Macedonia is preparing to mark one of the biggest milestones in its modern history as the country celebrates 35 years of independence in 2026. Over the past several weeks, celebrations have been taking place in cities across the country, bringing together music, culture, entertainment and national pride ahead of Independence Day on September 8. This year’s program began around the Ilinden holiday on August 2 and includes events in Bitola, Ohrid, Veles, Strumica, Krusevo, Kumanovo, Stip, Prilep, Kicevo, Kavadarci and Probistip before reaching Skopje for several major performances. The scale of the program is giving communities across Macedonia the opportunity to celebrate the anniversary together.
The history behind Independence Day dates back to September 8, 1991, when citizens of Macedonia voted in a referendum on independence. The overwhelming majority of participating voters supported the country’s independence and its future as a sovereign state. The referendum came during the breakup of Yugoslavia, when several republics were choosing their own political paths. Macedonia’s parliament subsequently adopted the Declaration of Independence on September 25, 1991, while the country’s first constitution as an independent state was adopted on November 17. Since then, September 8 has been celebrated as Independence Day, representing the country’s sovereignty and the beginning of a new chapter in its modern history.
This year’s celebrations have already featured major performances across the country, with international and Macedonian artists taking part in the anniversary program. Steve Aoki opened the major concert program in Bitola on August 2, followed by events in cities including Ohrid, Veles, Strumica, Krusevo, Kumanovo, Stip, Prilep, Kicevo and Kavadarci. One of the major highlights in Skopje will be a concert featuring Spanish tenor José Carreras alongside performers including Vlatko Stefanovski, Karolina Goceva, Kaliopi, Ana Durlovski, Igor Durlovski and Naum Petreski, accompanied by the Macedonian Philharmonic Orchestra. The celebrations will culminate on September 8, when internationally known DJ David Guetta is scheduled to perform at Todor Proeski Arena as part of his Monolith Tour.
What makes the 2026 anniversary particularly notable is the scale and geographic reach of the celebrations. Instead of concentrating the program only in the capital, events are being organized across Macedonia, allowing people in different communities to take part in the 35th anniversary. For many Macedonians, September 8 represents much more than a national holiday. It is a reminder of the decision made in 1991 and the journey that followed over more than three decades. As the country approaches Independence Day, the celebrations provide an opportunity to look back at the path taken since the referendum while also showcasing Macedonia’s music, culture and people. In 2026, the country is marking 35 years of independence by bringing that history and celebration to cities and communities across the country.
