Flags Finally Fly on Jelačić Square
As Zagreb draped itself in Croatian tricolors for August 5, city authorities and opposition clashed over whether flags were raised on the main square in time.
As Zagreb draped itself in Croatian tricolors for August 5, city authorities and opposition clashed over whether flags were raised on the main square in time.
Marking Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and the Day of Croatian Defenders, Zagreb is today covered in Croatian flags. They fly not only in public spaces and on Ban Jelačić Square but also from apartment windows and above political party headquarters, bringing a festive atmosphere to the heart of the capital.
A day before the observance, Zagreb's HDZ accused the city government of not yet placing flags on the central city square. However, according to Večernji list, workers began setting them up in the evening hours of the same day, ensuring the flags were in place for the day itself.
The ruling party Možemo! quickly reacted to the accusations, stating in its announcement that Zagreb's HDZ had made false claims. From Možemo!, they clarified that on the northern flagpoles, located east of the monument to Ban Josip Jelačić, the flags of the Republic of Croatia, the City of Zagreb, and the European Union are permanently displayed.
Photographs taken by Mia Slafhauzer from the PIXSELL agency show the festive atmosphere in the city center, where flags fly at numerous locations, confirming that the capital duly marked this important date.
