Croatia, a country nestled along the Adriatic Sea, is renowned for its stunning landscapes, historic cities, and a culture deeply rooted in tradition yet vibrantly modern.
Croatia’s culture is a rich tapestry woven from centuries of history, diverse influences, and a vibrant present.
Croatian culture combines various elements, including literature, art, architecture, music, cinema, sports, food, and religion. It is a patriotic country where traditions are preserved with great pride, and cultural expressions are diverse and dynamic.
Whether you are a travel enthusiast, a visitor, or planning to move to Croatia, learning about and understanding its cultural heritage will deepen your appreciation for this beautiful country.
Explore the art, savor the cuisine, and immerse yourself in the traditions that make Croatia a truly unique destination.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and appreciating Croatian culture for travel enthusiasts, visitors, and prospective residents.
What's Inside
Religious Culture in Croatia
Religion plays a significant role in Croatian culture, with Roman Catholicism being the predominant faith. The country’s calendar of public holidays is dotted with important religious days such as Christmas, Easter, Corpus Christi, Assumption of Mary, and All Saints’ Day.
One of the most unique religious customs is the “Za Križen” procession on Hvar Island, a centuries-old tradition held during Holy Week.
Additionally, Croatia’s Christian and pagan heritage is celebrated through various customs, like carnivals, where masks and revelry precede Lent and mark the transition from winter to spring.
Visual Arts in Croatia
Below we cover various aspects of Croatian visual arts including
- paintings and sculptures
- cinematic art
- Architectural art
Paintings and Sculptures
Croatian visual arts are rich and varied, encompassing architecture, sculptures, paintings, and cinema. In the realm of painting and sculpture, Croatia boasts several notable artists, such as Ivan Meštrović, a renowned sculptor whose works are celebrated worldwide, and Vlaho Bukovac, a prominent painter known for his detailed and evocative works.
Croatian Naïve Art, characterized by its vibrant colors and imaginative depictions, holds a special place in Croatian culture. Artists like Ivan Generalić have made significant contributions to this unique art form.
Cinematic Art
Croatian cinema has a storied history, with filmmakers contributing significantly to national and international film landscapes. Notable directors and actors include Branko Lustig, a Croatian producer and two-time Oscar winner, and Rade Serbedzija, a Croatian actor, director, and musician known for his roles in The Saint, Taken 2, and Snatch.
Croatian cinematography is primarily known because of the Zagreb School of Animated Film. Emerging in the 1950s, the Zagreb School of Animated Films is celebrated for its innovative techniques and stylistic breakthroughs, which earned it international acclaim.
This movement significantly impacted global animation by blending humor, satire, and unique visual styles. Notable artists from this school include Dušan Vukotić, who won an Academy Award for the animated short Surogat (Substitute), and Vatroslav Mimica.
Architectural Art
Croatian architecture is a testament to the country’s rich history and cultural diversity. From Romanesque cathedrals to modernist buildings, Croatia’s architectural landscape is both historical and innovative.
Noteworthy architects include Juraj Dalmatinac, known for the St. James Cathedral in Šibenik, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Nikola Basic, a contemporary Croatian architect internationally renowned for his Sea Organ installation in Zadar, Croatia.
Music Culture in Croatia
Croatian musical art spans various genres and eras, from traditional folk music to contemporary pop and rock. Prominent musicians include Oliver Dragojević, a beloved singer known for his soulful interpretations of Dalmatian melodies; 2Cellos, a globally renowned duo bringing classical crossover music to the masses; and Ivo Robic, a prominent Croatian singer and composer known internationally for his song Morgen that sold more than a million copies worldwide.
Croatia’s music culture is also enriched by traditional instruments such as the tamburica, a string instrument commonly used in Croatian folk music, and the klapa, a capella singing style originating from the Dalmatian region. These traditional musical forms continue to be celebrated and preserved in Croatia’s vibrant cultural scene.
Croatian Folk Dances
Croatian folk dances are essential to the nation’s cultural heritage. They vividly showcase the country’s rich traditions and regional diversity. These dances are often performed at festivals, weddings, and social gatherings, preserving Croatia’s folkloric customs.
One notable Croatian folk dance is the Kolo, a circle dance in which participants hold hands or link arms and move rhythmically to the accompaniment of traditional music. This dance is widespread across various regions, with each locality adding distinctive steps and variations.
Another prominent folk dance is the Lindjo, originating from the Dubrovnik area. This dance is characterized by lively footwork and is typically performed with the accompaniment of the lijerica, a traditional three-stringed instrument.
Kvadrilja is a traditional urban dance from Split, Croatia, similar to the courtly dances of European nobility. It showcases unique minimalist movements that reflect Split’s laid-back lifestyle.
Croatian Literature
Croatia has a rich literary tradition dating back to the Middle Ages, with notable works in Croatian and Latin. In recent times, writers such as Miroslav Krleža and Ivo Andric have gained international recognition for their thought-provoking novels and essays.
In addition to its established authors, Croatia also has a thriving contemporary literature scene that includes emerging writers such as Dubravka Ugrešić, Slavenka Drakulic, Ante Tomic, Zoran Feric, Robert Baretic, and Kristian Novak.
Croatian Inventions and Inventors
Croatia has produced numerous inventors whose contributions have had a lasting impact globally.
Croatian inventors include prominent world-known inventors like Slavoljub Penkala, inventor of the mechanical pencil; Nikola Tesla, pioneer of alternating current (AC) electricity; and Faust Vrancic, inventor of the wind turbine and the parachute, both described in his book Machinae Novae.
