Hello everyone,
Today, we reflect on a painful chapter of Croatia’s recent past — the fall of Vukovar and Škabrnja on November 18, 1991, during the Homeland War, also known as the Croatian War of Independence.
This date marks one of the most tragic moments in the country’s fight for freedom from the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. It is a day deeply etched in the collective memory of the Croatian people — a day of loss, but also of courage, resistance, and national identity.
Vukovar: The City of Heroes
Before the war, Vukovar was a peaceful city nestled along the banks of the Danube. But in 1991, it became a symbol of Croatian resistance.
From August 25 to November 18, Vukovar endured a relentless siege lasting 87 days. The Yugoslav People’s Army (JNA), alongside paramilitary forces, surrounded the city, launching continuous bombardments. Civilians suffered unimaginable hardship, trapped without regular access to food, water, or medical aid.
By the time the city fell on November 18, Vukovar lay in ruins. The historic Baroque architecture was reduced to rubble, and the cost in human lives was devastating. Hundreds of defenders and civilians lost their lives, and many survivors were taken to prison camps or displaced.
Yet, despite the destruction, Vukovar became known as the “City of Heroes” — a symbol of sacrifice and the enduring Croatian spirit.
The Tragedy of Škabrnja
On the same day, the village of Škabrnja, near Zadar, suffered a brutal assault. The Yugoslav army and paramilitary forces entered the village, committing one of the most horrific massacres of the war.
Over 80 civilians, including women and elderly residents, were killed. Škabrnja became another name forever linked with innocent loss and the violence of war.
November 18: A Day of National Remembrance
Today, November 18, is a national day of remembrance in Croatia. It is a moment to honor the lives lost in Vukovar and Škabrnja, to reflect on the price of independence, and to show solidarity with survivors and their families.
Cities across Croatia light candles in windows, and silent processions are held — especially the famous Vukovar Memorial March, where thousands walk through the city to pay their respects.
Why We Remember
The events of 1991 are a stark reminder of the fragility of peace and the destructive consequences of conflict. They also serve as a powerful lesson — that freedom, identity, and unity often come at a high cost.
As travelers, learning about a country’s past helps us understand its present. Behind the beauty of Dubrovnik, the Adriatic, and Croatia’s stunning landscapes lies a deep and complex history — one that deserves to be known, remembered, and respected.
Let us honor the memory of the fallen and strive for a world where such tragedies never happen again.
With respect,
Vesna