Have you ever felt the pull to connect with your roots, to understand the stories and traditions that shaped your family? For some language learners, it’s not just about learning words but about preserving heritage, embracing family bonds, and reliving moments of nostalgia.
Croatia is so special because it blends old customs with a laid-back Mediterranean vibe. The ancient Slavic roots and coastal influences create a way of life that’s both timeless and inviting. In this post, I’ll be sharing all the traditions of Croatian culture to give you a deeper connection to the country and the language.
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Reconnect With Your Roots And Learn About Croatian Culture
Croatian culture is characterized by the warmth of family gatherings where people share stories and laughter. It’s in the clinking of glasses during celebrations and the sound of traditional music in the streets. You see it in the language, traditions, and celebrations. Let’s learn about some of them!
Heritage And History
Let’s kick things off with a little bit of the country’s cultural heritage and history, shall we?
Croatia is located in Southeast Europe, with the Adriatic Sea on one side and bordering five countries: Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, and Slovenia. This means its culture is a blend of different influences.
Croatian history dates all the way back to the Roman Empire and when Croatian tribes began to settle on the land.
The kingdom of Croatia grew strong in the 10th century under King Tomislav, but by 1102, it joined Hungary. Over the next few centuries, Croatia faced several invasions, and that’s why there are so many fortresses there to this day.
After World War II, Croatia became part of Yugoslavia. It gained independence in 1991, and in the 1990s, it fought a war for independence. In 1995, Croatia became a sovereign nation for the first time in almost 1,000 years! Since 2013, it’s also part of the European Union.
Though Croatia’s early history remains a bit of a mystery, its lasting legacy is undeniable!
Language And Identity
The Croatian people are at the heart of history and are deeply connected to their language and identity.
Croatian is a South Slavic language whose roots trace way back to the arrival of the Slavic tribes in the 6th century. It has come a long way over the centuries – it started out using the Glagolitic script, a special alphabet created for Slavic languages, before eventually switching to the Latin alphabet we use now. Along the way, the language picked up words from the Ottoman, Venetian, and Hapsburg empires, which helped shape the way it sounds and looks today.
Around 6 million people speak Croatian, mostly in Croatia. While languages like Serbian, Italian, and Hungarian are also spoken, Croatian is a central part of the country’s culture. It’s also spoken in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, and by European Croatian communities.
Croatia’s national anthem is called Lijepa naša domovino, which translates to ”Our Beautiful Homeland”. You can clearly see how it expresses deep love for the country’s natural beauty and cultural pride.
In Croatia, you can experience history firsthand in the streets, with old buildings and famous landmarks. With seven UNESCO World Heritage sites, you can feel the past everywhere you go. Places like the national parks, old churches, and ancient city walls are just small parts of Croatia’s beauty and cultural heritage.
The coastal regions, with their Mediterranean vibe, are also a huge part of the culture. They’re the ones giving Croatia its stunning views and a relaxed pace of life.
Holidays And Celebrations
If you’re digging into your Croatian roots, there are a few holidays and celebrations that you won’t want to miss! These special days are full of tradition, family gatherings, and, of course, amazing food.
Since Croatia is mostly a Roman Catholic country, many Croatian holidays are religious traditions.
First up, we’ve got Christmas and New Year’s, which are both huge in Croatia. In December, you’ll see the towns decorated with lights and Christmas trees. Advent markets pop up, where you can try mulled wine and some delicious treats. People love to celebrate New Year’s with music, dancing, and fireworks.
Of course, both holidays are accompanied by family get-togethers, and Croatians love to celebrate with a big feast.
Another biggie is Easter. Like Christmas, it’s a time for family, food, and traditions. One of the most cherished customs is blessing Easter baskets with food like ham, eggs, bread, and cheese.
While these holidays are mostly connected to Croatia’s religious history, there’s also Croatia’s Independence Day on October 8th. This is a day full of pride when you’ll see flags waving and people gathering for celebrations, remembering their country’s journey to freedom.
