Anniversary of the Memorandum of the Slovak Nation

History of Anniversary of the Memorandum of the Slovak Nation

The beginning of national movements in Slovakia dates back to the 1840s when Slovakia was under the rule of a monarch. The neo-absolutist regime restricted political and public activity, which agitated the majority of the public leaders to start a movement to fight for their national rights. The situation was further fueled by the complete indifference to the needs and interests of non-Magyar nations which were part of the Hungarian Empire. Slovakia was one of those nations.

This ignorance led to the birth of the Memorandum at the hands of the Slovak National Assembly. The document laid out conditions and basic legal and political demands. However, the effort did not bear much fruit as the ruling party tried to suppress their voices by imposing a ban on their cultural association, Matica Slovenská, and the Slovak Gymnazia, two of the major institutes that had Slovak as the mode of instruction. With the downfall of these institutes, the Slovaks realized that they couldn’t sit quietly any longer. They founded the Slovak National Party in 1871, and decided on a tactic of electoral passivity in 1884, to raise their voice against the electoral system and national policies that did not favor the Slovaks.

This tussle went on till 1918 when Slovakia joined hands with the Czech Republic to become a common state. However, even this union led to a lot of regional clashes. It was only in 1992 that the Czecho-Slovak Federative Republic was dissolved, and in 1993, Slovakia became an independent, full-fledged nation.

Anniversary of the Memorandum of the Slovak Nation timeline

1848

The Demands of the Nationalists

Slovak nationalists issue a manifesto of 14 demands, prompted by the realization that the Hungarian monarchy would not heed their call for the establishment of public assemblies and the acceptance of a Slovak petition.

1861

Adoption of the Document

On June 7, the Slovak National Assembly of town and village representatives adopts the Memorandum, whose major author is Štefan Marko Daxner, as a political program.

1918

Becoming a Nation

The Slovak National Council, constituted under the leadership of Matúš Dula, declares Slovakia as a fully-fledged nation.

1989

The Democratic Revolution

Czechoslovakia witnesses the establishment of a democratic system.

2011

The Silver Collector Coin

20,000 silver coins in the 10 Euro denomination are minted to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the adoption of the memorandum.

Anniversary of the Memorandum of the Slovak Nation FAQs

When is Anniversary of the Memorandum of the Slovak Nation?

In 2026, the Anniversary of the Memorandum of the Slovak Nation falls on Sunday, June 7. This day commemorates the presentation of the historic 1861 document.

What was the main purpose of the Slovak Memorandum of 1861?

The 1861 Memorandum of the Slovak Nation was a political program presented to the Hungarian Diet. Its primary purpose was to demand a separate administrative region for Slovaks within the Austro-Hungarian Empire, where Slovak would be the official language of administration, education, and public life, ensuring the preservation of their national identity.

How many people of Slovak descent live in the U.S.?

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 700,000 to 800,000 Americans identify as having Slovak ancestry. This vibrant diaspora often maintains strong ties to their heritage and traditions.

Is the Anniversary of the Memorandum of the Slovak Nation a public holiday in Slovakia?

While historically significant, the Anniversary of the Memorandum of the Slovak Nation on June 7 is not currently observed as a public holiday in Slovakia. However, it is widely recognized and commemorated through various cultural and educational events.

How to Observe Anniversary of the Memorandum of the Slovak Nation

Get to know the Slovak culture

This is an opportune day to get to know more about Slovakia and its people. It’s time to explore!

Read up on its political history

Dig up the history of the Memorandum, and find out the role it played in shaping the nation of Slovakia. Get into the other parts of the Slovaks' highly inspiring struggle for freedom and identity, and be inspired.

Wish your Slovakian friends

If you have friends from Slovakia, greet them on this special occasion and make their day. They may be pleasantly surprised that you’re aware of this somewhat obscure memorial and feel appreciated by you.

5 Interesting Facts You Didn’t Know About Slovakia

A capital with two borders

The Slovakian capital, Bratislava, is the only capital in the world that shares boundaries with two nations — Austria and Hungary.

Land of castles

If you love fairy tales about kings and queens, Slovakia is the perfect haven for you — it’s home to the highest number of chateaux in the world.

Free train rides

If you’re under 26 years of age and in Slovakia, congratulations because all train rides are free for you.

Tallest altar

Slovakia houses the world’s tallest Gothic altar made of wood.

The tallest cave column

The Krasnohorska Cave in Slovakia has the highest (over 100 feet) sinter column formed in a unique karst.

Why Anniversary of the Memorandum of the Slovak Nation is Important

The national movement

This anniversary acknowledges the Slovakian ancestors who struggled to establish their national identity. It helps the world remember these brave men and their inspiring acts.