February 5, 2023 - Croatian tourism workers are in uproar about the removal of the tourist bus stop on Palmotićeva Street and parking at Vončinina Street. A petition for common sense and reduced traffic.

If you recognize yourself in at least one of the 4 statements below, this petition also concerns you:

✅You often drive/travel by bus over the Sava bridges.

✅You often drive along Selska or Držićeva street.

✅You live in the neighborhood of Voltino and get to the center by bus n° 118

✅In general, you would like as few traffic jams as possible in Zagreb.

What is this about?

By the decision of the City Authorities of Zagreb (the Transport Department at the City Office for Reconstruction, Development, Physical Planning, Construction, Utility Services and Transport), the tourist bus stop (pick-up/drop-off point) on Palmotićeva Street and the tourist bus parking zone on Vončinina Street have been permanently closed and relocated to:  

1. Zagreb Train Station – the south side of Ante Starčević Square
2. Mažuranić Square [where bus 118 stops]
3. Zagreb Trade Fair (Zagrebački Velesajam) parking lot  

The licensed local tour guides from Zagreb, both foreign and local tour leaders and bus drivers, as well as travel agencies from all over the world have already expressed great dissatisfaction and disappointment with this decision, since its implementation would inevitably lead to a series of organizational and logistical problems and major traffic jams, which would significantly impact the number of tourist groups visiting the capital of Croatia.  

Here are six main reasons why we believe that it is of major importance for Zagreb as a tourist destination to re-establish the tourist bus stop on Palmotićeva Street and the bus parking zone on Vončinina Street.    

1.      Standard Zagreb tours are extremely time-limited: they usually last around 2 hours and cover the Old Town main sights, located in the very heart of the city center (Kaptol – the area around Zagreb’s Cathedral and the Upper Town). Due to the new decisions, Zagreb sightseeing tours would have to be extended by an hour (half an hour of additional walking in each direction) and this would inevitably cause negative reactions among many clients, leading to cancellations of sightseeing tours and exclusion of Zagreb tours from the travel itineraries. 

A significant reduction in the number of tourist groups visiting Zagreb would negatively impact not only travel agencies, tour leaders and tour guides, but also restaurants, souvenir shops and other retail stores in the city center, especially those in the before mentioned zone of the Old Town and namely, European Square.   2.      Most tourist groups need a comfort break after getting off the bus, before they start their sightseeing. If they get off on Palmotićeva Street, there is a nearby public toilet at their disposal, located on Cesarčeva Street, where you can find tourists from recently arrived buses (40 people per bus on average) waiting in line. Should the City of Zagreb go through with this decision, tens, sometimes hundreds of tourists will not be able to use the restroom before they go on a 2-hour walking tour, as there are no public toilets or similar appropriate facilities nowhere near the 2 newly suggested tourist bus stops.  

3.      Such a decision could lead to major traffic jams, especially if there are two or three tourist buses lined up on Mažuranić Square at the moment when the daily city bus arrives. That very same stop is used as a regular bus station for the 118 bus line to Voltino .

In the event that, for example, two tourist buses arrive at Mažuranić Square (and one would expect there to be more), the 118 city bus and other road users could very well find themselves in a highly inconvenient situation. Since the drivers of tourist buses cannot predict the amount of time they need to drive from the Zagreb Trade Fair to Mažuranić Square (or Starčević Square), one would expect them to arrive early and wait for their groups. This means that bus 118 would have nowhere to stop. Should bus 118 or the tourist buses have nowhere to stop, a traffic jam could easily build up on both Žerjavićeva and Perkovčeva streets.

4.     If the decision about the parking lot at the Zagreb Trade Fair remains in force, that would mean that all tourist buses visiting the capital would have to cross the Sava River at least twice in order to park at the Zagreb Trade Fair parking lot and then to return to the center and pick up their group. So, if all tourist buses visiting Zagreb would travel from the city center to the Zagreb Trade Fair parking lot and back during the entire tourist season, it would very likely lead to traffic jams and cause great frustration for both tourists and citizens of Zagreb.  

