National Uprising Day marks the 1944 Slovak National Uprising against Nazi occupation and the fascist Slovak regime. Though suppressed, it remains a key symbol of Slovakia's fight for freedom and is honored today as one of the country's most important national holidays.

When is National Uprising Day?

National Uprising Day in Slovakia is celebrated every year on August 29.

The following is the list of National Uprising Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of National Uprising Day?

In 1939, after the breakup of Czechoslovakia, Slovakia became a client state of Nazi Germany led by President Jozef Tiso.

The regime collaborated with the Nazis, including in the deportation of Slovak Jews. Growing opposition emerged within Slovakia, especially among communists, democrats, nationalists, and the Slovak army.

On August 29, 1944, the Slovak National Uprising (Slovenské národné povstanie – SNP) was launched from Banská Bystrica. It was organized by the Slovak resistance movement, supported by both communists and democrats, along with officers from the Slovak army.

The uprising sought to overthrow the fascist Slovak regime and resist German occupation. At its peak, around 60,000–80,000 partisans and soldiers joined the fight, with additional support from Allied and Soviet forces.

Despite strong resistance, the uprising was eventually suppressed by German troops, and Banská Bystrica was retaken in late October 1944.

Although militarily defeated, the uprising became a powerful symbol of resistance, unity, and the fight for freedom. It demonstrated that many Slovaks opposed fascism and aligned themselves with the anti-Nazi struggle in Europe.

After WWII, the uprising was honored as a defining moment in Slovak history. In 1945, memorials were built, and in 1949 the Slovak National Uprising Memorial in Banská Bystrica was established.

During socialist Czechoslovakia, the uprising was celebrated but often framed through a communist lens.

Since Slovakia's independence in 1993, August 29 has been preserved as National Uprising Day (Deň Slovenského národného povstania), recognized as a public holiday.