When is Slovak National Uprising Day?
Slovak National Uprising Anniversary (Slovak: Výročie Slovenského národného povstania) is always celebrated on August 29th.
This public holiday commemorates August 29th 1944, which marked the start of an uprising against the pro-Nazi government of the time.
History of Slovak National Uprising Day
In 1938, the Munich agreement established the independent Slovak state, led by Jozef Tiso. In June 1944 Tiso declared martial law allowing the German army to occupy the country on August 29th.
Up to that point, there had been limited and sporadic guerrilla resistance operations across Slovakia. To counteract the planned occupation, a formal military plan was put in action by the exiled Czechoslovak government, Slovak partisans and deserters from the Slovak army. Headquartered in central Slovakia, the forces of the uprising consisted of several armoured units as well as part of the Slovak Air Force.
Despite some limited support from the allies, the uprising was crushed by the German forces before the end of October 1944. After the defeat, the remaining forces of the uprising continued with small guerrilla actions until the end of the war.
How is Slovak National Uprising Day celebrated?
This day was chosen in 2003 to be a national holiday for Slovakia as it represents a time when all Slovaks came together against an oppressive dictatorship.
However, some see this antifascist celebration as having a strong communist aspect and it isn't celebrated by all Slovaks.
On August 29th each year, wreaths are placed on a memorial to the Slovak National Uprising in Bratislava.
