Newlyweds Park - the Symbol of Love

Newlyweds Park is located in the part of Zagreb called - Novi Zagreb, in the city district Siget. It is a large green area in the western part of Siget and also the first park built in Zagreb after the Second World War. In the 70's, newlyweds would choose a tree and plant it in the park after the ceremony in memory of that special day. The tree symbolized their love and commitment. In addition to the registry book, they would sign their names in the register of Newlyweds Park while standing alongside their future tree. This custom was popular in the period between 1964 and 1978, but today, it is lost.
 

There are garages used by residents of Siget along the entire length of the left side of the park as well as two children's playgrounds and a sculpture of Newlyweds made by academic sculptor Stipe Sikirica. The bronze sculpture was made in 1974 and it shows how a young man is helping a woman to mount a horse that's ready to lead them into their new life. 

Although it is one of the most beautiful parks in the city of Zagreb and although it has a special significance to many married couples, it was neglected for many years.  

In 2010, Newlyweds Park became clean and shiny again. Thanks to the weekend action powered by Radio Antena Zagreb and all the participants, the park now has new benches and waste bins. New flowers were planted and playground equipment was repaired. A lot of well-known people from Zagreb and Croatia participated in this action and restored the Newlyweds Park to its former glory. Today, it is again one of the Zagreb's favorite parks for walking and playing.

Image credit: Petra Prusina

A fascinating tradition of planting trees after the wedding was made into a film directed by Lana Kosovac. Intimate memories of three married couples tell a story of love and share recollections of long forgotten times. With this film, the director is evoking nostalgia of past times that celebrate love and the time after World War II when the park was built.

After the wedding, newlyweds would plant a tree (according to their choice and preference) in memory of that special day and as a symbol of unity and love that will continue to grow. To find some of the couples who planted a tree, director searched various 'forums' and even put ads on those trees in the park. Although the couples were individually filmed a couple of times, the audience was thrilled with their directness and humor. 

Image credit: Petra Prusina

If you are in Zagreb, you should definitely visit this love park that keeps a lot of romantic memories of Zagreb's citizens.

Header image credit: Petra Prusina

Author: Nina Klarin