A reader of The Dubrovnik Times sent in a photo that instantly caught our attention — a lively pub scene in England filled with smiling faces, pints, and, rather unexpectedly, colourful cravats. Intrigued, we asked for the story behind the picture — and what we discovered was a uniquely British celebration of a very Croatian tradition.
The historic old seaport of Harwich, on England’s North Sea coast, is home to many fine pubs and even finer beer lovers. One of them, Richard Oxborrow, realised many years ago that October 18th is International Cravat Day, a date that honours Croatia’s proud sartorial invention — the cravat.
So, Richard decided to mark the occasion in the most Harwich way possible: with a pub tour. Each year, he and a group of like-minded friends don their finest neckwear and make their way through the town’s old taverns, raising a glass (or several) to Croatian style and camaraderie.
Adding to the international spirit, local couple Garry and Alison Calver returned from a holiday in Cavtat bringing home two essential items: a bottle of Slivovic and a Croatian national flag. Both are now proudly paraded through the pubs during Harwich’s annual Cravat Day celebrations.
“We are delighted to be able to celebrate this Croatian tradition in Harwich’s lovely old pubs,” says Oxborrow. “International Cravat Day is now firmly established in Harwich!”
From Dubrovnik to Harwich, the cravat — and a good drink — continue to unite cultures with warmth, wit, and a touch of style.