Day of the Macedonian Revolutionary Struggle in North Macedonia
North Macedonia marks the Day of the Macedonian Revolutionary Struggle on October 23. It is a state holiday and a non-working day under the country’s holiday law, commemorating the founding of the Macedonian Revolutionary Organization in Thessaloniki in 1893.[1][2][3]
Legal status and date
The 2007 amendment to the Law on Holidays added October 23, the Day of the Macedonian Revolutionary Struggle, to the list of state holidays. The law makes state holidays non-working days and provides that when one falls on a Sunday, the following day is also non-working. The date remains October 23 each year; when it falls on Sunday, the Monday is observed as the day off.[1][2]
The law provides for wage compensation or increased pay for employees on non-working holidays, according to applicable law and collective agreements. It also allows the government to designate state bodies, public services and other organizations that must operate on holidays, so some services may still work.[2]
What the day commemorates
The holiday’s date points to October 23, 1893, when a group of Macedonian intellectuals laid the foundations of the Macedonian Revolutionary Organization in Thessaloniki, then part of the Ottoman Empire.[3]
For North Macedonia, the anniversary gives official recognition to this episode in the history of the Macedonian revolutionary movement.[1][3]
Official observances
A formal observance associated with the date is the presentation of the 23 October State Award at Parliament. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism describes the award as recognizing long-term achievements in science, culture, education, protection of state interests, and promotion of state priorities, values and cultural-historical heritage. It may be given to up to five recipients in a year.[4]
Parliament has also reported holding an award ceremony on October 23.[4][5]
What to expect on the holiday
Because October 23 is a statutory non-working day, residents should expect ordinary government office hours to be affected. The law allows some public bodies and services to operate when the government designates them to work.[2]
If you need a specific service, check its holiday hours before visiting or travelling.[2]
Frequently asked questions
Is October 23 a day off in North Macedonia?
What happens if October 23 falls on a Sunday?
The following day is non-working under the holiday law. For this fixed-date holiday, that means the Monday is observed as the day off.[2]
What does the holiday commemorate?
Are shops, banks and public transport closed?
Check with the relevant bank, shop or transport operator for its holiday arrangements.[2]
Sources and references
Sources used for Day of the Macedonian Revolutionary Struggle in North Macedonia:
- Закон за изменување на Законот за празниците на Република Македонија- Ministry of Economy and Labour, Republic of North Macedonia
- ЗАКОН ЗА ПРАЗНИЦИТЕ НА РЕПУБЛИКА МАКЕДОНИЈА- Ministry of Economy and Labour, Republic of North Macedonia
- Зародишот на македонскиот непокор- Ministry of Defence, Republic of North Macedonia; hosted by the national research repository
- Државни награди- Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Republic of North Macedonia
- ДОДЕЛУВАЊЕ НА ДРЖАВНАТА НАГРАДА „23 ОКТОМВРИ“- Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia