Anniversary of the Declaration of the Slovak Nation in Slovakia

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The calendar of Slovakia is filled with events, which are markers of its complicated and fascinating path to the present state. The most widely celebrated holidays like the Establishment of the Slovak Republic or Constitution Day are the ones that everybody knows well, but there are also other dates that are very important to history. The Anniversary of the Declaration of the Slovak Nation (Slovak: Výročie Deklarácie slovenského národa) is one of the dates and it is annually celebrated on October 30th.

For the Slovaks, this day is a reminder of one of the most important events that happened in 1918 when the Slovak leaders made an official statement declaring their nation’s intention to cut off ties with the Kingdom of Hungary and to unite with the Czech people in a new common state.

What is the Anniversary of the Declaration of the Slovak Nation?

This anniversary marks the Martin Declaration, a cornerstone document in contemporary Slovak history (Slovak: Martinská deklarácia).

Over 100 delegates from all over Slovakia gathered in Turčiansky Svätý Martin (now simply Martin) on October 30th, 1918. At the meeting, the Slovak National Council officially accepted the Declaration of the Slovak Nation.

The declaration was nothing less than a revolutionary act. It claimed:

• The Slovak nation’s right to choose its own destiny.
• Slovakia’s withdrawal from the Kingdom of Hungary (which was already a part of the rapidly dying Austro-Hungarian Empire at the end of World War I).
• The intention to join with the Czech nation and thus create the new state of Czechoslovakia.
• This was the clear-cut political declaration of the Slovak rulers that they were fully behind the new republic, which had been proclaimed only two days earlier in Prague on October 28, 1918.

A Pivotal Moment in History: The Martin Declaration

To fully grasp the significance of the day, it is necessary to take 1918 into account. The region that now comprises Slovakia was ruled by the Kingdom of Hungary for a millennium. The Slovaks within the Austro-Hungarian Empire underwent severe political and cultural hardships, and among them, "Magyarization" policies aimed at the complete conversion of non-Hungarian peoples were the worst.

A ceasefire for World War I and the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire led to the emergence of a new lucrative opportunity.

October 28, 1918: In Prague, Czech politicians proclaimed Czechoslovakia's independence.

October 30, 1918: Due to the disarray that came with the flow of information, the Slovak political leaders were not aware of the details of the Prague declaration and they convened in Martin. The independent decision of the Slovaks to leave Hungary and unite with the Czechs showed a strong determination for the birth of a new democratic state.

The Martin Declaration represented the official, legal, and political manifestation of the Slovak people's aspiration to get rid of the Hungarian domination, and to share the power of being the founders of a new, democratic state, which was later known as the First Czechoslovak Republic.

Is It a Public Holiday? A Key Clarification

This is an important aspect for both tourists and people living in the country: The Anniversary of the Declaration of the Slovak Nation is not a public holiday (a non-working day, or deň pracovného pokoja). Rather, it is a day of remembrance or memorial (Slovak: pamätný deň).

Thus, the day gains the official recognition by the state for its historical significance, but it is nothing more than a regular day.

What is Open? Banks, Schools, and Shops

Due to October 30th being a public working day, the business operations continue in the usual manner across the nation.

• Banks and Offices: Open throughout the standard business hours.
• Shops and Malls: Open. There are no restrictions on retail sales as there are on major public holidays.
• Schools: Open. Schools often use this day to hold special lessons, assemblies, or discussions focused on the 1918 event and its importance for Slovak history and civics.
• Museums and Cultural Institutions: Open. In fact, museums related to Slovak history, particularly the Slovak National Museum in Martin, are often a focal point for commemorations and may host special exhibits or events.

How is the Day Commemorated in Slovakia?

The commemoration of the Day is more solemn and formal than a celebration. It is not a day of parades or large public displays but rather a day of remembrance with various acts of remembrance.

The commemoration comprises of the following activities:

• Official Ceremonies: High-ranking state officials, including the President, Prime Minister, and parliament members, frequently partake in the official commemorative activities.
• Wreath-Laying: The major ceremonies are usually in Martin where the declaration was signed, at the National Cemetery (Slovak: Národný cintorín), the place where many signatories and other famous figures from Slovak history are buried, and generally at the National Cemetery.
• Media Coverage: National TV and radio station broadcast the historical significance of the Martin Declaration through special programs, documentaries, and discussions.
• Educational Focus: Schools and universities spend time on this basic event teaching their students.

The Declaration vs. Other Slovak Statehood Holidays

It is beneficial to examine the place of this day among the other essential holidays of Slovakia:

• October 28 (Establishment of the Czecho-Slovak State): Just like October 30th this day is a remembrance day in Slovakia (unlike the Czech Republic, where it is the major national holiday). It signals the state formation under Prague's guiding hand.
• October 30 (Anniversary of the Declaration): This is the sister remembrance day that commemorates Slovakia's formal "yes" to the alliance of state.
• January 1 (Day of the Establishment of the Slovak Republic): A very important public holiday (non-working) that marks the celebration of the establishment of the independent Slovak Republic in 1993 (the "Velvet Divorce").
• September 1 (Constitution Day): Another public holiday (non-working) that commemorates the adoption of Slovakia's own constitution in 1992, a vital step toward independence.

To sum up, the main modern and independent Slovak state that Jan 1st and Sept 1st represent, October 30th depicts one of the earliest and most important steps taken by the Slovak nation here a hundred years ago, that is, towards self-determination and democracy.