Slovenia Marks 35 Years of Statehood with Dual-Speaker National Celebration

Slovenia is marking its 35th anniversary of statehood with a series of ceremonies across the country, culminating in a national celebration on the eve of the holiday. The central event, held in Ljubljana's Republic Square, will feature a unique format with two key speakers addressing the nation: President Nataša Pirc Musar and Prime Minister Janez Janša.

The state celebration, scheduled to begin at 9:15 PM, will unfold on a modern, multi-ambiental stage designed to immerse the audience in the story of Slovenia's formation. Following the addresses by the President and Prime Minister, a cultural and artistic program will pay tribute to the homeland and its citizens through music, poetry, dance, and narration. The event will showcase Slovenian artists from various generations, with scenography by Igor Pirkovič and direction by Roman Končar.

Participants in the celebration will include flag bearers and standard bearers from the Slovenian Armed Forces, police, and veterans' associations, accompanied by the Police Orchestra and the Slovenian Armed Forces Band. The ceremony will also acknowledge the historical context of Slovenia's independence, achieved on June 25, 1991, following years of efforts by the then-Slovenian Assembly to adopt key documents for sovereignty. Slovenia formally declared its independence and sovereignty the following day in Ljubljana's Republic Square.

Prior to the main event, numerous other ceremonies are taking place nationwide to honor the 35 years of independence. These include sessions of the National Assembly and the National Council, and a reception hosted by the President for the families of those who fell in the 1991 War for Slovenia. A mass for the homeland, led by Slovenian bishops, was also held earlier in Ljubljana Cathedral. The Day of Statehood, a public holiday, commemorates the pivotal events of 35 years ago that led to Slovenia's establishment as an independent nation.