The Government of the Republic of Croatia has declared Tuesday, 3 November 2026, a Day of National Condolence following the death of the legendary musician Mate Miša Kovač. The decision was made at a telephone meeting, and the sad news of Mate Miša Kovač's death has resonated throughout Croatia.
During the Day of National Condolence, the flags of the Republic of Croatia will be flown at half-mast on the buildings of state bodies and local and regional (sub-regional) self-government bodies. The same obligation applies to buildings where legal entities are headquartered or conduct business, as well as to premises where natural persons carry out independent activities.
The decision therefore applies to all buildings housing state authority bodies and local and regional (sub-regional) self-government units, as well as to the buildings of legal entities and spaces where natural persons conduct independent activities.
The Day of National Condolence does not entail the automatic cancellation of previously planned concerts, cultural events or other manifestations. Programmes announced for Tuesday do not have to be automatically cancelled due to the declaration of the Day of National Condolence. A Day of Mourning, unlike the Day of National Condolence, includes stricter obligations, among which are the cancellation of entertainment and cultural performances and the adaptation of radio and television programmes.
Mate Mišo Kovač died on Saturday in his apartment in Podstrana near Split. He was one of the best-known and most popular Croatian pop singers, and his long career marked several generations. He left a deep mark on the Croatian music scene thanks to his distinctive interpretation, personality and voice. His songs have been part of the lives of numerous listeners for decades, and many have become part of Croatian musical and cultural heritage.
His final farewell is being prepared in Split, where it will be held at Poljud Stadium. The collection of free tickets for the farewell, which has been announced for Tuesday, began at noon at the stadium.
