Easter in Zagreb 2026: Events, Traditions and an Easter Weekend in the City

Easter in Zagreb 2026 arrives as the city awakens from its winter slumber. The squares fill with the aroma of pinca bread, the sound of church bells and early spring flowers.

When Is Easter 2026?

In 2026 Easter falls on Sunday, 5 April 2026, with Good Friday on 3 April 2026. Believers spend the week before Easter – Holy Week – in preparation through church services and family customs. As a reminder, Easter is a moveable feast determined as the first Sunday after the first full moon of spring.

Easter Markets and City Events

In April Zagreb settles into a quieter rhythm, without large-scale entertainment festivals. Instead, the city cultivates an intimate holiday atmosphere where spiritual rites merge with the colourful sights of the market and historic ceremonies.

• Uskrsni ceker na Dolcu (Easter Basket at Dolac) – On the upper terrace of Dolac Market, beneath the iconic red umbrellas and the bustle of Zagreb’s market ladies, a traditional fair brings together local producers offering homemade delicacies, crafts and Easter-egg painting workshops. In previous years the fair was held on Good Friday and Holy Saturday and featured products bearing the Plavi ceker certificate. The official programme for 2026 has not yet been published, so check the Tržnice Zagreb website before visiting.

• Changing of the Guard – Cravat Regiment – The honorary company of the Croatian military parades through the city centre in period uniforms accompanied by the beat of drums. Easter Monday (6 April 2026) is one of the confirmed dates: 13 soldiers and 4 horsemen perform the guard change on the main square from 11:30 to 13:00. The ceremony recalls the 17th century and the fact that the necktie (cravat) originated from the red scarf worn by Croatian soldiers.

• Pasionska baština (Passion Heritage) – The 35th Passion Heritage Festival, dedicated to the musical, visual and literary legacy of the Passion of Christ, runs from 18 February to 1 April 2026. The programme includes concerts and exhibitions in churches and galleries, some of which take place during Holy Week. The schedule for the closing days will be published on the association’s website.

Religious Programme and Easter Services

During Holy Week, Zagreb’s churches resound with bells, prayers and song. Zagreb Cathedral is still undergoing renovation, so the liturgy takes place in the temporary worship space of Blessed Alojzije Stepinac at Kaptol 28. Weekday masses are held at 7:00, 9:00 and 18:00, while Sundays and feast days add services at 10:00 and 11:30. A detailed schedule of Easter rites will be published by the Archdiocese of Zagreb shortly before the holiday.

The parish of St Mark the Evangelist in the Upper Town has announced the following Easter Triduum schedule:

• Holy Thursday (2 April 2026) – Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 18:00
• Good Friday (3 April 2026) – Celebration of the Lord’s Passion at 18:00
• Holy Saturday (4 April 2026) – Easter Vigil begins at 20:00
• Easter Sunday (5 April 2026) – Masses at 8:00 (with blessing of food), 11:00 and 18:00
• Easter Monday (6 April 2026) – Mass at 11:00

The blessing of the Easter basket takes place on Holy Saturday or after the early Mass on Easter Sunday. Colourful baskets are filled with cooked ham, homemade bread, eggs, horseradish, spring onions, cheese and sweet pastries. After the blessing the family gathers for a shared breakfast. Easter eggs (pisanice) are decorated with wax, feathers or matches, and ham and eggs are often boiled in the same water so the shells take on a warm brown colour. The table almost always features sirnica (pinca) – a fragrant sweet bread flavoured with citrus and rose water.

Easter Menus and Holiday Gastronomy

Easter breakfast and lunch in Zagreb homes are rich with the aromas and flavours of spring. Blessed ham is served with grated horseradish, boiled eggs and spring onions, accompanied by homemade corn or wheat bread. The table also holds bean salad, radishes, cheese and sour cream. Sweet offerings include pinca (sirnica) – a fragrant sweet bread with dried fruit – as well as poppy-seed roll (makovnjača), walnut roll (orehnjača) and Bundt cake (kuglof). This family meal is often enjoyed with a glass of homemade wine or rakija.

Zagreb restaurant offerings for Easter 2026 have not yet been announced. In previous years, restaurants such as Zinfandel’s at the Esplanade, Dubravkin put and Okrugljak prepared special Easter menus, but the 2026 programme is still unknown. If you plan to dine out, it is advisable to monitor their websites, book a table several weeks in advance and check opening hours.

Spring Walks During the Easter Weekend

The Easter weekend is ideal for spending time outdoors and soaking up Zagreb’s spring. April brings an average temperature of around 11.8 °C – daytime highs often exceed 17 °C, while nights can be cool at around 6 °C. Layered clothing and an umbrella are recommended, as April is known for alternating sunshine and occasional showers.

For relaxation and spring experiences we recommend:

• Maksimir Park – a sprawling park with five lakes, shady avenues and a zoo. Easter Monday is perfect for a picnic or a walk surrounded by blossoming flowers and birdsong.
• Botanical Garden – next to the main railway station, it offers blooming magnolias, rhododendrons and exotic plants; open from April to November.
• Dolac and the Upper Town – a morning stroll through Dolac Market reveals colourful stalls brimming with eggs, hams and flowers, while a few steps further the Upper Town conceals the Stone Gate, St Mark’s Church and the Strossmayer Promenade.
• Zrinjevac and the Green Horseshoe – a chain of parks in the city centre with flower beds and music pavilions, ideal for a short walk and photographing spring scenes.

Opening Hours and Practical Tips for Easter 2026

• Events may change – The Zagreb Tourist Board notes that event schedules may be adjusted due to weather conditions or organisational reasons. Follow the official Infozagreb and organiser websites for up-to-date information.
• Public transport – ZET trams and buses run on a Sunday timetable on Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday. Night services operate at reduced frequency.
• Shop opening hours – Most shops and supermarkets have reduced hours on Good Friday and Holy Saturday and are closed on Easter Sunday. Markets are open until noon on Holy Saturday and closed on Easter Monday.
• Museums and attractions – Some museums (e.g. Zagreb City Museum, Technical Museum) are open during Holy Week but have reduced hours or are closed on Easter Sunday and Monday. Check their websites for schedules.
• Reservations – If you plan to dine at a restaurant or attend Passion Heritage concerts, book in advance as Easter weekend capacity fills up quickly.

Final Thoughts

Easter in Zagreb 2026 offers an authentic blend of spirituality and tradition. Liturgical programmes take place in churches throughout the city, while Dolac and the Upper Town streets buzz with the rustle of the market, the scent of ham and floral arrangements. Easter Monday brings the ceremonial Changing of the Guard of the Cravat Regiment, and spring walks through parks and markets give the holiday its own special rhythm. With a little planning and by following official announcements, Zagreb is an ideal destination for a peaceful, inspiring and authentic Easter weekend.