Festive Croatian Greetings for Holidays and Celebrations

Croatia’s holidays and celebrations are filled with warmth, tradition, and - of course - plenty of opportunities to toast, feast, and exchange good wishes. Whether you’re visiting during Christmas, celebrating a birthday, or just want to impress Croatian friends, knowing the right greetings helps you join in authentically.

Christmas and New Year Greetings

Christmas in Croatia is a big deal, blending religious traditions with festive cheer. Here’s how to wish someone well during the season:

Sretan Božić

/srětan bôʒitɕ/

“Merry Christmas”

The standard greeting for Christmas Day. Often accompanied by hugs, gifts, and a table full of Croatian holiday dishes.

Wiktionary

Sretna Nova Godina

/srětna nôʋa ɡǒdina/

“Happy New Year”

Used from December 31st onwards. Croatians celebrate New Year’s Eve with fireworks, champagne, and late-night parties.

In coastal regions, you might also hear „Bogat Božić!“ (literally "Rich Christmas"), a traditional Dalmatian wish for prosperity.

Easter Greetings

Easter is deeply religious in Croatia, with midnight Mass and family gatherings. The most common greetings:

Sretan Uskrs

/srětan ûskrs/

“Happy Easter”

The standard Easter greeting. Families often exchange decorated eggs (pisanice) and enjoy lamb dishes.

Hristos uskrsnu!

/xrǐstos ûskrsnu/

“Christ is risen!”

A traditional Orthodox Christian greeting (used in some Croatian communities). The response is „Vaistinu uskrsnu!“ ("Truly, He is risen!").

Birthdays and Name Days

Croatians celebrate both birthdays and name days (imendan), the latter being tied to saints’ feast days.

Sretan rođendan!

/srětan rôdʑendan/

“Happy birthday!”

The go-to birthday greeting. Cake (torta) and candles are a must.

Sretan imendan!

/srětan îmendan/

“Happy name day!”

Used when someone’s name corresponds to a saint’s day. Less formal than a birthday, but still celebrated with drinks or small gifts.

Other Celebrations

Weddings: "Čestitam!" ("Congratulations!") or "Sretno u braku!" ("Happiness in marriage!")
Graduations: "Čestitam na diplomi!" ("Congratulations on your degree!")
Slava (family patron saint day): "Sretna slava!" (Serbian Orthodox tradition also observed in parts of Croatia)

Quick Tips for Using Greetings

Pair greetings with a handshake or kiss on the cheek (common among friends and family).
Add "i vama" ("and to you") when responding to wishes.
For more everyday phrases, check out this guide to Croatian greetings.

Croatians appreciate the effort, even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect. A smile and a heartfelt "Sretan Božić!" will go a long way.