Date: 24. December 2025
Time to read: 1 min
26 December marks a pivotal moment in Slovenia's history. On this day, Slovenians celebrate the anniversary of the official announcement of the plebiscite results and commemorate the extraordinary unity shown by the people of Slovenia, who in 1990 decided in favour of an independent and sovereign state. It was with this decision that 35 years ago the long-held dream of having their own state began to be realised.
Natural treasures of Slovenia take center stage at national ceremony
Ahead of Independence and Unity Day, the central state ceremony took place at Cankarjev dom. The central theme of the celebration was Slovenia's natural treasures.
Its symbolic and substantive centerpiece was the exceptional find of a more than 6,500-year-old fir tree trunk in the village of Čadrg above Tolmin. From the wood, considered the oldest in the world, a violin was created—a unique instrument with an extraordinary story. In the artistic part of the ceremony, violinist Lana Trotovšek performed on it. Through the story "About the Fir Tree That Became a Violin," the creators, led by director Neda R. Bric, spoke primarily about a green land with natural wealth almost without parallel.
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Throughout the ceremony, we followed the incredible story of a fir tree that grew high in the mountains in 4536 BC and became a violin. Photo: Žiga Živulović Jr./F.A.Bobo
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The ceremony was accompanied by a rich artistic program. Photo: Žiga Živulović Jr./F.A.Bobo
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The violin from the 6,500-year-old fir tree was crafted by master luthier Daniel Musek. Photo: Žiga Živulović Jr./F.A.Bobo
The keynote speaker at the celebration was Prime Minister Dr. Robert Golob, who highlighted the values that unite us even in the most difficult times: cooperation, solidarity, and freedom. The central message was that only together can we accomplish everything.
Prime Minister Robert Golob stated, among other things, that 35 years—the time that has passed since the decision for an independent Slovenia—represents maturity in a person's life. Out of concern for future generations, he called for unity and community building, as together we can accomplish everything. "Does it sound like a utopia? Let it become a strategy instead," he added.
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Prime Minister appealed for wisdom to choose cooperation over division, respect diversity, and build a community in which every individual can develop, feel accepted and included. Photo: Žiga Živulović Jr./F.A.Bobo
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The ceremony was attended by top state officials and other high representatives of political, social, and religious life. Photo: Žiga Živulović Jr./F.A.Bobo
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In honor of the Independence and Unity Day, which is also a non-working day, the Presidential Palace will hold an open house on Friday. Photo: Žiga Živulović Jr./F.A.Bobo
35 years since the plebiscite
The national holiday celebrated on 26 December, marking the anniversary of the official announcement of the plebiscite results, has its roots in the late 1980s. During this period, Slovenia, then part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY), saw increasingly vocal calls for the introduction of a democratic system, a market economy and an independent state.
At the plebiscite, held on 23 December 1990, voters were asked the question: Should the Republic of Slovenia become an independent and sovereign state? With a turnout of 93.2%, around 95% of those who voted answered "yes" to this question, representing 88.5% of all eligible voters. It is precisely because of this exceptional result that Slovenians celebrate not only their statehood, but also values such as cooperation, unity and shared responsibility.
The results of the plebiscite were clear and historic, paving the way for an independent Slovenia. The results, which led to preparations for the confirmation of independence on 25 June 1991, were formally announced in the Slovenian Assembly three days later, on 26 December 1990. This date will forever remain a symbol of the common will and determination of the Slovenian people.
