On September 8, 2026, Macedonia marked 35 years of independence, celebrating one of the most important moments in its modern history. Independence Day commemorates the referendum held on September 8, 1991, when more than 95 percent of participating voters supported the creation of a sovereign and independent Macedonian state. The referendum came during the breakup of Yugoslavia, as Macedonia chose a peaceful path toward independence. The decision was later formally confirmed by the Macedonian Parliament, while a new Constitution was adopted in November 1991.
The story of Macedonian statehood, however, reaches much further back than 1991. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, generations of people in Macedonia were involved in political, cultural and revolutionary movements connected with the idea of national identity and self determination. The Ilinden Uprising of 1903 became one of the most important symbols of that struggle, while the establishment of ASNOM on August 2, 1944 marked another major step in the development of Macedonian state institutions. After the Second World War, Macedonia became one of the six republics of Yugoslavia, where it developed its own institutions, language and cultural life.
The road to independence finally came in 1991, when political changes across Yugoslavia created the opportunity for the country to determine its own future. Citizens went to the polls on September 8 and overwhelmingly voted for independence. That evening, thousands of people gathered in Skopje to celebrate the result, with then President Kiro Gligorov addressing citizens and congratulating them on a free, sovereign and independent Macedonia. The Parliament subsequently confirmed the referendum results and adopted the Declaration of Independence, turning the referendum into the foundation of the modern Macedonian state.
Thirty five years later, the anniversary has been celebrated not only with official ceremonies, but also with music, entertainment and events across the country. During the past weeks, concerts and celebrations have been organized in different cities, while Skopje’s main square has once again become one of the central gathering places for people celebrating together. The celebrations have brought Macedonian performers, cultural programs and large public events to audiences across the country, creating an atmosphere that combines history and national pride with contemporary entertainment. The anniversary has also attracted international attention through the decision to mark the occasion with a major performance by world famous DJ David Guetta in Skopje.
The biggest spectacle came yesterday, September 8, when David Guetta performed his Monolith Stadium Show at the Todor Proeski National Arena in Skopje as part of the 35th anniversary celebrations. The concert turned Independence Day into an enormous celebration of music, bringing together thousands of people for a night that connected Macedonia’s past with its present. From the historic referendum of 1991 to today’s concerts, public celebrations and gatherings across the country, the 35th anniversary has offered Macedonians an opportunity to look back at the difficult road toward independence while also celebrating the country, its people and its future.
