General Knowledge

St. Vitus Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

St. Vitus Day is of particular importance to the Serbian people. In 1389, during the Battle of Kosovo, the Ottoman army engaged the Serbian army on the plain of Kosovo.

St. Vitus’ Day is annually observed on June 28. It commemorates a conflict from the 14th century that represents ethnic pride in Serbia. In Serbia, ‘Vidovdan’ translates to ‘St. Vitus Day,’ which is a religious and national holiday known as a’slava’ (feast day). Saint Prince Lazar and the Serbian sacred martyrs who perished in the 1389 Battle of Kosovo against the Ottoman Empire are commemorated on this day, according to the Serbian Orthodox Church. The holiday is an integral element of the national identity of Serbia.

The background of St. Vitus Day

St. Vitus Day is of particular importance to the Serbian people. In 1389, during the Battle of Kosovo, the Ottoman army engaged the Serbian army on the plain of Kosovo. Sultan Murad and Prince Lazar both perished in the conflict. The Serbian Orthodox Church has designated this day as a memorial for Saint Prince Lazar and the sacred Serbian martyrs who perished during the Battle of Kosovo. The Kosovo Myth, which is founded on the battle’s events, played a significant role in the formation of Serbian identity.

In 1876, the Serbs proclaimed war on the Ottoman Empire. In 1914, the assassination of the Austro-Hungarian crown prince precipitated the outbreak of the First World War. Radomir Veovi and other notable Montenegrin commanders planned an insurrection against the Austro-Hungarian occupiers of Montenegro in 1916. The signing of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919 effectively ended World War I.

King Alexander I of Serbia enacted the Vidovdan Constitution, a new constitution for the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, in 1921. Slobodan Miloevi delivered the Gazimestan address on the battleground on the 600th anniversary of the Battle of Kosovo. Montenegro became the 192nd member of the United Nations in 2006. In 2008, the Community Assembly of Kosovo and Metohija convened its inaugural assembly. After being closed for fifteen years, the National Museum of Serbia reopened its doors in 2018.

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ST. VITUS DAY ACTIVITIES

Read about the Kosovo conflict.

Spend some time researching the Battle of Kosovo fought against the Ottoman Empire today. Learn about this significant aspect of the cultural, historical, and national identity of Serbia. You can also share your findings with others to generate an engaging historical discussion.

Visit the National Museum of Serbia

Observe how the revitalised National Museum of Serbia brings history to life. Explore the grounds, snap photographs, and learn about Serbia’s past.

Visit Serbia

As part of the festivities, you can visit historical sites in Serbia, such as the 55-foot statue of Prince Lazar Hrebeljanovic in Mitrovica and the mediaeval monastery in the city. You may join the liturgy held by Serbian Orthodox clergy at the Gazimestan monument for pilgrims.

5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT SERBIA

According to historians, approximately 18 Roman emperors were born in Serbia.

Serbia is the second-largest exporter of raspberries in the globe.

The Djerdap ravine in Serbia is the longest and tallest ravine in Europe.

Belgrade, in Serbia, is one of the oldest capitals in Europe.

The majority of Serbian surnames terminate in ‘i.’

ST. VITUS DAY DATES

Year Date Day
2023 June 28 Wednesday
2024 June 28 Friday
2025 June 28 Saturday
2026 June 28 Sunday
2027 June 28 Monday
Arshiya Khan

Arshiya Khan is a Commerce graduate who loves to write on general and trending topics.

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