Neckties placed on statues in Zagreb as International Day of the Croatian invention is celebrated
- by croatiaweek
- in News
(Photo: Mate Paškanović Pavković)
ZAGREB, October 18th 2022 – Today, on International Necktie Day, members of Academia Cravatica, the American Croatian Congress, and Crodiaspora were present on Ban Jelačić square to celebrate this iconic Croatian symbol.
Academia Cravatica holds an annual ceremony in which they place neckties on the statues of famous Croatian figures in Zagreb. Leading up to this ceremony, neckties were placed on the statues of King Tomislav, and Franjo Tuđman.
(Photo: Mate Paškanović Pavković)
After Marijan Bušić, Director of Academia Cravatica, and Miro Gavran, a professor at the Igor Rudan institute, finished their speeches, Miro and the lead member of the Zrinska Garda in Zagreb placed a necktie around the neck of the statue of Ban Jelačić.
(Photo: Mate Paškanović Pavković)
(Photo: Mate Paškanović Pavković)
(Photo: Mate Paškanović Pavković)
(Photo: Mate Paškanović Pavković)
Members of the American-Croatian Congress and Crodiaspora were present at the ceremony as they launch Projekt Kravata, a project intended to highlight influential Croats from the Croatian diaspora through showcasing their contributions to their communities, Croatia and the world. Projekt Kravata will collect neck ties, scarves, and short written summaries of the lives of those who wore the neckties for a travelling exhibit.
(Photo: Mate Paškanović Pavković)
Learn more about Projekt Kravata by clicking here.
The origin of the necktie dates to the 17th century when Croats used neckties to identify their soldiers in combat. The French took notice and would soon after use the necktie as a fashion and status symbol.
(Photo: Mate Paškanović Pavković)
The scarves used by Croatian soldiers in the 17th century were made from different materials ranging from ordinary clothe to silk which was mainly worn by officers.
That “Croatian elegant style,” completely unknown in Europe before the 17th century, was first adopted by French Courts. The necktie then became a fashion garment amongst the bourgeoisie of that time as it was seen as a symbol of culture and elegance.
