Have you ever dreamed of ringing in the New Year on the holiday-lit streets of Croatia? I’m about to give you all the insider tips on all the things you can do in Croatia this New Year’s Eve.
But before we do that, we’re going to learn how to say Happy New Year in Croatian so that when the clock strikes midnight, you can be ready to share in the joy!
How To Say Happy New Year In Croatian
The phrase for Happy New Year in Croatian is: sretna nova godina!
Here’s a breakdown of each word’s meaning:
- sretna = happy
- nova = new
- godina = year
And with Christmas and New Year’s just around the corner, you may also want to learn some Croatian Christmas greetings, as these two holidays usually go hand in hand. We celebrate them just a few days apart. Christmas Eve is celebrated on December 24, and New Year’s Eve on December 31.
Also, New Year’s Eve in Croatian is called Silvestrovo or Saint Sylvester’s Day.
Here are a few common phrases used when wishing someone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in Croatian!
| English | Croatian | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Merry Christmas | Sretan Božić | |
| Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! | Sretan Božić i sretna nova godina! | |
| Happy holidays | Sretni blagdani | |
| Happy Christmas and New Year holidays! | Sretni božićni i novogodišnji blagdani! | |
| Have a pleasant holiday | Ugodni blagdani | |
| All the best! | Sve najbolje! |
People say sretna nova godina right after the clock strikes midnight on December 31 each year. After that, you’ll also hear people say it for the first few days in January. People usually also like to shake hands and exchange hugs while wishing each other all the best in the year to come.
The rest of the phrases can be used for the entire month of December while people are preparing for the holidays and feeling festive. They’re also very useful and simple sentences you can write on a holiday card for a coworker or a friend to let them know you’re thinking about them this holiday season.
Croatian New Year’s Customs
A typical Croatian New Year’s celebration includes a family gathering, dressing up in fancy clothes, counting down at midnight, fireworks, champagne, and a toast.
The family feasts usually include traditional Croatian meals, with classic dishes like sarma. You’ll also find a lot of sweets on their table, like chocolate cake and doughnuts. It’s been said that the dough symbolizes growth and success for the year ahead!
After the meal, most Croatian people will go out and attend public celebrations. Big cities always host live music and street parties. At midnight, fireworks light up the sky, and people toast with wine or champagne. Younger crowds will then continue to party at nightclubs and bars well into the morning.
New Year’s Superstitions In Croatian Culture
There are quite a bit of common Croatian superstitions related to the New Year. For example, people say that how you act on New Year’s Day reflects how the rest of your year will go.
Another one is that on the first day, you shouldn’t be sweeping, taking out the trash, or leaving clothes on the line, as it’s thought to sweep away luck or disturb ancestral spirits.
People also say that washing your face in clean water with an apple and a coin in it is believed to bring health and wealth for the coming year. These are old Croatian customs, but people still like to use them today!
Tips On Where To Go On New Year’s Eve In Croatia
If you’re considering visiting Croatia this December to celebrate New Year’s, here are some ideas on where to go.
The most obvious choice is Croatia’s capital, Zagreb. Every corner of Zagreb is already dressed in Christmas lights and beautifully decorated trees. The city has a real festive charm and outdoor celebrations. It’s one of Europe’s best destinations to ring in the new year!
There are going to be events in clubs and restaurants, but if you’re more on the spontaneous side, the city’s streets will come alive with impromptu gatherings, music, and people clinking glasses of champagne.
The heart of the celebration will be Ban Josip Jelačič Square, which is the city’s most iconic meeting point for New Year’s Eve. This year, you’ll get to see some unforgettable experiences from famous Croatian artists, along with buzzing crows and a spectacular countdown.
Another dreamy destination is Dubrovnik. The city’s iconic main street, Stradun, will become a giant open-air party with live music and all-day street performances. You’ll see beautiful fireworks over the medieval palaces at midnight. I’d say that’s a pretty unique experience.
The good news is that Croatia tends to be a bit warmer wherever you go than the northern countries, so it’s also perfect if you’re not a big fan of the cold!
How Do You Say ‘New Year’ In Croatian?
The ‘new year’ in Croatian is nova godina.
Croatian Holiday Vocabulary
Have you got a New Year’s resolution yet? Let me give you an idea: what about learning the Croatian language this year? Download the Ling app, and let it be your companion throughout the entire year. At the end of the year, you can check your progress and see how far you’ve come!
Meanwhile, I’ve prepared some of the most common Croatian holiday words and phrases for you to learn this festive season!
| English | Croatian | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas | Božić | |
| Greeting card | čestitka | |
| Ice skating | Klizanje (na ledu) | |
| Gift | Poklon | |
| Sledding | Sanjkanje | |
| Skiing | Skijanje | |
| Snow | Snijeg | |
| Snowman | Snjegović | |
| Reindeer | Sob | |
| Candle | Svijeća | |
| Fireworks | Vatromet | |
| Advent wreath | Adventski vijenac | |
| Christmas tree | Božićna jelka | |
| Christmas decorations | Božićni ukrasi | |
| Santa Claus | Djed Božićnjak | |
| Mulled wine | Kuhano vino | |
| Snowflakes | Snježne pahuljice |
Frequently Asked Questions About The New Year In Croatia
Is It Worth It To Visit Croatia In December?
Yes! Even though December is winter in Croatia, it’s one of the best months to visit. This means that there will be fewer tourists and crowds (except at Advent markets). While you may not be able to swim in the Adriatic Sea, you can enjoy the festive holiday atmosphere.
Where Is The Best Place To Go For New Year’s In Croatia?
The best places to visit on New Year’s are Zagreb, Dubrovnik, and Split.
Where Is The Best Place In Croatia For Christmas?
The best Christmas markets can be found in the cities of Zagreb, Dubrovnik, Split, Rijeka, and Varaždin. In each city, you’ll find markets, ice rinks, live concerts, and more!
Happy New Year In Croatian: The Countdown Begins!
Just a few days left until we start the new year! There’s no better time than now to learn how to say Happy New Year in Croatian!
We’ve learned the essentials: the phrase sretna nova godina is the one you have to remember, and make sure you use it at midnight! And if you’re planning on visiting Croatia, remember that Zagreb and Dubrovnik are your go-to places, where you can party, join the celebrations and watch breathtaking fireworks.
Maybe you’ll just be at home celebrating with some delicious Croatian food, but either way, I hope these insights will help you immerse yourself in the joyful atmosphere of the Croatian New Year’s. I wish you a wonderful and memorable New Year ahead!
How About Learning Croatian As a New Year’s Resolution?
Are you interested in learning the Croatian language? There’s no better time to start than now, and no better companion than the Ling app!
With the Ling app, you’ll be able to learn Croatian through short, interactive lessons, quick tests to measure what you’ve learned, flashcards and other review features to improve retention, and much more.
Plus, you’ll find audio by native Croatian speakers, dialogs to practice conversations with a chatbot, points and streaks to keep you motivated, and even a couple of friendly mascots to keep you company along the way.
So don’t wait any longer, turn learning Croatian into your New Year’s resolution and let the Ling app give you a hand!
