Constitution Day in Slovakia
Celebrated as a public holiday in Slovakia every year on September 1st, Constitution Day is a holiday that commemorates the adoption of the Slovak Constitution in 1992. Also known as “Deň Ústavy Slovenskej Republiky” or “Day of the Constitution of the Slovak Republic” in Slovakia, this is a holiday that’s celebrated all across the country with a wide variety of different celebrations.
Bratislava Castle and the Slovakian Parliament are opened to the public on this day, and all across the country, there are parades and festivals with traditional singing and folk dancing. It’s a day off for the general population, and a day when many non-essential government offices, schools, and businesses are closed.
The History Of Constitution Day In Slovakia
On September 3rd, 1992, the Slovak Constitution was officially signed in Knight’s Hall at Bratislava Castle by Prime Minister Vladimir Mečiar and Speaker of the House Ivan Gašparovič. This constitution had to be created quickly and many parts of it were taken from the 1920 Czechoslovakian Constitution. This constitution brought an end to Czechoslovakia and afterward, the Slovak and Czech Republics would become separate entities on January 1st, 1993.
Slovakia’s Constitution consists of a Preamble and 9 Chapters. In it are set out the fundamental rights and freedoms of the populace, as well as the rights of ethnic minorities, and social, economic, and political rights. It also establishes the separation of power as one of the most basic rules of law.
Observing Constitution Day In Slovakia
This holiday is celebrated all over Slovakia with much pomp and fanfare. There are official ceremonies at Bratislava Castle, parades, folk dances, and other special events. There’s plenty of folk singing and dancing, and it’s a public holiday, so it’s a day off for the general public. It’s also a day when many businesses, government offices, and schools are closed.