Sovereignty Day of Montenegro 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

Montenegro celebrates Sovereignty Day on July 13 to commemorate the day the Berlin Congress recognised Montenegro as an independent state on July 13, 1878. However, this day should not be confused with Montenegro’s Independence Day, which occurs on May 21. The locals commemorate the event by having two days off from their regular jobs and dancing to local music. On this day, politicians and civic leaders deliver speeches while colourful parades fill the streets in various sections of the nation. There are food stalls serving a variety of regional delicacies at various fairs held in various areas.

The background of Sovereignty Day of Montenegro

Montenegro, a tiny Balkan nation surrounded by mountains and coastlines, is a popular summer vacation destination for many Europeans. Sounds like a tranquil getaway, right? However, the nation’s history was not always so peaceful. Before 1878, Montenegro was ruled by the Ottoman Empire, and it required a series of revolutions for it to gain independence. The Treaty of Berlin granted Montenegro independence, and the Berlin Congress recognised it as the 27th independent nation in the globe.

However, Montenegro was not regarded a democracy because Nicholas I was the monarch. It officially became a kingdom in 1910, but this lasted only briefly. After the first world war, Montenegro joined forces with Serbia and subsequently became a member of Yugoslavia. This status persisted for a number of years until the dissolution of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in 1992. After this, Montenegro and Serbia founded the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, and it was not until 2003 that they received their own names. Eventually, in 2006, Montenegro separated from its long-time partner, Serbia, and became a truly independent nation. It also joined the United Nations in the same year.

The 13th of July also commemorates another significant event in Montenegro’s past. During the second world war, an insurrection against Nazi occupation began on this date in 1941.

SOVEREIGNTY DAY OF MONTENEGRO ACTIVITIES

Consume local dishes from Montenegro.

Try your hand at creating the traditional cevapi (spiced meat patty) or baklava/kolai (Montenegrin cake) by researching their cuisine online. There is also the option of visiting the restaurant serving Montenegrin cuisine closest to you.

Recognise a Montenegrin pal

If you know someone from Montenegro, invite them to a feast or pay them a visit. Participating in their celebrations is a significant method to honour their culture.

Acquire knowledge of Montenegrin culture

Although Montenegro is a small, little-discussed nation, its history and traditions are incredibly diverse and fascinating. In addition, the region contains numerous ancient cities with mediaeval murals and charming yet refined architecture.

5 FACTS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT MONTENEGRO

There are 117 beaches, each with a unique geology, including stony, sandy, and enchanting pink pebble beaches.

The Stara Maslina olive tree in Montenegro is more than 2,000 years old, making it one of the oldest in the world.

One of the world’s highest mausoleums is located in Montenegro atop Mount Loven, 5,436 feet above sea level.

The Tara River Canyon in Montenegro, also known as “The Tear of Europe,” is the widest canyon in Europe and the second deepest.

Stefan Cernetic was charged with forgery and fraud for impersonating a member of the royal family of Montenegro.

SOVEREIGNTY DAY OF MONTENEGRO DATES

Year	Date	Day
2023	July 13	Thursday
2024	July 13	Saturday
2025	July 13	Sunday
2026	July 13	Monday
2027	July 13	Tuesday