8 September marks the 20th anniversary of the Macedonian referendum through which the country declared its independence from Yugoslavia. On this day in 1991, over 95% of voters agreed and the Republic of Macedonia became an independent country.
The government has a full slate of activities to commemorate the date.
The main event will be the unveiling of the Alexander the Great statue in Macedonia Square. The impressive statue is a major landmark in the Skopje 2014 redevelopment project and a new symbol for the nation. Prime Minister Nikola Gruevsky will address the nation from the square.
The government will also dedicate the Macedonia Arch, also in the center, and a new museum commemorating the Macedonian struggle for independence. Trajko Vejanoski, Speaker of the Parliament, will lead a parade transporting the 1991 Declaration of Independence from the parliamentary archive to the museum. The parade will pass through the new arch and past the new Alexander statue on the way to the museum building.
Festivities will include a gala concert under the banner “The Best of Macedonia,” featuring pop star Karolina Gocheva, other Macedonian favorites,fireworks and a light show.
The whole event is an impressive effort by the government to encourage confidence of Macedonian confidence while celebrating their history and the long fought for,and now realized, dream of independence.
No comments yet.