October 18, International Necktie Day
There is a long history of men’s neckwear particularly that worn by soldiers as part of a uniform or as a symbol of belonging to a particular group. The modern necktie traces back to the Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648) when Croatian mercenaries were employed by the French. Their traditional small, knotted neckerchiefs, aroused the interest of the Parisians, which they named a “cravat” a French derivation of Croat. The new article of clothing started a fashion craze in Europe; both men and women wore pieces of fabric around their necks.
International Necktie Day is celebrated on October 18 in Croatia and in various cities around the world, including Dublin, Tubingen, Como, Tokyo, and Sydney.
Modern day Croatia takes its contribution to world fashion very seriously and have created Academia Cravatica, which studies, preserves and improves the cravat as part of Croatian and World Heritage.
365 Holidays a Year 