Statehood Day is Serbia's most important national holiday, commemorating both the First Serbian Uprising of 1804 and the adoption of the Sretenje Constitution of 1835, symbolizing the country's path toward independence and democracy.

When is Statehood Day?

Statehood Day in Serbia is celebrated every year on February 15.

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

The History of Statehood Day?

On February 15, 1804, in the village of Orašac, Serbian leaders gathered and launched the First Serbian Uprising against the Ottoman Empire. The revolt was led by Đorđe Petrović (Karađorđe), who became the commander (Vožd) of the movement.

The uprising was sparked by the massacre of Serbian nobles by the Ottoman janissaries (known as the Slaughter of the Knezes). Although the uprising was eventually suppressed in 1813, it laid the foundation for the Second Serbian Uprising (1815), which ultimately led to autonomy and eventual independence for Serbia.

On February 15, 1835, Serbia adopted its first modern constitution in the city of Kragujevac. Known as the Sretenje Constitution (Sretenjski ustav), it was named after the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple (Sretenje Gospodnje) in the Serbian Orthodox calendar.

Drafted under Prince Miloš Obrenović, it was considered one of the most progressive constitutions in Europe at the time. It guaranteed civil rights, rule of law, and separation of powers, though it was short-lived due to pressure from the Ottoman Empire, Russia, and Austria, who opposed such liberal reforms.

Statehood Day was later designated to honor both events—the 1804 uprising and the 1835 constitution—since both occurred on February 15.

It reflects the two pillars of Serbian nationhood: the struggle for independence from Ottoman rule, and the establishment of constitutional democracy.

After periods when it was not officially observed (such as during Yugoslavia), the holiday was restored in 2002 as the official national day of Serbia. Today, February 15 – 16 is celebrated as a two-day public holiday, with state ceremonies in Belgrade, Orašac, and Kragujevac.