Croatia Communicates with the World through the Tie

The Tie Day in the Republic of Croatia was ceremoniously marked today at Ban Josip Jelačić Square in Zagreb. “We are proud that Croatia is the homeland of the tie, and that Zagreb is its world capital,” said Ivan Jarnjak, Vice President of the Croatian Parliament, who declared Tie Day at the last session on October 18.

He urged everyone to always behave in a manner that is “worthy of the tie, worthy of Croatia – our homeland.” “The tie is not just a universal fashion accessory, but much more – a symbol of civilizational values – freedom and responsibility, awareness of one’s own identity, dignity and rights, but also the identity, dignity and rights of others. These are the values promoted by Tie Day,” emphasized Jarnjak.

He reminded that until 1990, the fact that the tie is of Croatian origin was almost unknown even among Croats, and today it is recognized worldwide. Therefore, all events related to the tie organized by the institution ‘Academia Cravatica’ are important for the recognition and positive image of Croatia in the world, he said.

“Croatia today strongly strives for integration into the community of EU countries and I am deeply convinced that by the end of next year we will successfully conclude negotiations, and with the tie and the projects of ‘Academia Cravatica’, Croatia not only presents itself to the world but also communicates with it, expressing a desire for openness and the exchange of cultural values,” said Jarnjak. He added that the tie originated from Croats, but its development was also influenced by other European nations, especially the French and the English, as well as Americans and others – thus it symbolizes not only Croatian cultural heritage but also global.

An entertainment program was held at Ban Josip Jelačić Square, featuring “soldiers” dressed in replicas of Croatian military uniforms from the 17th century, as well as members of the association “Nobles” in baroque costumes from the time of the tie’s inception. The gathering was also greeted by the director of the institution “Academia Cravatica” and initiator of the project Croatia – the homeland of the tie, Marijan Bušić, and the envoy of the Mayor of Zagreb, Zdravko Čokić.

Tie Day was ceremoniously marked by tying ties on monuments throughout Zagreb, including those of Ban Josip Jelačić, St. George, J.J. Strossmayer, Vladimir Nazor, A. G. Matoš, Tin Ujević, August Šenoa, Vjenceslav Holjevac, Ante Starčević, and Benedikt Kotruljević. Tie Day was also marked in other Croatian cities and abroad. During the Thirty Years’ War in the 17th century (1618-1648), Croatian soldiers joined the French royal army, and they were distinguished by wearing scarves wrapped around their necks. This scarf tied in a knot quickly spread as a fashion detail and took on an ethnic name: the name for the people – Cravates (Croates, Hrvati), and it also became the name for the item – tie. (H)