As in other European countries, the New Year in Croatia is closely related to Christmas. So local residents start preparing for the holidays in advance - in the middle of December they decorate the streets and houses, and they also buy gifts for all relatives and friends.

If the child behaved badly in the outgoing year, the boot will contain, in addition to the present, and a small golden vine. So the Croats remind the children that little devils can not get a New Year gift next year

Christmas is a family holiday, therefore the Croats try to celebrate it together with all the relatives . There must be a turkey and a Sarma dish on the table very similar to our stuffed cabbage . Children are especially eager for the advent of Christmas . They put out polished boots or shoes for the window in anticipation of a gift from St. Nicholas . If the child behaved badly in the outgoing year, a bit more I have a golden vine . So Croats remind the children that next year the little rascals can not get a Christmas gift .

Some houses still observe an interesting New Year's tradition. In the fireplace throw a log, watered with wine and beautifully decorated. That of the guests who first notice that it has burned out, receives a small present from the owners of the house.

December 31 in Croatia is called Silvestrovo. On this day it is customary to go to church for a laudatory mass. As in Russia, the celebration of the New Year in Croatia after 12 nights continues on the streets. Locals firecrackers and fireworks, take part in folk festivals and just share joy with all the passers-by. Of course, it is most interesting to be on New Year's Eve in the central streets of Zagreb. The main festivities take place at Josip Jelacic Square

New Year's Eve in Croatia, it's common to give jelly and apples to each other.

The traditional ornament for the New Year in Croatia is sprouted wheat grains. They are soaked on St. Barbara's Day or on Saint Lucia's Day, and then put on the table. Wheat sprouts symbolize wealth and a good harvest in the coming year.

New Year's table should consist of many dishes. The Croats consider that a rich festive dinner is a guarantee of good luck and a good harvest in the coming year.

Many platters and fruit are put on the table. But the meat must also be, as a rule, it's a roast piglet. The main thing is a roll called chesnitsa. Eat chesnitsa on New Year's Eve is optional, but surely you need to break it.