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ThuAug 29

Anniversary of The Slovak National Uprising – August 29, 2024

Anniversary of The Slovak National Uprising is celebrated annually on August 29 to commemorate the Slovak National Uprising, which began on August 29, 1944, during World War II. It is also a day to honor the people of the Democratic Party, the Communist Party of Slovakia, and the Czech Social Democratic Party who participated in the resistance movement against Nazi rule.

History of Anniversary of The Slovak National Uprising

The genesis of the Slovak National Uprising can be traced to September 1938 when the Munich Agreement was signed. This agreement, which was signed by the European powers, effectively ceded Sudetenland — a territory of Czechoslovakia — to Nazi Germany. Czechoslovakia agreed to this as a result of German military attacks and diplomatic pressure from the United Kingdom, France, and Italy.

Sudetenland, otherwise known as the Sudeten German territory, was included within the defined borders of Czechoslovakia when the country was newly formed in 1918. However, this was done without the consent of the Sudeten-based Germans, who were later accorded less consideration than the Czechs and Slovaks. By 1936, 60% of the unemployed people in Czechoslovakia were Germans. This was Germany’s apparent reason for claiming Sudetenland.

In June 1944, aided by Slovakia’s pro-Nazi president, Jozef Tiso, German military forces began occupying Czechoslovakia. A resistance movement was formed by Czechoslovakia’s exiled government, deserters from the Slovak army, and other Slovak partisans. This uprising lasted for about two months until it was partially suppressed by Germany in October 1944.

In Slovakia, the uprising anniversary is not widely celebrated, as some view the uprising as a pro-communist movement. Catholic nationalists often condemn the uprising as a result of the fact that Jozef Tiso — who was president at the time — was also Catholic. However, in Bratislava, the country’s capital, some mark the occasion by placing wreaths on a memorial dedicated to the uprising.

Anniversary of The Slovak National Uprising timeline

1938
Sudetenland is Ceded

Sudetenland is ceded to Germany under the Munich Agreement.

1944
The Uprising Begins

The Slovak National Uprising begins on August 29.

1993
Czechoslovakia Splits

Czechoslovakia peacefully splits into two countries: The Czech Republic and Slovakia.

2003
August 29 is Picked

August 29 is chosen to celebrate the Slovak National Uprising Anniversary.

Anniversary of The Slovak National Uprising FAQs

Who is the president of Slovakia?

The current president of Slovakia is Zuzana Čaputová.

What is the population of Slovakia?

The current population of Slovakia is approximately 5.46 million people.

What rare do Slovaks belong to?

Slovaks belong to the Slavic ethnocultural group, which also includes Russians, Poles, Czechs, Serbs, Ruthenians, Croats, Slovenes, Bulgars, Ukrainians, and Macedonians.

How to Observe Anniversary of The Slovak National Uprising

  1. Perform research about Slovakia

    With technology, there’s no end to the amount of information that can be learned. Broaden your knowledge base by learning more about Slovakia: its history, culture, and wonderful people.

  2. Post the Slovakian flag

    In commemoration of this historic day, post a picture of the Slovakian flag online. This shows love and understanding to the Slovakian people.

  3. Learn a Slovakian word

    There are tons of languages to learn and the Slovak language is a good place to start. Learn how to say “good morning” or “hello” in Slovak. You never know when you might need it!

5 Interesting Facts About Slovakia

  1. Slovaks are good at ice hockey

    According to the International Ice Hockey Federation, Slovakia ranks as the 15th best ice hockey team in the entire world.

  2. Slovakia has lots of castles

    Per capita, Slovakia has the largest number of castles and chateaux in the world.

  3. Train travel is free for some

    Train travel is free for children, students under 26 years of age, widowed or disabled pensioners under 62 years of age, and other people above 62 years of age.

  4. Slovakia’s capital borders two countries

    Slovakia’s capital — Bratislava — is the only capital in the world that lies on the borders of two countries, which are Austria and Hungary.

  5. Slovakia is home to 6,000 caves

    More than 6,000 caves and caverns have been discovered in Slovakia!

Why Anniversary of The Slovak National Uprising is Important

  1. It teaches us about peace

    Commemoration of this holiday is a valuable lesson on peace at the end of the conflict. Though the uprising lasted from August 1944 to the end of World War II, there was eventually a resolution. Now Slovakia enjoys a peaceful and stable political atmosphere.

  2. It honors the fallen

    This anniversary is a time to honor the precious souls that were lost during the uprising. They will never be forgotten.

  3. It educates us

    Without national holidays such as these, we would have no way of learning about the important moments of the past. This holiday is essential for teaching future generations about the history of their country.

Anniversary of The Slovak National Uprising dates

YearDateDay
2024August 29Thursday
2025August 29Friday
2026August 29Saturday
2027August 29Sunday
2028August 29Tuesday

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