City of Zagreb Day
On the occasion of the City of Zagreb Day, celebrated on May 31st, the Zagreb Tourist Board (TZGZ), in cooperation with its partners, is organizing a series of special activities for citizens and visitors.
Contributing to the festive atmosphere will be the Changing of the Guard by the Honorary Company of the Cravat Regiment, as well as a city walk featuring costumed historical characters who will vividly and uniquely portray Zagreb’s rich history.
As in previous years, the surprise performance by ZET’s Musical Control will delight both locals and guests. Additionally, TZGZ is organizing free city tours with the aim of promoting Zagreb’s heritage and familiarizing participants with its cultural and historical landmarks.
As part of the new “Medvednica” project, the Zagreb Tourist Board (TZGZ) is also proud to announce the first in a series of original films by Paul Bradbury, which offers a fresh and authentic perspective of our mountain above Zagreb, titled Mystical Bear Mountain – Where Nature Welcomes the City.
Also, as part of the series Ana Cooks, Zagreb Loves, our renowned chef Ana Ugarković presents a new video featuring a recipe for Zagreb-style meat patties and potato salad.
Free City Tours for Citizens
In addition to the classic city tour in English, which starts at 11:00 AM in front of the Visitor Center at Ban J. Jelačić Square (no prior registration required—just show up), this year themed tours will also be held in Croatian.
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“Half an Hour of Architecture” – 4:00 PM (registration until the group is full at: purgerica@yahoo.com or via SMS: 091 6363 661)
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“Zagorka’s Café Stories” – a costumed tour at 6:00 PM (registration until the group is full at: kelnerice@gmail.com or 098 746 101)
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“Enchanted Zagreb” – at 8:00 PM (registration until the group is full at: purgerica@yahoo.com or via SMS: 091 6363 661)
Zagreb Time Machine - 31 May 2025
11:30 Changing of the guard - Guard of Honour of the Cravat Regiment
Start of the marching formation in front of the Zagreb Guilds’ Association
During the Thirty Years’ War in the 17th century, Croatian light cavalry—renowned for their exceptional bravery—joined the French army. Their military skills and distinctive appearance were affirmed by the establishment of the Croatian regiment “Royal Cravates” within the French royal army in 1664. A special detail of their uniforms was the red scarf—the cravat—that young women tied around the soldiers’ necks before they went off to war. The cravat, today an essential fashion accessory for every man, originates from these brave Croatian soldiers.
09:00 – 11:00 Folklore Scene
King Tomislav Square, Zrinjevac, Ban Josip Jelačić Square
The Zagreb region is known for its numerous folklore ensembles, some of which have existed for over a century. Dressed in beautiful and unique traditional costumes, they bring their folk customs, songs, and dances to the streets of Zagreb.
10:00 – 12:00 Upper Town Musical Vistas
Lotrščak Tower
From street to street, from courtyard to courtyard... Centuries and decades ago, the streets of the Upper Town echoed with old-town and love songs played by street musicians. This lovely tradition has continued to this day.
Music control of the Zagreb Orchestra of ZET - 30 May 2025
10:00 Musical Ride and 12:00 Ban Jelačić Square
The musical ride begins at Ljubljanica, where members of the orchestra board a tram on one of the regular lines and perform music while traveling to the next stop. Short performances lasting 10–15 minutes will be held at selected locations in the city—squares, streets, parks—after which the orchestra continues the musical ride. Due to the pop-up nature of the project, the performance locations are not planned in advance, but the final performance always takes place exactly at noon at Ban Josip Jelačić Square.
Photo credit: Lice gradaAdditional activities during the Zagreb City Day celebrations
- May 1 – November 1: Flower Baskets
Hanging gardens on the lamp posts of the Upper and Lower Town (Zagreb Tourist Board) - May 31 at 7:00 PM: Feast of Our Lady of the Stone Gate
Photo credit: Lice grada
The Solemnity of Our Lady of the Stone Gate, Patroness of the City of Zagreb, will be celebrated on Friday, May 31, 2025, which also marks the Day of the City of Zagreb.
The celebration will begin with a Eucharistic celebration in front of the Zagreb Cathedral at 7:00 PM, presided over by Cardinal Josip Bozanić, Archbishop Emeritus of Zagreb, in concelebration with Monsignor Dražen Kutleša, the current Archbishop of Zagreb, along with attending bishops, priests, and the faithful of the city of Zagreb.
Following the Mass, a candlelight procession will take place, featuring the image of Our Lady of the Stone Gate, proceeding from the Cathedral through Bakačeva Street, along the northern side of Ban Josip Jelačić Square, through Radićeva Street, and ending at the Stone Gate, where the entire program will conclude.
*In case of bad weather, the program will be canceled.