Kumrovec

People gathered in the Serbian capital Belgrade and the Croatian village of Kumrovec to mark the Socialist-era 'Youth Day', when showpiece events used to be held all across the former Yugoslavia and its leader Josip Broz Tito's birthday was also celebrated.

Imposed Amnesia

Yugoslav souvenirs in the village of Kumrovec, Croatia. Photo: EPA/ANTONIO BAT

Was Croatia merely a 'prisoner in Yugoslavia' or was this a time when the former Yugoslav republic developed economically, socially and culturally?

Josip Broz Tito, as President of Yugoslavia, first of all, built his reputation with the people of Yugoslavia. For years, a cult of leader was developed, so the marshal's photographs hung above school boards, but also in the homes of many Yugoslavs - from Vardar to Triglav. He remained remembered for his turbulent political and private life.

"The story, first and foremost, is told by women," declared Croatian dramatist Jelena Kovacic as she outlined the themes of the play 'The Hotel Tito', which opened earlier this month at Zagreb's Gavella Drama Theatre.

Yugoslav leader Josip Broz Tito used many residences and holiday homes during the long period of his rule from 1944 until his death in 1980.

People from all over the former Yugoslavia gathered in the Croatian village of Kumrovec, the birthplace of the leader of socialist Yugoslavia, Josip Broz Tito, to celebrate his birthday.