In addition, since most tourist buses (due to their height) are unable to pass through the underpasses on Savska and Miramarska Street on the way to the city center, it is to be expected that the new decision will cause additional traffic jams on Marin Držić Avenue and on Selska Street.  

5.      The designated tourist bus parking zone on Vončinina Street has been ideal for tourist buses. It allowed the drivers to wait for their groups relatively close to the pick-up/drop-offpoint. Parking at the Zagreb Trade Fair (located across the Sava River!) would make it much more difficult for them to estimate how long is needed to get back to the city center on time (especially in the event of traffic jams on the Sava bridges).  

Both foreign and Croatian tourist agencies have carefully planned round-trip schedules, where there is no room for major changes. The main reasons being the working hours and drivers’ mandatory rest periods.

As Andrea Sesar from the Four Travel Agency explains:

“In order to respect drivers’ working hours and the duration of their mandatory rest, it is necessary that both the pick-up/drop-off point and the parking zone return to Palmotićeva and Vončinina streets.
All drivers are obliged to take a legal break after a stipulated amount of driving time. If the bus parking zone is too far from the center and if the driver gets stuck in a traffic jam, he could well run out of hours. If that happened, the driver would be forced to park the vehicle during the last minute before his tachograph time runs out. In other words, if the driver has to take a break, he has to do it any place on the road because the inspection would not see the location when checking the tachograph card. The law is very strict and the penalties rigorous. For the sake of tourist bus drivers, it is of extreme importance that the pick-up/drop-off point and parking zone return to their old locations."

6. For the reasons laid out above, it is to be expected that the drivers of tourist buses are highly likely to disregard the rules and stop and park in prohibited areas of the city. 

This in fact has been confirmed by the random parking of tourist buses within the city center, since the new regulations were introduced a few days before the beginning of the Advent Christmas Market.

Here's what tourist guide Josipa Šiklić, known as “Purgerica”, says about this situation:

"During the period of Advent in Zagreb, when the bus stop in Palmotićeva Street was already marked as "out of use", I witnessed, first-hand, buses with foreign license plates making long stops at the top of Zrinjevac Park, taking their time, not minding the traffic jams they were causing for both guests and locals, proceeding upwards to Praška Street (strictly forbidden to even enter unless you are a tenant, taxi, guest of the hotel nearby, or emergency service cars), blocking the whole tram traffic towards our Main Square. Other buses, arriving from various destinations, chose ZET's bus stop on Kaptol as their new "solution" for dropping off their passengers, infuriating the locals, as those particular bus stops are exclusively for local ZET bus lines, and the space they occupy is already way too narrow even for the drop offs involving solely local passengers.  

In case people were bothered by our presence in Palmotićeva Street, we would have greatly appreciated being given some heads up, and being offered, as professionals in the hospitality industry, the chance for a fair dialogue with tenants of the street and representatives of the city council's sector for traffic & infrastructure, which could have led to finding common ground and a much more sustainable solution. The one we have now lacks logic, sustainability, fairness and good hospitality spirit, which we boast with so much in our charming Zagreb.

I won't even mention the extra long walk for elderly guests or young preschoolers who come to learn about their city, because empathy unfortunately has no place in bureaucracy, as it appears, so at least let's participate as citizens of this beautiful and beloved city in reducing, not increasing, traffic jams and generally good city behavior."

….

Therefore, we are kindly asking the Zagreb Authorities to re-establish the Palmotićeva Street pick-up/drop-off point and the Vončinina parking zone in order to avoid further organizational, logistical and traffic chaos, and to allow the further development and sustainability of Zagreb tourism.   Zagreb has become a regular destination for many tourists in the past few years because of its beauty, well organized infrastructure and accessibility to all attractions. If we want to keep tourism in Zagreb, we have to keep the well-established traditions and make them better, not worse.  Let Zagreb remain a city which tourists from all over the world are eager to return to.   

The petition is available both in Croatian and in English (the total signatures is being gathered from both URLs)

Croatian: https://www.peticijeonline.com/za_palmoticevu

English: https://www.petitions.net/zagreb

February 5, 2023 - He has done more for tennis in Croatia than anyone, and the efforts of Feliks Lukas are being rewarded with a prestigious invitation to the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington.

