Public holiday in Slovenia
Independence and Unity Day in Slovenia
Saturday, December 26, 2026
Nationwide public holiday
Independence and Unity Day is a nationwide public holiday in Slovenia. It marks the country’s 1990 plebiscite on independence, when voters backed the move toward leaving Yugoslavia.
About Independence and Unity Day in Slovenia
The day is one of Slovenia’s state holidays and is observed across the country. It is associated with the result of the 1990 plebiscite, which gave the political mandate for Slovenia’s move to independence, and it sits within the wider sequence of holidays connected to the country’s independence period.
History
On 23 December 1990, Slovenians voted in a plebiscite on independence, and the strong result became the basis for the later declaration of independence in 1991. The holiday commemorates that vote and the sense of national agreement behind it.
Traditions
The date is usually marked in a formal, civic way rather than with a large public festival. Ceremonies and speeches may emphasize statehood, independence and national unity, and the holiday is commonly treated as a time for remembrance rather than private custom.
How Independence and Unity Day is celebrated in Slovenia
In practice, the day is often observed with official commemorations and public addresses. Many people use it as a quiet public holiday, with attention focused on national symbols and remembrance of the independence process.
Interesting facts
The holiday’s name refers to both the decision for independence and the political unity behind it. It is different from Slovenia’s other independence-related holiday on 25 June, which marks the declaration of independence.
Dates in published calendars
| Year | Holiday date | Observed date | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 26 Dec 2026 | — | Nationwide |
Import sources
- Generic ICS feed
An import is not an independent verification.