- by croatiaweek
- May 1, 2026
-
in
News
(Photo: Grad Split)
International Workers’ Day was marked across Croatia on Friday with large gatherings, free meals and a festive atmosphere in cities and towns across the country.
Observed on 1 May as a public holiday, May Day is traditionally celebrated with the serving of free grah (bean stew) in parks and public spaces.
Zagreb draws tens of thousands
In Zagreb, the main celebrations were held in Maksimir Park, where tens of thousands of visitors gathered throughout the day.
(Photo: Grad Zagreb)
(Photo: Grad Zagreb)
A wide range of food was prepared, including more than 35,000 portions of grah with barley, sausages and meat, alongside vegetarian options and around 30,000 portions of traditional štrukli.
(Photo: Grad Zagreb)
(Photo: Grad Zagreb)
The event featured a full-day programme across two stages, with live music and performances adding to the lively atmosphere.
Among the highlights were concerts by Vesna Pisarović, Silente and Pavel.
The programme was organised in cooperation with several city institutions, while Mayor Tomislav Tomašević extended May Day greetings to citizens. He highlighted ongoing efforts to increase wages for city employees and expand collective agreements, despite inflationary pressures.
(Photo: Grad Zagreb)
Vukovar continues tradition
In Vukovar, celebrations took place at Adica Park, where the traditional “May Day outing in Adica” once again attracted large numbers of residents and visitors.
(Photo: Miroslav Šlafhauzer/Grad Vukovar)
Around 1,500 portions of grah were distributed, with local officials taking part in serving the meals. The event was organised by the City of Vukovar and the local tourist board, maintaining a long-standing community tradition.
(Photo: Miroslav Šlafhauzer/Grad Vukovar)
Split celebrates at Marjan
In Split, on the plateau near the Zoo at Marjan, more than 3,000 portions of beans with sausages and bacon were distributed in just over an hour and a half.
(Photo: Grad Split)
The programme began with a children’s theatre performance, followed by the food distribution and a live concert.
(Photo: Grad Split)
The distribution was attended by Mayor Tomislav Šuta, his deputy Matea Dorčić, and the director of the Park-Žume Marjan Jakša Božanić, with the help of employees of the Split Student Centre.
(Photo: Grad Split)
3,000 portions of grah in Osijek
In Osijek, residents traditionally mark May Day by gathering on the left bank of the Drava River where the city once again organised a central celebration.
This year, 3,000 portions of grah, along with pastries and drinks, were distributed to attendees.
(Photo: Grad Osijek)
The meal was prepared in 15 large cauldrons by members of the Masters of Cauldron Cooking Association of Slavonia and Baranja. Around 150 kilograms of beans and 180 kilograms of various meats were used.
