge's thorough reconstruction will be regulated by an additional agreement.
Butkovic recalled a joint project for the construction of a new bridge at Svilaj.
Bosnian Minister Mitrovic underscored that bridges connected peoples and countries "and this is what this region needs now."
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Croatian Carwiz Expands Globally During COVID-19
September 29, 2020 - How to manage the virtual world and combat long term consequences of a crisis?
Expanding a brand during a crisis clearly brings many challenges and changes to doing business. Economic entities count losses as a result of lockdown, and the question is: how to set up your business, how to approach not only clients but suppliers and potential and current business partners?
We care more and more about our domestic market, think about individuals, their needs, and safety, but what about our foreign partners? How to approach them, encourage them, or gain their trust?
CARWIZ rent a car, who already presented its own franchise network at some of the world’s biggest travel industry shows, such as ITB in Berlin or WTM in London and achieved enviable results and franchise partnerships, has managed to establish new ways of communication.
What had up until recently been face to face, now became virtual. Considering the physical distance and virtual communication, it’s important to adapt to dialog, meetings, and fairs to new conditions, but also maintain an emotional connection with the market.
Although Carwiz, like all businesses, and especially those in the travel industry, is facing a challenging and difficult year, Carwiz has proven that continuing to expand its business is difficult but possible - with a new franchise partnership in Cyprus and expansion to the eastern Mediterranean.
Carwiz’s new partner, Leos Group of Companies, has been in business since 1983 with a mission to be the most professional car rental supplier in Cyprus, offering the highest standard of service, building strong and enduring relationships with customers and suppliers based on trust and honesty.
Their brand strength plays into the Carwiz mission and vision perfectly, even during the crisis, as they operate in every major city in Cyprus, including an office at Larnaca International Airport.
The question remains- how to gain trust, which should result in a partnership and global expansion? Here we primarily mean global expansion at a time when the world is increasingly closing and every country and business is focusing on their own domestic market.
“A new business method, education, and keeping a clear direction is key. To work during a crisis, it’s important to establish the stability and efficiency of a company, adjust your services, and meet the clients’ needs and wishes. Most of the responsibility lies in the sales teams, but it’s also very important to consider reorganising the entire business in order for it to maintain its success in the short and long term, given the uncertainty which this crisis brings us,“ says Carwiz.
Even though we still don’t know the long term consequences caused by the Coronavirus, one thing is certain- businesses need to adapt, embrace new methods, and prepare for business during crises.
Any authentic brand, such as Carwiz, which cares about clients and business partners, will be able to maintain their brand’s strength, provided they react quickly, accept changes and have the right team of professionals who follow trends and embrace changes.
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When Starts Christmas In Croatia? Decorations Go Up Early Autumn
September 29, 2020 – One surprised shopper couldn't help but laugh and photograph as telltale signs of Christmas in Croatia appeared this week over her local supermarket
As long had been suspected by city residents, it has been officially announced that Zagreb's world-famous Advent celebrations will this year go ahead. Replanned under epidemiological guidelines, kućice (small vending houses), stages and spectacular lights will once again bring the sights, scents, sounds, tastes and cheer of the festive season to the capital this December.
Advent in Zagreb © Julien Duval
In the era of Coronavirus, you might be able to ask people to be a bit quieter on their nights out, but there is absolutely no chance you can hold back Christmas in Croatia.
With Zagreb Advent now lasting for over one month - from the last day of November to the end of January's first week - the festive season is already stretched quite far, perhaps reflecting just how much residents enjoy Christmas in Croatia. But, this year, the marking of Yuletide has started earlier than ever before.
The setting of the late summer sun seems to have been the signal for one supermarket to begin bringing in the Christmas cheer. One surprised shopper couldn't help but laugh and photograph yesterday when she saw that Christmas decorations had already appeared over her local supermarket in Dubrava, east Zagreb. It is only the first week of autumn.
If you are invited into someone's home over Christmas in Croatia, you simply must go - the atmosphere and food are usually fantastic © Pictureday
Christmas in Croatia is an excellent time to visit. Zagreb's Advent has consistently been voted the best of its kind across Europe. The season of goodwill in the country is one where gifts are exchanged, homes visited, feasts shared and superb culture enjoyed. As a Catholic nation with a strong sense of family, it is also a time where religion is observed and when you get to see all of your relatives. Many visitors to Christmas in Croatia are lucky enough to be invited into the home while they are here, and such an opportunity should not be turned down. Being among family members and friends, eating traditional and homecooked Croatian food is an unforgettable Christmas experience. But, there are some rules.
Religious tradition is an integral part of Christmas in Croatia. In almost every home, no meat, only fish, is eaten on Christmas Eve © Vargazs
In the UK, it's very common to greet friends across many days of December with “Merry Christmas”. You don't do that in Croatia. If you do, you'll be met with a look that lies anywhere between confusion and concern for your mental health. The greeting of “Merry Christmas” is strictly reserved for Christmas Day itself.
The root of this adherence to tradition is doubtless the acknowledgment that Christmas in Croatia is, above all, a religious festival. Croatians are often more attuned than most to commercialism creeping into what remains a deeply-observed marking of Jesus's birth. Yet, somehow, this most sacred of Catholic holidays manages to comfortably sit, side by side with seasonal celebrations that extend further each year. Although, the first week of autumn as the start of Christmas in Croatia must be the earliest one yet.
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