Today, the 1st of May, known in Croatia and across much of the world as International Workers’ Day, is far more than just a public holiday. It’s a day rooted in the long, and often hard-fought, history of labour rights—a day to honour the struggles and achievements of workers, trade unions, and social movements.
Why We Eat Beans in Croatia
In Croatia, no May Day is complete without a steaming bowl of grah, or bean stew. The tradition of serving grah on the 1st of May dates back to the socialist era of Yugoslavia, when state-organised public celebrations included mass gatherings in parks and forests. Beans were cheap, hearty, and easy to cook in huge cauldrons, making it the perfect dish for feeding the crowds. Even today, local councils, fire brigades, and community groups often hand it out for free at public events.
But the dish is more than just a budget-friendly meal—it’s a symbol of solidarity, a reminder of shared history and communal spirit. Eating beans in a public square or a shady woodland clearing is a way of connecting with others, with the past, and with the values that the day represents.
A Global Celebration of Workers
International Workers’ Day is observed in over 80 countries. It traces its origins to the Haymarket affair in Chicago in 1886, where workers campaigning for an eight-hour workday clashed with police. The event became a turning point in the global labour movement, and May 1st was chosen to honour those who fought—and in some cases, died—for the rights we often take for granted today.
In Germany, it’s celebrated as “Tag der Arbeit” with rallies and festivals. In France, people march with red flags and give out lily-of-the-valley flowers. In Italy, concerts and protests dominate the day. In the UK, although the holiday is celebrated on the first Monday of May, its roots go back to the same workers’ rights movements.
May Day in Modern Croatia
Today in Croatia, May Day is a mix of reflection and recreation. While unions may hold symbolic marches or speeches, many Croatians take the opportunity to enjoy the spring weather. Parks, beaches, and picnic spots fill up with families and friends gathering around barbecues and cauldrons of grah. It’s a day for relaxing, reconnecting, and remembering that dignity in work is something worth celebrating—and protecting.
So whether you’re waving a flag, marching with a cause, or simply ladling out another bowl of grah in a forest clearing, Sretan Prvi Maj—Happy May Day!