What is Slovenia’s 26 December holiday, commemorating the 1990 independence referendum, called?

Slovenia’s 26 December holiday, commemorating the 1990 independence referendum, is called Independence and Unity Day.

Slovenia held its independence referendum on 23 December 1990. The result was announced three days later, on 26 December, when authorities reported that an overwhelming majority of participating voters supported independence from Yugoslavia. The date therefore became Independence and Unity Day.

The holiday emphasizes both the decision for statehood and the broad public unity behind it. Ceremonies, speeches, cultural events, and official commemorations are held throughout Slovenia, especially in Ljubljana.

It is distinct from Statehood Day on 25 June, which marks Slovenia’s formal declaration of independence in 1991. The two holidays are closely related but commemorate different stages of the independence process.