Slovenia's two independence holidays

26 December and the 1990 plebiscite

The first free multi-party vote since the war took place in April 1990, and the government that came out of it set a plebiscite for 23 December. Independence won the backing of 88.5% of the whole electorate, which was 95% of the people who turned out. Three days later comes 26 December, now Independence and Unity Day. For visitors it lines up with Christmas Day on the 25th, giving two holidays in a row in the middle of the Christmas-market season, which I cover in Slovenia in December. Unlike Boxing Day at home, it’s a national rather than a religious date.

25 June and the acts of 1991

On 25 June 1991 the Assembly passed the fundamental acts of independence, and the following day, the 26th, independence was declared. That’s why 25 June is Statehood Day, the other big date in the calendar. Fighting with the Yugoslav army began almost at once, with Slovenia’s Territorial Defence and police holding key points around the country. It was short, hence the name Ten-Day War, and ended with European Community mediation and the Brioni Declaration on 7 July 1991.

From recognition to the UN

International recognition came in early 1992, starting with the twelve member states of the European Community, and on 22 May that year Slovenia became a full member of the United Nations. Twelve years later it joined the EU and NATO, and in 2007 it adopted the euro and entered Schengen, which is why a British passport holder today follows Schengen rules there. The rest of the road is in the history of Slovenia.

Once your dates are set, check which hotels are still free in Ljubljana before prices climb.

How you’ll notice it

The symbols law requires the national flag to fly on the buildings of state and municipal authorities during national holidays, and allows it on other public buildings and homes, according to the government. Where the Italian and Hungarian communities live, their flag flies as well. What each element of the flag means is in the flag of Slovenia.

Travelling on those days

On a work-free day you can expect offices and many shops to close, so I’d leave shopping for another day. The big attractions keep their own calendars, and Bled Castle, for one, opens every day of the year. 25 June falls in the thick of lake and mountain season, and to me it’s a day to be out by the water rather than in town. The full calendar is in Slovenia public holidays.

If you would rather have a local show you round, book a guided tour in Ljubljana and choose by the reviews.

Once your dates are set, check which hotels are still free in Ljubljana before prices climb.