The celebration of Bastille Day, the French National Day, on July 14 in Zagreb at the Hotel Esplanade, has throughout the years become a well-established tradition of the diplomatic world in Croatia. French Ambassador H. E. Fabien Fieschi highlighted that, in an increasingly volent and polarized world marked by unpredictability, the Strategic partnership between Croatia and France, by maintaining close dialogue between both diplomacies and acting together within the European Union and multilateral institutions, was constructively contributing to global peace efforts.
This year’s celebration at the iconic Esplanade Hotel, which celebrated its 100th anniversary this year, was attended by over 500 guests, representatives of the Croatian state, diplomatic corps, public figures from the cultural, public and business life of Croatia.
Thanks to the generosity of a growing number of sponsors, reflecting the dynamism of economic links between France and Croatian companies and economies, the reception was an opportunity to showcase French excellence in various fields, including food and wines, cosmetics and fashion, but also transports, engineering and infrastructures, energy, defence…
French Ambassador H. E. Fabien Fieschi and Mayor of Zagreb Tomislav Tomašević, Photo: Zlatko Prkačin/ Embassy of France in Croatia
Prior to this official ceremony, several events were also an opportunity to celebrate the French National Day and the partnership between France and Croatia: an open-air party at the main Zagreb Firemen station was organised on Saturday 12th by the French Institute, emulating a beloved French tradition and celebrating the excellent cooperation between French and Croatian firefighters and civil security officers. Meanwhile in Dubrovnik, French helicopter carrier Le Dixmude docked the Gruž harbour and hosted a public reception with high-level representatives from the military, diplomatic and political spheres on 12 July, in the margins of the 2025 Dubrovnik Forum. Commanded by Captain Jocelyn Delrieu, with 223 seamen and women onboard, Le Dixmude is the second-biggest military ship from the French Navy. Its visit to the Croatian Navy is part of the extensive bilateral military cooperation between France and Croatia.
Photo: Zlatko Prkačin/ Embassy of France in Croatia
Source: Embassy of France in Croatia