ZAGREB, June 22, 2019 - Prime Minister Andrej Plenković on Friday issued a message on the occasion of Anti-Fascist Struggle Day saying that Croatian anti-fascists had made their contribution to the victory over Nazism and Fascism in World War II, which laid the ground for today's democratic and united Europe.

On the occasion of June 22, we recall the day when in 1941 the first antifascist unit was formed in the Brezovica forest near Sisak in the then occupied Europe. Numerous Croatian antifascists, whom we remember today, made their contribution to the victory over Nazism and Fascism in World War II, which was the precondition to build today's democratic and united Europe.

With the establishment of an independent, free and democratic Croatia, the victory in the Homeland War and full membership of the North Atlantic Alliance and European Union, we have become equal stakeholders in building a common European future and preserving the universal values of peace, freedom and human rights, the prime minister wrote in his message.

More Second World War news can be found in the Politics section.

It all started in Chicago, where workers in 1886 demanded better working conditions, launched “a revolution" and succeeded. The news of their strikes quickly spread around the world and workers everywhere began the struggle for their rights. In memory of bloody protests in Chicago, 1 May is marked as the International Workers’ Day. Croatia joined the movement in 1890, and the first gathering was organised at the Maksimir Park in Zagreb. Workers described their demands with the three 8s: eight hours of work, eight hours of rest and eight hours of cultured education, reports Večernji List on April 30, 2019.

After the Second World War, the holiday’s importance increased. It became the favourite holiday after the New Year. It was celebrated over two days. In time, the struggle for workers' rights retreated to the background and 1 May is nowadays mainly seen as a work-free day spent with family and friends and with barbecues, traditional bean dishes and fun.

As usual, the largest celebration will take place in Maksimir, where mayor Milan Bandić and associates will distribute about 60,000 servings of beans with sausages. The programme starts at 9.30 am when the Zagreb Tram Orchestra will welcome the citizens. Various orchestras will continue to entertain the revellers from noon to 3 pm, while the programme at the main stage will last until 7.30 pm.

Bean dishes can be tasted at the Bundek lake as well, where the Chill & Grill festival is taking place. Tomorrow’s theme is Africa. Famous chef David Skoko will grill lamb and chicken in exotic fruit marinades, along with an African version of beans. In the evening, Soulfingers will perform.

Smoke will be raising at the Jarun lake as well, which traditionally welcomes fans of grilling and barbecues. The struggle over the tables, benches and barbecues starts early in the morning. Some even opt to spend the night there in order to reserve their place in time, since the barbecue positions are distributed on the first come first served principle.

Surrounding towns are also preparing their own events. For example, Zaprešić will organise the traditional "Grill on Labour Day" event with live music performances, while sports fans can come to Šiljakovina near Velika Gorica where a football tournament will be held, together with competition in darts, table tennis and beach volleyball.

To avoid being late, you should check the tram and bus timetables, since ZET trams and buses will run according to Sunday schedule. The markets will be closed, but most shopping centres will work as on a regular workday. If you need to go to a post office, there will two branches opened, the one in Branimirova Street, open from 7 am to midnight, and the one at Avenue Mall, open from 9 am to 9 pm.

It seems that the weather will cooperate, with temperatures reaching 20 degrees, which is ideal for outdoor gatherings. However, there is a possibility of rain, so bring an umbrella or a raincoat with you, just in case.

Translated from Večernji List (reported by Jelena Pišonić Babić).

More Zagreb news can be found in the Lifestyle section.

ZAGREB, December 2, 2018 - Croatian Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković extended on Sunday their best wishes for Hanukkah, also known as the Festival of Lights, to the Jewish faithful .

Hanukkah is observed for eight nights, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, and may occur from late November to late December according to the Gregorian calendar.

Jewish families around the world will gather Sunday evening to celebrate Hanukkah and light the first candles on their menorahs. The holiday celebrates the rededication of the second temple in Jerusalem following a massacre ordered by the Greek-Syrian King Antiochus IV that initially pushed Jews from the city.

The celebrations begin December 2 and last through December 10.

For more on the Jewish religion in Croatia and its relations with the state authorities, click here.

ZAGREB, October 8, 2018 - The Croatian state leadership, led by Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, laid wreaths and lit candles at Zagreb's central Mirogoj cemetery on Monday, on the occasion of Independence Day.

ZAGREB, October 8, 2018 - Croatia is observing Independence Day on Monday in memory of 8 October 1991 when the first Croatian legislative assembly decided to sever all ties with the then Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY).

ZAGREB, October 7, 2018 - Prime Minister Andrej Plenković congratulated on Sunday Croatian citizens Independence Day, saying that Croats celebrated Independence Day as proud citizens of free and independent Croatia, grateful for the heroism of war veterans but also with a duty to build a successful and organised society, deeply based on European values

ZAGREB, October 5, 2018 - President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović issued on Friday a message for Independence Day, which is observed on October 8, saying that although Croatia has achieved many successes since the declaration of independence in 1991, it wants more prosperity.

ZAGREB, June 26, 2018 - President Kolinda Grabar Kitarović said on Monday, during a reception on the occasion of Statehood Day, that the Croatian state was not created to see that some of its regions are now being depopulated but that it could be made prosperous by work and full of life.

ZAGREB, June 25, 2018 - Croatia is celebrating Statehood Day on Monday, the 27th anniversary since declaring independence from the Yugoslav federation.

ZAGREB, June 25, 2018 - President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović on Sunday extended a message of congratulations on the occasion of Croatia's Statehood Day, observed on 25 June, in memory of 25 June 1991 when the Croatian Parliament made a historic decision on independence and sovereignty of the Republic of Croatia.