One of the secrets of a happy life in Croatia is to surround yourself with positive people. There are a lot of people who love to complain here, but if you choose the path more positive, you really do get a different perspective.

I was first introduced to Feliks Lukas about 8 years ago in Bol, where he was delivering the only WTA women's tennis event on an island, and not even in peak season. A champion of networking and promoting Croatia, his contribution to promote Croatian tennis and the country in general has been immense. And so it was with some satisfaction the other day that I saw Feliks - along with another of my legendary besties, Marko Rakar - representing Croatia at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, which was attended by USA President Joe Biden and many other dignitaries. More on that from this translated report from Kastela.org.

Feliks Lukas from Kaštela is the only sports manager from Europe at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington

Few can boast that they had breakfast with the President of the USA. One of them is sports manager and director of the WTA Makarska Open tennis tournament Feliks Lukas, who was invited with 600 other guests from 90 countries to the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington. This is a great recognition for a sports manager. He has dedicated his entire career to tennis and has been successfully running the WTA tournament for years, which moved to Makarska last year after Bol.

The centerpiece of this traditional event took place on Thursday in Washington in a somewhat different edition than previous years when the National Prayer Breakfast gathered a larger and more diverse audience, from prominent religious leaders to political lobbyists.

This tradition was started by President Eisenhower, who gave a speech on the relationship between religion and government at the first, more informal and much smaller meeting, so since then the speeches of the American president have been a key part of the event.

(Lukas and fellow Croatian legend Marko Rakar (extreme left) with Congressman Moolenaar)

Joe Biden is the first American president who is a practicing Catholic believer since J.F. Kennedy, and at this year's event, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and King Abdullah II of Jordan addressed the guests via video link.

This is a great recognition for the WTA Makarska Open tournament and its director Feliks Lukas, the only sports manager from Europe who also had several meetings with American representatives and senators and presented them with the successful project of the WTA tournament, which after Bol last year moved to an attractive Makarska.

"Magnificent experience. I'm still impressed. It is a great honor to participate in the traditional National Prayer Breakfast with President Biden and representatives of Congress and the Senate, and with you at this event are famous world names such as Evander Hollyfield, the world boxing legend. I had the opportunity to promote Croatia, Kaštela and our tournament in Makarska and talk to high-ranking politicians such as Congressman John Moolenaar from Michigan; Stan Holmes and Bill Wall, leaders of the US Senate and House Prayer Breakfast Group; Bill Wall, president and CEO of XP International, a company that is involved in the organization of major sports events such as the Tour de France and the Olympic Games," said Lukas.

You can learn more about this year's WTA Makarska Open on the official website.

February 5, 2023 - 6 months after the death of journalist Vladimir Matijanić, a protest will take place today, reports Index.hr.

Today, a protest called "Sorry to bother you, I can't breathe" will be held in Zagreb, exactly six months after the death of journalist Vladimir Matijanić, who died on August 5 last year, after five days of not only not being provided with medical care rather, he did not even receive an adequate medical examination.

The protest is organized by the Croatian Journalists' Association (HND), which announced that the gathering will begin at 12:00 in front of the Journalists' House, and then at 1:00 p.m. the procession will start to St Mark's Square.

It is protesting against the system that killed Matijanić and for all other victims of the healthcare system, which does not work in Croatia. HND advocates for an independent investigation into the circumstances of Vladimir Matijanić's death, as well as for the resignation of Minister of Health Vili Beroš.

Petition for a new investigation and resignation of Vili Beroš
Andrea Topić, journalist and life partner of Vladimir Matijanić, Vice President of the Split-Dalmatia County HND Branch Gabrijela Radanović, Index journalist Ilko Ćimić, HND Vice President Branko Mijić and HND President Hrvoje Zovko will speak on St Mark's Square.

