Hej, predivna! Spremna za malo ljepote i inspiracije?

Hey gorgeous! Ready for a little beauty and inspiration?

May 30th is Statehood Day in Croatia – so let me be the first to wish you “sretan Dan državnosti!” (happy Statehood Day!). In honor of my ancestral homeland and the way it’s shaped Keca’s Usna, I want to share a little bit more about this holiday and its significance to me and my family.

The Past

Statehood Day is a fairly recent holiday, and its history is a teeny bit confusing – so bear with me here. It was originally celebrated on June 25, 1991, to honor the Sabor (or Croatian Parliament) adopting a new constitution. However, in 2019, the government changed the date to May 30, which references the date in 1990 when the first modern, democratically elected, multi-party Parliament was organized. 

If you’ve been following Keca’s Usna for a while, you are probably already aware that I am Croatian. But if you’re new here or less familiar with the story: my grandfather (or “Dida,” as I knew him) was a proud immigrant from this beautiful country. He loved me, and I loved him, and he loved Croatia. So I grew to love Croatia too. Whenever I’ve visited, it feels like reopening a part of myself: the famous red roofs, sparkling seas, and ancient stone of the city echo with the country’s history – which includes my own. That heritage, rooted in my relationship with my Dida, has become a core part of my values and one of the things I hold dearest, which in turn infused Keca’s Usna. Even the brand name is a testament to this intertwining: “Usna” is Croatian for “lip,” and “Keca” was my childhood nickname. It’s a quiet but prominent nod to my beloved grandfather and our home country. 

The Present

Though it’s a national and public holiday, there is no formal tradition when it comes to Statehood Day celebrations – and that’s one of my favorite parts about it. It’s a low-pressure, high-enjoyment day off for most people, and they use it to get together with their families and have picnics, barbecues, and parades. Many people often use the occasion to remember the Croatian War of Independence, and to pay respect to its veterans and the fallen. Ultimately, it’s a day for Croatians to honor their homeland in whichever way is most meaningful to them. 

The Future

Croatia is a significant thread that runs through my life, from my grandfather’s earliest years to the values I live by to the brand that will (hopefully) spread them beyond me. It is the reason I start each of my articles (like this one) with a Croatian greeting and well-wish; the driving force behind my commitment to community; and the inspiration behind creating this brand full of love and strength, all of which is rooted in those who came before me. 

I hope you enjoyed reading this article as much as I enjoyed putting it together; it’s been a pleasure to reflect on Croatia’s importance to me as we approach a day dedicated to it. If you have a national holiday — no matter where it is based — that is near and dear to your heart, let me know! After all, sharing is the best part of community — and I can thank Dida for teaching me that. 

Ljubav, sjaj i poljupci!

Love, shine, and kisses!