This date, November 18, is a day when Croatia stops. It's a day when whole nation remembers one of the worst war crimes committed in Europe after the Second World War, fall of Vukovar in 1991. This town in Eastern Croatia was under siege for months, suffering horrible attacks by Serbian paramilitary and former Yugoslav Army. It was almost completely destroyed, hundreds of civilians and defenders were killed, thousands expelled from their homes. Battle of Vukovar became a symbol of Croatian resistance against aggression during the Homeland War in early 1990s.
On this very date, which is now state Memorial Day, the biggest crime of all happened, when wounded and sick were taken out of Vukovar hospital, and along other prisoners of war taken to nearby farm Ovčara. More than 200 of them were executed there in cold blood.
This is why Croatia remembers Vukovar martyrdom in silence. Only candles are lit to commemorate all victims of the war which took so many lives. And it's not like that only in Vukovar, in all Croatian cities and towns you can see candles lit for Vukovar. This might be the most unifying occasion in Croatia, just as Vukovar deserves, and just as we all felt while listening horrible news reports from Vukovar day after day.
Unfortunately, COVID-19 pandemic interfered with this glorious day, too. Traditional March of Remembrance in Vukovar will have limited numbers of participants, which means that thousands of ordinary Croatian citizens will not have a chance to pay a tribute. Authorities everywhere asked people not to gather in usual spots for this day, in Split it's street named after Vukovar. I'm sure many people will maintain this tradition and line candles along the street, but to maintain distance put your candle in a window, and show respect to victims of Vukovar by keeping everyone safe.