Slovenia Celebrates Independence and Unity Day
Slovenia held a vote on whether to break away from the former Yugoslavia on 23 December 1990. The turnout reached a record 93.2%, with 95% of those who cast the ballots voting for independence.
The results were announced three days after the vote and 26 December was declared a bank holiday after Slovenia became an independent country half a year after the referendum.
A number of events will take place across the country today to mark the Independence and Unity Day, however, the national ceremony was traditionally held a day before Christmas Eve.
Prime Minister Miro Cerar, who delivered the keynote, said that Slovenians now have the independent state they voted for 24 years ago, but have been forced by the crisis to earn it again. "Slovenia has been lulled to sleep. Therefore we must wake up and start building."
He urged unity in crucial issues, saying this will allow a more confident approach to the world and argued that inspiration can be drawn from many successful Slovenian athletes, scientists, artists as well as entrepreneurs.
Moreover, the Archbishop of Ljubljana, Stane Zore, said mass for the homeland on Tuesday before the main ceremony. Zore said in his sermon that the joy from 24 years ago is now gone and urged Slovenians to change their attitude toward the country and the homeland.