With this action, HND insists on the demands set out in the petition signed by almost 5,000 citizens, in which they demand that a new, independent commission conduct investigations and determine whether there are failures in the treatment of colleague Matijanić, and that the Minister of Health, Vili Beroš, who in the failures of the system he manages, does not sees nothing controversial - step down from that responsible position.

This is not a protest against healthcare workers, they are equally victims of a system that does not work. And there are fewer and fewer of them left to work in Croatia. And that's why we protest.

Against the system that killed our colleague Vladimir Matijanić. For an independent investigation into the circumstances of his death. For the resignation of Minister of Health Vili Beroš. So that it doesn't happen again to anyone...", reads the HND press release on the eve of the protest.

ZET announced a schedule change
During the protest over the death of journalist Vladimir Matijanić, ZET warns, the timetable will change.

They say that from 12:45 to 2:30 p.m. tram traffic will be suspended on Ilica from Ulica Republike Austrije to Trg ban Josip Jelačić, Jurišićev and Ulica Franje Rački, then Zrinjevac, Frankopanski and Savska to Vodnikova Ulica.

Tram lines will operate on changed routes in both directions:

Line 6: Črnomerec - Ulica Republike Austrije - Vodnikova - Main station - Bus station - Sopot
Line 11: Črnomerec - Ulica Republike Austrije - Vodnikova - Main station - Draškovićeva - Vlaška - Dubec
Line 12: Ljubljanica - Savska cesta - Ulica grada Vukovara - Držićeva - Šubićeva - Kvaternikov trg - Dubrava
Street 13: Zitnjak - Vukovar Street - Savska - Vodnikova - Main Station - Draškovićeva - Kneza Mislava Street - Victims of Fascism Square - Kvaternikov Square
Line 14: Savski bridge - Savska cesta - Vodnikova - Main station - Branimirova - Draškovićeva - Mihaljevac
Line 17: Prečko - Savska - Vodnikova - Main station - Draškovićeva - Kneza Mislava Street - Trg žrtava fašizma - Borongaj

February 5, 2023 - It is windy out there - don't travel unless you have to - official advice, reports Index.hr.

The Croatian Meteoroglogical and Hyfrological Association (DHMZ) has issued a red warning for today for the Velebit Channel and southern Dalmatia due to a strong, in places, storm surge with the strongest wind gusts of 35 to 90 knots, and an orange warning for the Rijeka, Split and Dubrovnik regions, the western coast of Istria and Kvarner due to strong and very strong bura wind.

"Due to the stormy wind speed in combination with locally high waves, which have already or will be generated, the management of a vessel in these conditions requires great experience and adequately equipped vessels," DHMZ said in a warning for Sunday, February 5.

"Expect and be prepared for gusty wind speeds combined with locally high waves that have already or will be generated. Operating a vessel in these conditions requires extensive experience and adequately equipped vessels. It is recommended that mariners without adequate experience seek a safe harbor before starting potentially dangerous wind and waves.

It is likely that many catamarans and ferries will not be sailing so if you are travelling, keep an eye on traffic information. Be aware of the dangers and pay attention and follow the latest weather reports. We advise the public to avoid traveling and staying near threatened coastal areas. Be prepared for disturbances, damage to structures and the risk of injury due to uprooted trees, broken branches and flying debris. Interruption of traffic and interruption of electricity supply is possible," said DHMZ.

On Dinara -14, on Mosor -10. Storm speed 155 km/h
In the greater part of Dalmatia, Sunday dawned with mostly sunny weather, especially on the coast and islands, while there were slightly more clouds in the area of Zagora. Minimum temperatures ranged mostly from -5 to 0°C in Zagora and from 1 to 4°C on the coast and islands.

The coldest stations were Dinara-Sinjal with -14.7°C and Mosor-Veliki Kabal with -10.3°C, while the warmest were Komiža, Hvar and Supetar with 4°C.

The night and morning were marked by a stormy, gusty and hurricane-like storm. The strongest wind gust was measured in Split around 10 pm and was 155 km/h, with an average wind speed of 97 km/h. Let's remind you, the strongest storm surge ever in Split was 176.5 km/h, measured on February 23, 2019 at 2 am.

