STORY: Croatia celebrates Cravat Day
DATELINE: Oct. 19, 2023
LENGTH: 00:03:44
LOCATION: Zagreb
CATEGORY: CULTURE

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the Cravat Regiment marching through the city center
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Croatian): MIHOVIL BOGOSLAV MATKOVIC, Director of Cravat Academy
3. various of the Cravat Regiment
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (Croatian): MIHOVIL BOGOSLAV MATKOVIC, Director of Cravat Academy
5. various of the Cravat Regiment commander putting a tie on the sculpture at the main square

STORYLINE:

The annual Cravat Day was celebrated in Zagreb, Croatia on Wednesday, commemorating national heritage - a necktie.

The Cravat, a symbol of culture and style, originated from the red neck scarves worn by Croatian soldiers serving in France in the 17th century.

Croats believe that they have introduced neckties, a famous modern accessory, to the world.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Croatian): MIHOVIL BOGOSLAV MATKOVIC, Director of Cravat Academy
"The necktie was born in Versailles in the 17th century when Croatian soldiers arrived with neckties, the king of the sun, Louis XIV asked who these people were. They were Croatian soldiers. The king asked why other soldiers didn't have a uniform like Croatians. So he ordered a scarf be tied to him as Croatians had."

The Cravat Regiment, today, is a tourist attraction. It's a guard of honor based in Zagreb that every weekend from April to October performs a march in the city center, which ends with the changing of the guard.

SOUNDBITE 2 (Croatian): MIHOVIL BOGOSLAV MATKOVIC, Director of Cravat Academy
"A necktie is not only a fashion detail, it's a symbol of culture, a symbol of civility, a symbol of diplomacy, a symbol of freedom, a symbol of peace, a symbol of elegance, and a symbol of responsibility, loyalty and brotherhood between people."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Zagreb.
(XHTV)