The Britannica Encyclopaedia, the most renowned English-language encyclopedia, posted on its Twitter profile a definition of the Croatian term “fjaka.” Fjaka is described as complete relaxation or the art of doing nothing, which cannot be learned but must be experienced. They proposed the idea of “Fjaka Fridays,” a day dedicated to total relaxation. User comments were positive, with many expressing interest in trying the concept. Previously, foreign media such as the British The Sun have written about fjaka as an authentic Dalmatian mood leading to complete relaxation and stress relief.
Political Perspectives:
Left: Left-leaning outlets emphasize the cultural and social value of fjaka as a form of resistance to the fast-paced capitalist lifestyle, highlighting its role in mental health and well-being. They often frame fjaka as a celebration of slowing down and self-care, encouraging readers to embrace relaxation as a political and social statement.
Center: Centrist sources focus on the cultural uniqueness and tourism potential of fjaka, presenting it as a charming and authentic Dalmatian tradition. They highlight the positive reception of the concept internationally and its potential to promote Croatian culture and attract visitors, without strong political framing.
Right: Right-leaning media tend to emphasize fjaka as a proud national and regional identity marker, celebrating Dalmatian heritage and traditional values. They may frame fjaka as a symbol of local resilience and a way to preserve cultural distinctiveness against globalization and external influences.