For the rest of the day, we expect mostly sunny weather with moderate to strong, and in places, stormy weather and tramontana. Maximum temperatures will range mostly between 5 and 8°C.

The storm broke the sailboats in JK Labud
Dalmatinski Portal published footage showing that the storm did not spare even the sailboats of the Labud Split Sailing Club.

The stormy wind caused chaos throughout Croatia yesterday
Let us remind you that the stormy wind caused problems all over the country on Saturday. DHMZ announced a red alert for the entire coast, except for Istria, for which an orange alert was in effect. An orange alarm was on for the whole of northern Croatia, and a yellow one for the rest of the country.

Uprooted trees fell on cars and roads in Zagreb. All available teams went out in the field, and two people were slightly injured. An 11-year-old boy was injured on a soccer pitch in Split. He was transferred to KBC Split. In Osijek, the wind damaged part of the market canopy, and in Virovitica, the roof of a nearby garage fell on a school.

Parts of the facade fell from the buildings, there was damage to the roofs, and there was also damage to the electrical lines, so some areas were left without electricity.

HAK announced the traffic situation
The A1 Zagreb-Ploče-Karamatići, A6 Rijeka-Zagreb, the Solin-Klis expressway, the Maslenica-Zaton state road Obrovacki, Paški, Krčki and the bridge Dr. Franje Tuđman, but the wind slows down traffic on some sections, HAK reported on Sunday.

There is a ban on traffic for double-decker buses, vehicles with caravans and motorcycles on the state roads DC1 Vaganac-Korenica-Udbina-Gračac and DC217 between the town and the Ličko Petrovo Selo border crossing, and on the section of the Adriatic highway between Senj and Sveta Marija Magdalena there is an additional ban for delivery vehicles and vehicles with a covered cargo space.

The strong wind also slows down traffic on the A1 Zagreb-Ploče-Karamatići highways between the Sveti Rok tunnel and the Božići viaduct and the A6 Rijeka-Zagreb between Kikovica and the Tuhobić tunnel, driving at the speed limit.

On certain roads in the coast and inland, driving is difficult due to the strong wind. There are occasional delays on road sections where works are ongoing.

Difficulties in maritime transport as well
Due to unfavorable weather conditions, the following ferry lines are suspended: Prapratno-Sobra, Prizna-Žigljen; catamaran lines: Korčila-Hvar-Split, Vis-Split, Jelsa-Bol-Split, Ubli-Vela Luka-Hvar-Split, Mali Lošinj - Cres - Rijeka and Novalja - Rab - Rijeka and the Komiža-Biševo boat line.

For the latest travel info from HAK in English, click here.

February 5, 2023 - Croatia took a 2-0 lead against Austria on Saturday in the Davis Cup qualifier at Zamet Hall in Rijeka. Borna Ćorić played first and beat Dennis Novak as expected, before Borna Gojo surprised the favorite Dominic Thiem for Croatia's big 2-0 lead on day one.

On the first day of the Davis Cup qualifier in Rijeka, Borna Ćorić beat Denis Novak (144th on the ATP list) 6:3, 7:5, while Borno Gojo was better than Dominic Thiem, once the #3 player in the world - 6:3, 7:6(2).

"I am very satisfied with my performance, especially when serving, which has not been at the expected level in the last few months. However, the feeling is slowly coming back," said Ćorić after his victory. 

"I think we both played well. In the second set, he put a lot of pressure on me, but the break at 5:5 broke him," concluded the Zagreb native.

"A good match for me; mentally, it's always a little easier when you enter the match with a 1-0 lead. Thanks to Borna Ćorić for making it possible for me. However, even though we are up 2-0, nothing is over. I hope we can finish everything already in the doubles, but one ball often decides that. Regardless, Borna and I are ready to finish the job if necessary," assures Gojo.

Croatia's national team coach Vedran Martić praised Gojo but warned that the winner is still not resolved. 

