02 August - Republic Day North Macedonia

Republic Day in North Macedonia, known as "Ilinden" or "Ilinden Uprising Day," is celebrated on August 2nd. This day commemorates two significant historical events in the country's history:

1. Ilinden Uprising (1903):

   • On 02 August 1903, the Ilinden Uprising was launched against the Ottoman Empire. This rebellion was part of the broader struggle for independence and self-determination in the Balkans. It was led by the Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization (IMRO) and aimed to establish an independent Macedonian state. Although the uprising was eventually suppressed by the Ottomans, it is remembered as a symbol of the fight for freedom and national identity.

2. Declaration of the Republic of Kruševo (1903):

   • As part of the Ilinden Uprising, the rebels briefly established the Kruševo Republic, a self-governing entity in the town of Kruševo. Although it lasted only ten days before being crushed by Ottoman forces, it is celebrated as the first attempt to create a modern Macedonian state.

3. ASNOM (1944):

   • Republic Day also marks the anniversary of the First Session of the Anti-Fascist Assembly for the National Liberation of Macedonia (ASNOM), held on 02 August 1944. This event took place during World War II, as Macedonian partisans were fighting against fascist occupation. The ASNOM session laid the foundation for the modern Macedonian state within the framework of Yugoslavia.

Celebration:

Republic Day is a major public holiday in North Macedonia, marked by various ceremonies, cultural events, and patriotic displays. Political leaders and citizens alike pay tribute to the historical significance of the Ilinden Uprising and the establishment of the Kruševo Republic, as well as the legacy of ASNOM. The day is a symbol of national pride and the ongoing struggle for independence and self-determination.