Republic Day
January 1, Monday
History of the division of Czechoslovakia
Czechoslovakia was created in 1918 after the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire following World War I. It united two main nations, the Czechs and Slovaks, as well as other ethnic groups such as Hungarians, Germans, and Ruthenians. For most of its existence, Czechoslovakia was a democratic state, with the exception of the period of World War II and the subsequent period when the country was under communist rule.
After the Velvet Revolution in 1989, which led to the fall of the communist regime, discussions about the future of Czechoslovakia began. Differences in political and economic views between the Czechs and Slovaks came to the fore.
The decision to split Czechoslovakia was made by the leaders of the two republics: Václav Klaus (a Czech politician) and Vladimír Mečiar (a Slovak politician). On January 1, 1993, Czechoslovakia officially ceased to exist and two independent countries emerged in its place: the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Significance of the holiday
For both countries, the Day of the Czech Republic and Slovakia has become a symbol of a new stage in history. This day is celebrated as an important milestone in the development of democracy and sovereignty in both countries.
In the Czech Republic, January 1 is celebrated as the Day of the Restoration of the Independent Czech State.
In Slovakia, this day is also a national holiday, symbolizing the beginning of its independence.