Independence Day in Bosnia And Herzegovina
Independence Day is a public provincial holiday observed in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina annually on March 1st. This holiday commemorates and celebrates the country’s independence from the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in 1992.
Bosnia and Herzegovina (Public holiday)It should be mentioned that this holiday is not observed in Republika Srpska—the other post-war entity that was once part of Bosnia and Herzegovina but was separated by the Dayton Agreement in 1995. Since this is a public holiday, government offices, schools, and businesses are closed on this day. It is also a day off for the general population.
The History of Independence Day in Bosnia and Herzegovina
When the Austro-Hungarian Empire collapsed at the end of WWI, Bosnia and Herzegovina joined the South Slav Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes—a country that would later be renamed Yugoslavia. After both a political and economic crisis during the 1980s, as well as the rise of nationalism, Yugoslavia began to break up at the beginning of the 90s.
A declaration of the sovereignty of Bosnia and Herzegovina took place on October 15, 1991, and that was followed by a referendum for independence on March 1, 1992. On March 3, 1992, Bosnia and Herzegovina declared independence and was admitted as a member state of the UN on May 22, 1992.
Observing Independence Day in Bosnia and Herzegovina
This holiday is observed with parades, speeches, and cultural events across the country. People also use this day to spend time with friends and family members. They will enjoy meals such as Bosanski Lonac, Japrak, and other dishes.
Bosnia and Herzegovina (Public holiday)
