History and Present: The Day of Celebration in Zagreb
In the dynamic past and present of Zagreb, a city with a thousand years of history, the last day of May has a special meaning and is marked as the Day of the City.
While constantly breaking tourist records, Zagreb attracts numerous tourists who particularly stress its atmosphere, hospitality and interesting activities.
An eventful programme of cultural, entertainment and sporting events, innovative museums, versatile catering, commercial and accommodation offer and excellent transport links are reasons for the tourist development of the city. Zagreb is also famous for its parks, many of which are located in the very city centre, as well as recreational zones in which appealing festivals of all music genres and for all tastes take place.
Regarding important periods for the contemporary development of Zagreb, the 1960s should be mentioned when the city spread across the Sava River. On its southern bank a business centre sprung up, but also modern, residential neighbourhoods and cultural institutions. However, the present of Zagreb contains a built-in, interesting past visible in museums and streets. The historical core of the city was built in the Middle Ages on two hills; secular Gradec – today’s Upper Town, and ecclesiastical Kaptol which hosts one of the symbols of the city, Zagreb’s cathedral. The year 1094 should be particularly stressed in the history of the city, since this is when the Diocese of Zagreb was founded in the area of Kaptol, as well as 1242 when king Bela IV granted the status of a free city to Gradec.
However, there is a date and a legend linked to it which are especially important for citizens of Zagreb and marked as the Day of the City. The date is linked to its heavenly protector Mary of the Stone Gate whose painting miraculously survived a massive fire on 31 May 1731. To honour this date, every year there is a procession which starts at the cathedral, carrying candles and the image of Mary of the Stone Gate, goes to Ban Josip Jelačić Square and Radićeva Street to reach the Stone Gate with the votive chapel. It is an indispensable point for visitors, and for faithful it is an extremely important place where they pray throughout the year for health and happiness and express their gratitude for the fact their wishes were granted.