When is Day of the Establishment of the Slovak Republic?
The Day of the Establishment of the Slovak Republic (Slovak: Deň vzniku Slovenskej republiky) is always celebrated on January 1st and marks the day in 1993 when Czechoslovakia split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
History of Day of the Establishment of the Slovak Republic
Czechoslovakia had emerged as a sovereign state at the end of World War 1 in 1918. It was briefly split during World War 2, before coming under Soviet rule in 1948. In 1968, it became a federation consisting of the Czech Socialist Republic and the Slovak Socialist Republic.
Communist rule in Czechoslovakia was brought to an end in 1989 as a result of the Velvet Revolution.
In July 1992 Slovakia declared itself a sovereign state, essentially stating that its national laws took precedence over those of the federal government.
Following negotiations between the Slovak and Czech leaders, the way was paved for the disbanding of the federation. In November 1992, the federal parliament of Czechoslovakia voted to dissolve the country on December 31st 1992.
This, the Slovak Republic and the Czech Republic officially became separate countries on January 1st 1993. This event has been dubbed the Velvet Divorce.
If it can be described as a divorce, it was an amicable one, with Slovakia remaining a close partner with the Czech Republic.
