Referendum Day in Carinthia, Austria commemorates the 1920 plebiscite, when the people of southern Carinthia chose to remain part of Austria, shaping the state's borders and cultural identity.

When is Referendum Day?

Referendum Day in Carinthia, Austria is celebrated every year on October 10.

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

The History of Referendum Day?

With the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918, new states emerged, including the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes (later Yugoslavia). Both Austria and the new kingdom claimed parts of southern Carinthia, a region with mixed German-speaking and Slovene-speaking populations.

In 1919, the Treaty of Saint-Germain confirmed Austria's independence but left disputes over Carinthia unresolved. Armed clashes broke out between Austrian and Yugoslav forces in the contested zone. To prevent further conflict, the Allied powers decided the issue should be settled by a referendum.

The referendum gave people living in the southern Carinthian zone a choice: remain part of Austria, or join the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes.

Despite expectations that Slovene speakers might favor joining Yugoslavia, the result was 59% in favor of staying with Austria, including many Slovene-speaking Carinthians.

The plebiscite secured Austria's southern border, preventing further military disputes. It also symbolized the principle of self-determination promoted after World War I. For Carinthia, it became a key moment of regional identity and pride.

Since 1920, October 10 has been celebrated as Referendum Day in Carinthia. It became an official regional holiday in Carinthia (though not nationwide).