Necktie Day in Velika Gorica “Rooted in the heart of Turopolje. Crafted by caring hands. Cherished in lasting memories.”

On the occasion of Necktie Day, the Zagreb County Tourist Board, in cooperation with the City of Velika Gorica, launched a project that connects cultural heritage, education, and sustainable tourism, titled “From the Heart of Turopolje. In the Hands that Nurture. In the Hearts that Remember.”
As part of the project, 577 handcrafted podgutnica neckties—created by artist Tina Miličević—were symbolically presented to the educators of Velika Gorica’s municipal kindergartens. In addition, the premises of the Ciciban, Žirek, Lojtrica and Velika Gorica kindergartens will be permanently adorned with podgutnica installations. Educators will also play a key role in passing on their symbolism to the youngest generations through daily activities, play, and conversation.

Educators are our first ambassadors of heritage. If we want children to grow up with a sense of pride and belonging, we must surround them—already today—with symbols that tell the story of who we are. In their hands, the podgutnica carries more than fabric; it holds the heart of Turopolje,” stated Ivana Alilović, Director of the Zagreb County Tourist Board.

The ceremonial handover was held at the Velika Gorica Kindergarten, which this year celebrates its 65th anniversary of preschool education. On this occasion, representatives of the Noble Municipality of Turopolje presented the youngest visitors with the story of the podgutnica—a traditional garment and the predecessor of the modern necktie—engagingly and educationally.

The podgutnica, traditionally worn by the Turopolje banner-bearers, and the poculica, donned by the women of Turopolje, represent love and nobility. “We witness this love and nobility daily in our kindergartens through the dedicated efforts of educators. Let these podgutnica neckties serve as a gesture of gratitude to kindergarten staff, as the preservation of our homeland's identity begins with our youth,” stated Juraj Pl: Odrčić, Prefect of the Noble Municipality of Turopolje, which celebrates its 800th anniversary this year.

The project received significant support from Mayor Krešimir Ačkar, who underscored its importance in preserving local identity. He stated, “We take great pride in highlighting, on the occasion of Necktie Day, the historical truth that the necktie has its origins in Croatia, specifically here in Turopolje. The podgutnica represents the richness of our heritage, making it imperative that we, through education and the dedicated efforts of our educators, continue to convey this narrative. The podgutnica, positioned at the city entrance and now entrusted to our educators, affirms that our traditions are alive and evolving alongside us. Children develop their understanding through the stories we provide. Let the podgutnica serve as one of those enduring narratives.”

This project strongly supports the development of sustainable and identity-based tourism in Velika Gorica and Zagreb County. Heritage passed through education, symbols receiving new life, and a community that nurtures with love—these are the foundations of tourism that endures. Here, sustainability begins with a child who carries a story.
The project also reaffirms the synergy and shared commitment across all levels to preserving cultural heritage, strengthening identity-focused tourism, and building a sustainable and inclusive community that respects its roots and proudly passes them on to future generations. The initiative will continue to be implemented throughout Zagreb County in the coming period.