Croatian leaders pay tribute ahead of All Saints' Day

On the eve of All Saints' Day, a national holiday in Croatia, delegations from the Parliament, the government, and the President's office laid wreaths and lit candles at Zagreb's Mirogoj Cemetery.

Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković said the visit was meant to honor those who sacrificed their lives for Croatia. "We are here today in the name of the Croatian Parliament to pay our respects to all those who gave their lives and who sacrificed themselves for our Croatian homeland," Jandroković said. 

The delegation also visited the Wall of Pain monument, dedicated to all civilian and military victims of the Homeland War, and paid special respects to Croatia's first president, Franjo Tuđman, and all Croatian defenders.

Citizens across the country are expected to visit cemeteries on Saturday to honor family and loved ones. 

In Zagreb, Mayor Tomislav Tomašević said public transportation has been reinforced to accommodate the larger crowds. "I urge citizens to use public transportation. The Zagreb system has been reinforced for increased demand, especially during the holiday," Tomašević said. He added that special transportation, including vans and electric vehicles, has been organized within city cemeteries for citizens with limited mobility.

All Saints' Day is traditionally observed across Croatia with visits to cemeteries, lighting of candles, and laying of wreaths in memory of the deceased.