Another fun holiday in Croatia is the carnival. People like to dress up in costumes and attend big parades, running down the streets and celebrating the start of spring. It’s a great way to experience Croatian culture during its most festive season.
Cuisine And Flavors
If you want to reconnect with your Croatian roots through food, some iconic dishes will take you to the heart of Croatian culture.
Start with ćevapčići, small grilled meat sausages served with ajvar, which is a smoky red pepper spread. All this together with a soft flatbread called a lepinja, and you’ve got yourself a delicious favorite snack among Croatians.
For something more hearty, try a sarma, which are cabbage leaves stuffed with rice and minced meat, slow-cooked to perfection. Another option is pašticada, a tender beef stew that Croatians often like to eat on special occasions.
And let’s not forget about the burek, a savor pastry filled with meat, spinach, or cheese, best enjoyed with plain yogurt (trust me).
These are all just the basics of Croatia’s rich culinary tradition. Of course, there’s plenty more Croatian food, but you can’t go wrong if you try out ćevapčići, sarma, pašticada, or burek.
Small Steps To Preserve Your Heritage
Now that we’ve covered all the main things that make up Croatian culture, let me give you some tips on how to preserve your Croatian heritage and learn the Croatian language! You don’t need to be in Croatia to embrace its culture. Here’s how you can bring a taste of Croatia in your own language-learning journey:
1. Watch Croatian Movies And Shows
As a language learner myself, I can confirm that watching movies in the language I was learning helped me improve my vocabulary. Not only that, but you can also get a great insight into natural dialogue, local accents, and some cultural nuances, all the while being entertained. If you watch historical movies, you’ll also learn a lot about the country’s past.
2. Listen To Croatian Music
Croatian has this lovely form of traditional a cappella singing, called the klapa music. With origins in Dalmatia, this type of singing can really help you pick up some new words and even phrases that you probably won’t usually find in textbooks. The word klapa translates to a group of friends. Listening to traditional Croatian music will help you connect even more with the culture.
3. Cook Traditional Recipes
One of the best ways to reconnect with any culture is through food. Look up the recipes for the dishes that I mentioned above in this post, or ask your relatives from Croatia what their favorite Croatian meal is. You’ll have fun preparing an amazing dish while picking up some useful vocabulary along the way.
4. Join Croatian Festivals And Events
If you do find yourself traveling in Croatia, make sure you go to some local cultural events. That’s such an excellent opportunity to meet some local people and practice the language in a natural setting.
As a language learner, you may sometimes struggle with where to begin. While all the things mentioned are useful for getting to know the culture and the language, it can be hard for absolute beginners. That’s why you can start slow with the Ling app, then start more comprehensive lessons and more to reconnect with your Croatian roots.
How Do You Say Culture In Croatian?
The word for “culture” in Croatian is kultura.
Useful Vocabulary Related To Croatian Culture
While learning about Croatian culture, you’ll definitely come across some essential words. Here’s a list of key cultural words we covered in this post to get you started. You might recognize a few, and you can add the rest to your growing vocabulary!
Frequently Asked Questions About Croatian Culture
What Do Croatian People Value?
Croatians value family above all else. Even as adults, they like to stay close to their families, and some even live with their parents until they get married. They respect their elders and take care of their aging parents.
If you’re going to be invited to a Croatian home, get ready to leave with a full stomach, and probably with some leftovers, as Croatians greatly value guests as well.
Is Croatia Considered A Western Country?
Croatia is considered a western country, since joining the EU. It shares political ties with Western Europe, but it still has a strong Balkan influence, which means it’s a blend of both.
Are Croatians Conservative?
Croatians aren’t very conservative. They’re more reserved in fashion and social behavior, but when it comes to issues like LGBT rights, they’re more open-minded like some of their neighbors.
Reconnect With Croatian Culture Today
The beautiful language, delicious food, and rich history are just a few of the many things that make Croatia special. To stay close to your heritage, think about celebrating the main holidays and prepare some traditional dishes. I hope this look into Croatian culture has helped you feel more connected to your roots.