"Borna did a fantastic job. He served exceptionally well. He was aggressive when needed and defended when required. His volleys were better and better throughout the match. In the tie-break, he played bravely, going to the net. Then, when it was the most difficult, he pulled out some moves that the best players in the world do, which is the quality of a champion. I am looking forward to the continuation of the Davis Cup," Vedran Martić said at the press conference.

Although Croatia has a significant advantage, they need to be cautious. 

"An ideal scenario for us after the first day. Both our players played great matches. Ćorić, as expected, defeated Novak, and Gojo surprised Thiem. A tough doubles match awaits us on Sunday. Nothing is over yet. It's not football when you lead 2-0 and wait for the referee to play the end. We have to win the third point. Everyone in the team is aware of this, and there is no relaxation," warned the coach.

Vedran Martić adds that they do their best when everyone comes to play in the Davis Cup.

"Borna Ćorić, Borna Gojo, and Marin Čilić give their all when they play. All matches are open; we can also lose just as we lead. We have had excellent results in recent years, and we should be grateful for that. We are leading, but we haven't won yet," he pointed out.

The first match on Sunday starts at 1 pm. Doubles team Ivan Dodig and Nikola Mektic will compete against Alexander Erler and Lucas Miedler. 

After the doubles match, if necessary, Ćorić and Thiem should play, and then Gojo and Novak.

Source:  HTS

To follow the latest sports news in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.

February 4, 2023 - If you live in Zagreb or were lucky enough to visit on the first Saturday of the month in the last four months, you might have witnessed the unforgettable sight of a bunch of fully grown men kneeling in the Ban Josip Jelacic square, praying in unison. This Saturday, the Zagreb kneeling men were met with a counter-protest by the Croatian Women's Network, joined by MEP member and SPF presidency member Fred Matić.

As 24Sata writes, the Zagreb kneeling men organized another one of their protests at the Ban Josip Jelacic Square, praying for the chastity of women in Croatia. This time, though, they were met by a counter-protest of the Croatian Women's Network on the Square, in which Fred Matić was one of the participants.

He pointed out that he is afraid that the Zagreb kneeling men are a prelude to what happened not that long ago in Poland, which resulted in the ban on abortion and encroachment on other women's rights.

"I came to support these people standing around me. What is happening on the other side of the Square is irresistibly reminiscent of Poland and Hungary, and when we mention those two countries, we have no reason to be too optimistic. In addition to so many problems and so many women who are beaten and killed every day, the biggest concern in Croatia is how women dress, whether they will be polite, or whether they will cook them lunch. It would be smarter to show women that they are equal and that they love their wives. Many Iranians are not proud to be Iranian because of all that is happening in their country. Only in Croatia can you see people who want to be those Iranians, and we will not allow them to do that. I stand very proudly on this side of the Square. I have nothing against anyone praying. What is hidden behind those prayers, however, we have seen where it leads historically - to the bonfires. As long as I am alive and engaged in politics, I will not allow my female colleagues, wife, and sister to be treated as secondary. Women are certainly not to blame for what Croatia is like. I think that women bring an additional quality of life and lead to betterment. All these prayers and stories of theirs cause a quiet chill in me. They take us back to the Middle Ages", concluded Matić.

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated News section.

February 4, 2023 - A new year and a new approach to improving tourism in Split, and the UK media is spreading the message, as new Split rules for dress and public drinking take effect.

Back in 2015, some drunken Australian tourists were arrested for climbing onto the roof of Hvar Cathedral, causing some 5.000 kuna of damage. They were very remorseful when they sobered up, with one of them agreeing to an anonymous interview with me, which you can read here. 

And what is the reputation of Hvar as a destination among Australians?

Priority number one it is a party place. The heritage and buildings like the cathedral are lost in the party culture.

He went on to say after the interview that he would never drink like that at home, but it seemed to be ok to do so in Croatia. There didn't seem to be any rules. If he had been aware of rules, he would not have broken them. 

The balance between party and excess has been a constant topic in the media in Croatian tourism over the last few years, with several destinations introducing fines for public drinking and improper dress in cultural centres.

The Dalmatian capital of Split was in the news for all the wrong reasons last summer, with a stream of stories of public drinking, urination and fornication in the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Diocletian's Palace. 

