Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day in Croatia Date in the current year: August 5, 2024

The Croatian War of Independence began on March 31, 1991 and ended on November 12, 1995. It lasted for almost 5 years. The date of celebration of Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day, August 5, has decisive significance for Croats. On August 5, 1995 the Croatian Army took the city of Knin. This event marked the end of the Republic of Serbian Kraijna, a self-proclaimed Serb state within the territory of the Republic of Croatia during the war.

Main celebrations of the day are centered in the city of Knin. The day begins with a mass and proceeded by laying of wreaths to the monument honoring those people, who died during the war. Annual parade and concerts are also organized on this day.

In 2008 the Parliament of Croatia changed the name of the holiday, assigning it Day of Croatian Defenders. Full name of this holiday is Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day and Day of Croatian Defenders.