North Macedonia marked Ilinden Day on August 2, 2024, commemorating the 1903 Ilinden Uprising and the 1944 ASNOM assembly. The national holiday saw events across the country and abroad, highlighting its significance.
Landlocked North Macedonia, officially the Republic of North Macedonia, sits in Southeast Europe. Bordering Greece, Albania, Bulgaria, Kosovo, and Serbia, it comprises about a third of the larger Macedonia region. Skopje, its capital and largest city, houses a quarter of its almost two million people.
Official ceremonies took place in Pelince, Skopje, and Kruševo. President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova led commemorations at the Pelince Memorial Center, stressing the importance of preserving Ilinden and ASNOM legacies while working towards a prosperous future. She also attended the 80th anniversary of ASNOM’s first session at St. Prokhor Pchinsky monastery, thanking Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić for his hospitality.
Diplomatic representatives participated in the celebrations. Czech Ambassador Jaroslav Ludva visited Pelince, while Consul David Cernohorsky went to Mečkin Kamen.
Ambassador Jaroslav Ludva honored Ilinden in Pelince, while Consul David Cernohorsky commemorated the day at the iconic Meckin Kamen. Wishing everyone a memorable and inspiring Ilinden! 🇲🇰 pic.twitter.com/UaX642ckyJ
— Embassy of the Czech Republic in North Macedonia (@CzechEmbassyMKD) August 2, 2024
The U.S. Embassy joined ceremonies in Pelince, Skopje, and Kruševo, recognizing Ilinden’s role in North Macedonia’s path to independence and democracy.
Embassy representatives joined official ceremonies in Pelince, Skopje and Krushevo to commemorate Ilinden, twice a pivotal day in 🇲🇰 history of independence and democracy.#Ilinden1903 #ASNOM1944 pic.twitter.com/O75lUHOEX3
— U.S. Embassy North Macedonia (@USEmbassySkopje) August 2, 2024
The Macedonian diaspora also celebrated, with a gathering at St. Gjorgija church in Melbourne, Australia, in front of the Goce Delchev monument.
In honor of the #Ilinden holiday, the #Macedonians in #Melbourne celebrated the day in the courtyard of the #church of St. Gjorgija in front of the monument of the great Goce Delchev. https://t.co/IiunhxUyUM
— Macedonia FAQ (@FaqMacedonia) August 2, 2024
President Siljanovska Davkova stressed the value of national identity, European integration, and future goals via Social Media. She called for renewed efforts to create a “decent place to live” with equal opportunities for all citizens, affirming North Macedonia’s place in the European family. The President emphasized the need to protect Macedonian identity, language, culture, and historical memory.
