Statehood Day in Bosnia And Herzegovina
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the 25th of November is celebrated annually as Statehood Day. This public holiday is widely accepted as the National Day of the country but is technically just a regional holiday in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina—one of the two confederal entities.
Bosnia and Herzegovina (Public holiday)Regardless of whether it’s a federal or provincial holiday, it’s a day that commemorates the anniversary of the day when Bosnia and Herzegovina was reestablished in 1943 by the Anti-Fascist Council of National Liberation of Yugoslavia. This day is not only a day off for the general population but is also a day when many businesses, schools, and government offices are closed.
The History of Statehood Day in Bosnia and Herzegovina
During WWII, the Kingdom of Yugoslavia was controlled and occupied by the forces of Italy, Germany, Hungary, and Bulgaria. The Communist Party of Yugoslavia organized partisan resistance to the occupying forces.
On November 25th and 26th in 1943, the State Anti-Fascist Council for the National Liberation of Bosnia and Herzegovina was held in Mrkonjić Grad. During this meeting, they elected representatives to participate in the Anti-Fascist Council of National Liberation of Yugoslavia in the town of Jajce.
The council meeting decided on how Yugoslavia was going to function following the end of the war. There was to be a federal Yugoslavia that was based on the self-determination of the people who would live in six constituent republics with equal rights. It also declared Bosnia and Herzegovina to be an equal community.
Observing Statehood Day in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Because this is a public federal holiday, it’s a day off for the general public, and all legal entities will close for the day. It’s also a day that many people use to spend time with their friends and family members.
Bosnia and Herzegovina (Public holiday)
