PHOTOS: Croatia marks May Day with traditional free bean stew

(Photo: Grad Osijek)

Thousands of people turned out for traditional free bean soup lunches across Croatia as May Day, or International Workers’ Day, was marked on Wednesday. 

May 1st in Croatia is celebrated with a public holiday and the traditional of serving free bean stew. 

Zagreb

In Zagreb’s Maksimir Park, the day was celebrated with the traditional servings of bean stew as well as štrukli, alongside a musical and cultural program. 

Tens of thousands of visitors gathered in Maksimir, where 40,000 servings of beans and 25,000 servings of štrukli were distributed.

(Photo: Grad Zagreb)

(Photo: Grad Zagreb)

“This is a day that always reminds us of the long-fought battle for the rights of every worker. Workers’ rights are not given freely; they are always fought for, and this struggle must always continue and progress,” said Mayor Tomislav Tomašević, emphasising that as a society, we must never overlook this, but rather strive to ensure content workers and facilitate fairer employment along with higher-quality social, health, and educational services.

(Photo: Grad Zagreb)

“As one of the major employers, the City of Zagreb aims to set an example and be a catalyst for positive change. That’s why this year, we have once again increased the material rights of workers in companies such as Zagrebački Holding, ZET, Zagrebački Velesajam, and URIHO, taking into account the economic situation, inflation, and the state of the labor market,” he added.

(Photo: Grad Zagreb)

The crowd enjoyed performances by Gibonni, Martin Kosovac, The Kazetofon band, the ZET Zagreb Orchestra, Šlagerists, Superstar, Ivana Galić and SoulBEAT, as well as the trio of sopranos “One,” along with numerous children’s choirs, dance groups, and other children’s activities.

(Photo: Grad Zagreb)

(Photo: Grad Zagreb)

Osijek

On Wednesday, the City of Osijek organised the traditional celebration on the left bank of the Drava River.

Members of the “Majstori Kotlića Slavonije i Baranje” association prepared 2,500 servings of beans for locals and visitors. The lunch was attended by Mayor Ivan Radić. 

(Photo: Grad Osijek)

Each serving of beans was accompanied by a piece of traditional Slavonian cake – gužvara, and beverages were also provided. The festive atmosphere was complemented by Slavonia Band. 

Vukovar

This year, International Workers’ Day was celebrated in the Adica Park-Forest in Vukovar, organized by the City of Vukovar and the Tourist Board of the City of Vukovar.

A large number of citizens, as well as visitors from other cities, gathered at the beloved Vukovar picnic spot, where 1,400 servings of beans were distributed with the help of students from the “Marko Babić” Vocational School.

Mayor Penava congratulated the citizens on International Workers’ Day, wishing them a pleasant time in nature. 

(Photo: Grad Vukovar)

“It’s great to see fellow citizens in joy and happiness on this day. Tradition is honoured; we shared beans and enjoyed each other’s company. People are ready for fun, humour, dance, and song, and that’s the most important thing. A stable and healthy environment is crucial, and together we create just such an atmosphere,” Mayor Penava emphasised.

Marina Sekulić, the director of the Tourist Board of the City of Vukovar, highlighted Adica as a traditional destination where citizens gather on May 1st. 

“We expect a large number of visitors who will be able to enjoy nature throughout the day. In collaboration with the City of Vukovar, we distributed 1,400 servings of beans and prepared musical entertainment. I am sure everyone will enjoy and find something for themselves,” said Director Sekulić.

In addition to the rich gastronomic offer, the outdoor gathering was complemented by a concert by TS “Bećarski Inat” and Branko Čulić. Citizens celebrated International Workers’ Day with beans and songs, taking the opportunity to spend the day with family and friends in the well-maintained, natural environment in the city centre.