Christmas Nativity scene with Nazi symbolism installed in Croatia

Church of Gospa van Grada in Croatia. Photo: portal B92.net

In December 2025, in the Croatian city of Šibenik, a Catholic church displayed Christmas nativity scenes featuring symbolism associated with the Ustaše – the Croatian fascist movement of the Second World War era. This was reported by the portal B92.net.

The installation was placed in the Church of Gospa van Grada and, alongside figures of Jesus Christ, the Mother of God, and Joseph, included flags and insignia of paramilitary formations, as well as symbols associated with Ustaše ideology. Particular outrage was caused by black crosses bearing the Croatian coat of arms beginning with a white field, and the slogan “Za dom spremni,” which translates as “For the Homeland – Ready,” a phrase used by the Ustaše. The installation was further supplemented with plaques listing sites of mass graves of Croats from the Second World War period.

The Ustaše were allies of Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy and governed the so-called Independent State of Croatia, which was responsible for mass killings of Serbs, Jews, and Roma. Today, their symbolism is regarded as a form of Nazi propaganda.

As noted by B92.net, the explanatory texts placed next to the nativity scene contained controversial interpretations of twentieth-century history, including elements justifying Ustaše ideology and criticism of the anti-fascist partisan movement.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that a nativity scene depicting Jesus as a “refugee” was presented in London.

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