St Stephen’s Day in Croatia ― Date, History, and Details
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History of St Stephen’s Day in Croatia and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
St Stephen’s Day, also known as the Feast of St Stephen, is a Christian feast day commemorating St Stephen, the first martyr of Christianity. The feast day is celebrated on 26 December in Western Christianity and 27 December in Eastern Christianity. In Croatia, St Stephen’s Day is known as Štovanje or Uspomene na sv. Stjepana.
On this day, Croats remember and give thanks for St Stephen, who was martyred for his faith. The day is also a time to remember all the saints and martyrs who have given their lives for Christianity. In addition to attending Mass and praying, people often visit the graves of loved ones on St Stephen’s Day.
In some parts of Croatia, especially in rural areas, it is traditional to slaughter a pig on St Stephen’s Day. The pork is then used to make various dishes, such as sausages, ham, and bacon. This tradition is a reminder of the sacrificial nature of St Stephen’s death.
St Stephen’s Day is a public holiday in Croatia. Many businesses and organizations are closed on this day. However, some stores and restaurants may be open, particularly in tourist areas.