Day of the Decision on the unification of Istria, Rijeka, Zadar and the islands with the mother country of Croatia

September 25, Thursday

Day of the Decision on the unification of Istria, Rijeka, Zadar and the islands with the mother country of Croatia
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The Day of the Decision on the Unification of Istria, Rijeka, Zadar and the Islands with the Mother Country of Croatia is a commemorative holiday observed in Croatia on September 25th. It marks the historic event in 1943 when the People's Liberation Committee for Istria, during World War II, declared the annexation of Istria, Rijeka, Zadar, and the surrounding islands to Croatia, which was then part of the Yugoslav federation. This decision was made following the collapse of Fascist Italy and the withdrawal of Italian forces from the region, creating a power vacuum that allowed local resistance movements to assert control.

Historical Background
These territories had been under Italian rule since the end of World War I, following the Treaty of Rapallo in 1920. During the interwar period, the local Croatian and Slovene populations faced intense Italianization policies. With the fall of Mussolini’s regime in 1943 and Italy’s capitulation, the Yugoslav Partisans, led by Josip Broz Tito, moved quickly to liberate and secure these areas. On September 13, 1943, the Partisans entered Pazin, and on September 25, the regional assembly in Pazin adopted the decision to unite Istria with Croatia.

Significance
This decision was a pivotal moment in Croatian history, symbolizing the end of foreign domination over these territories and their reintegration into the Croatian national body. It also represented a broader struggle for national self-determination and resistance against fascist occupation. The unification was later confirmed by the Yugoslav government and internationally recognized after World War II through the Paris Peace Treaties of 1947.

Modern Observance
Although not a public holiday with a day off, the Day of the Decision is commemorated with various cultural and educational events, particularly in Istria and other affected regions. Schools, local governments, and historical societies organize lectures, exhibitions, and ceremonies to honor the memory of those who fought for the unification and to educate the public about the historical significance of the event.

Key Aspects of the Holiday
* Celebrated annually on September 25
* Commemorates the 1943 decision to unite Istria, Rijeka, Zadar, and nearby islands with Croatia
* Highlights the anti-fascist struggle and national unification
* Observed primarily through educational and cultural events
* Reinforces regional and national identity within Croatia

This day serves as a reminder of the resilience and unity of the Croatian people during a turbulent period in European history and underscores the importance of preserving historical memory.
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Day of the Decision on the unification of Istria, Rijeka, Zadar and the islands with the mother country of Croatia in other years

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