It is a subject that TCN covered in some depth, with various interviews on the subject with experts and stakeholders.

These included:

Is Split Tourism 'Strategy' Killing the Goose with the Golden Eggs?

ULTRA Europe Festival's Joe Basic Talks Split Tourism Development.

Luxury Hospitality Expert Zoran Pejovic on Split Tourism Development

Mayor Ivica Puljak promised to act, and it seems that he has. A new bylaw has come into effect, which - among many other things - addresses some of the issues. Public drinking will now be fined to the tune of 150 euro, and walking around historic places topless or in swimwear will no longer be tolerated. An additional benefit of the new law is that these rules will be enforced by patrolling wardens. 

Early days, but it seems that that message is already getting out, with the London Metro among others to report the news. A little like the Australian on the Hvar cathedral roof, hopefully a little education and PR for the season will set expectations of behavior. 

****

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February 4, 2023 - The public health campaign "Red Dress Day," celebrated for the fifth year in a row in Croatia, aims to raise awareness of the specifics of stroke in women.

As 24Sata writes, one in five women will have a stroke, and each year stroke kills twice as many women as breast cancer, but 80 percent of strokes can be prevented. This was the message on Friday at the celebration of the "Red Dress Day" campaign, supported by President Milanović and Zagreb Mayor Tomašević.

The public health campaign "Red Dress Day" in Croatia is being celebrated for the fifth year in a row with the aim of raising awareness about the specifics of stroke in women, warning of the disastrous consequences of ignoring symptoms and the need for lifestyle changes.

The President of the Republic, Zoran Milanović, under whose patronage this year's action is being held, pointed out that he was not aware of this problem in the female population until last year, and he is one of those who were reached by this public health initiative.

"I learned something new - awareness of the importance of stroke prevention and treatment in women. I want as many people as possible, in this case, women, to know about this, this message to reach them, to fight the risk factors," President Milanović told the event organizers. The president is familiar with stroke personally because of his mother.

For Zagreb Mayor Tomislav Tomašević, the action is also significant on a personal level. In the film shown, his friend and former colleague spoke about the experiences of women who survived a stroke.

"What particularly touched me was the courage of the women who spoke about this experience. It is important to talk about symptoms and prevention. It is not easy to talk about your health problems, but it is crucial to make the public aware of this problem," said Tomašević, adding that they will always support this action.

State Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Marija Bubaš, stated that women are the mainstay of society and that stroke also happens to younger people, so it is essential to talk about their health, which can be improved through prevention.

The president of the Organizing Committee of Red Dress Day, Arijana Lovrenčić-Huzjan, pointed out that she was glad that the whole of Croatia accepted the action and that women realized how important their health is.

Ignoring symptoms can be fatal.

A stroke can happen to anyone at any age, but women are more vulnerable. In Croatia, stroke is the second leading cause of death, with more than 6,000 deaths each year, of which 60 percent are women.

Risk factors for stroke include obesity, smoking, physical inactivity, and inadequate diet, while women have additional specific risks for stroke - taking birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy, pregnancy, migraine, and cardiac arrhythmia.

Diseases whose timely detection and treatment can reduce the risk of stroke are high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

The signs of a stroke are slurred speech, weakness in the hands, and loss of feeling in your face or body. Minutes count, and an urgent emergency call on 194 or 112 is crucial.

The program of the ceremony was led by Ivana Roščić, who survived a stroke last year, and Joško Lokas. The musical guests were Nina Kraljić, Luka Nižetić, and Barbara Suhodolčan and the C'est La Vie ensemble.

The address was followed by a fashion show by Croatian designers, worn by women who had recovered from a stroke.

The "Red Dress Day" public health campaign was launched in 2002 in the USA, and 50 countries worldwide have joined it to date. The organizers of this year's action in Croatia are the Croatian Medical Association - the Croatian Neurological Society, and the Croatian Society for Gender Differences in Neurology in cooperation with the City of Zagreb, the Faculty of Medicine in Zagreb and the Andrija Štampar School of Public Health.

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated News section.