These inventions are a source of national pride and reflect Croatia’s innovative spirit.
Croatian Cuisine
Croatian cuisine blends various influences from neighboring countries such as Italy, Hungary, Austria, and Turkey, with each region having its unique specialties. Coastal regions are known for their fresh seafood dishes, while inland areas showcase hearty meat stews and grilled meats.
Some must-try Croatian dishes include cevapi, small grilled sausages often served in a flatbread with onions and ajvar (a red pepper relish); peka, a slow-cooked meat or seafood dish prepared under a bell-shaped lid; and pašticada, a beef stew cooked in red wine and spices.
To accompany these dishes, Croatia is also known for its excellent wines, such as Pošip, Grk, Malvasia, and Dingac.
Croatian Popular Culture
Croatian popular culture is vibrant and diverse, encompassing music, television, fashion, design, art, architecture, and more. In contemporary culture, Croatia boasts several well-established names who have garnered international acclaim for their innovative and creative contributions.
Film and TV
Notable examples of Croatian TV production include Prosjaci i sinovi, a beloved TV series that delves into Croatian rural life, and Velo misto, a show that captures the essence of Dalmatian lifestyle and culture.
Among the most successful Croatian directors and actors of the younger generation are Dalibor Matanić, Ognjen Sviličić, Zvonimir Jurić, Marija Škaričić, Zrinka Cvitešić and Vinko Brešan.
Fashion
Croatian contemporary fashion design is a dynamic field that blends traditional influences with modern trends, resulting in unique and innovative creations. Aleksandra Dojčinović is a leading fashion designer known for her sophisticated and feminine designs under the Lei Lou brand. Matija Vuica is renowned for her unique and glamorous couture creations, often gracing red carpets globally.
Other famous Croatian fashion designers include A’Marie, I-gle, Juraj Zigman, Mauro Massarotto/Sheriff & Cherry, and many more.
Design
Croatian design is celebrated for its originality and the fusion of modern and traditional elements. Leading designers such as Filip Gordon Frank and Bruketa&Žinić&Grey have gained international recognition for their innovative approaches to graphic and industrial design.
Numen/For Use is a highly influential design studio known for its multifunctional furniture and immersive installations. Grupa Studio is an award-winning design collective focusing on lighting and interior products, celebrated for its minimalist aesthetics.
Other celebrated Croatian designers include Damir Gamulin Gamba, Lega Lega, Nina Bačun, Cuculić Design Studio.
Art
Alem Korkut, Ivan Fijolić, Ivana Franke, Kontejner, Kristina Lenard, Oko, Siniša Labrović, and Slaven Tolj stand out among Croatian contemporary visual artists.
Oko is known for her distinctive street art that blends traditional Croatian motifs with contemporary urban themes, creating thought-provoking and visually striking works.
Slaven Tolj is a prominent contemporary Croatian artist recognized for his multimedia installations and performances, which often explore themes of identity, memory, and political critique. His work has garnered international acclaim and resonates deeply with audiences through its poignant and thought-provoking narratives.
Architecture
Croatia boasts a rich architectural heritage, incorporating elements from various historical periods and cultural influences.
Some notable examples of Croatian architecture include the Diocletian’s Palace in Split, built by the Roman Emperor Diocletian in the 4th century AD.
Another iconic structure that has stood the test of time is the Zagreb Cathedral, with its striking Gothic design.
In contemporary architecture, Drago Ibler stands out for its lovely skyscraper on Marticeva Street, known as Drveni Neboder. 3LHD Architects is a prominent Croatian architecture firm recognized for innovative and dynamic designs, such as the Hotel Lone in Rovinj and the Riva Waterfront Promenade in Split. STUDIO UP is noted for its forward-thinking and contextually aware projects, including the award-winning Zamet Center in Rijeka, Family Hotel Amarin in Rovinj, and Hotel Zonar in Zagreb, Croatia.
Music
While Croatia’s traditional music forms continue to thrive, the country’s modern music scene has also gained recognition on the global stage.
The annual Ultra Europe Festival, held in Split since 2013, has become one of Europe’s premier electronic dance festivals, drawing thousands of visitors from around the world.
Croatia also boasts a diverse range of contemporary musicians and bands spanning various genres, including rock, pop, hip-hop, and jazz. Notable musicians include 2Cellos, a cello duo known for their unique and energetic renditions of popular songs, and Gibonni, a singer-songwriter whose music blends traditional Croatian sounds with modern influences.
Other popular bands and artists include Azra, Jinx, Parni Valjak, Let3, Severina, Daleka Obala, and Hladno Pivo.
Croatian Sports Culture
Sports are integral to Croatian culture, with soccer, basketball, handball, water polo, and tennis being particularly popular. Notable sports figures include Luka Modric, Real Madrid player and Ballon d’Or 2018 winner, and Wimbledon-winning tennis player Goran Ivanisevic.
Croatian sports clubs, such as Hajduk Split and Dinamo Zagreb, have passionate fan bases and play a crucial role in the community.
Learn more about sports in Croatia.
Life in Croatia
Rich cultural heritage, laid-back lifestyle, stunning natural beauty, and good living conditions in Croatia, make it an attractive place to live.
Croatia offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern developments, which continues to draw people from all over the world.
Whether it’s exploring historic cities, enjoying traditional music and cuisine, or cheering on your favorite sports team, there is something for everyone to experience in this beautiful country.
Come explore Croatia and immerse yourself in its rich history, delicious food and wine, captivating music and arts scene, and exciting sports culture.