Republic of Belarus Celebrates Independence Day

Decision to celebrate the Independence Day on 3 July, the day of liberation of the Republic of Belarus from the Nazi invaders, was adopted at the republic referendum in 1996. The date was actuated by the Decree No. 1 on the Establishment of the National Holiday – the Independence Day of the Republic of Belarus” of the President of the Republic of Belarus of 11 December 1996. Up until that time the Independence Day used to be celebrated on 27 July, the day of adoption of the Declaration on State Sovereignty in 1990.

This holiday symbolizes courage and bravery, peace and stability, continuity of generations. On this day, Belarusians traditionally pay a tribute of respect to the heroism and perseverance of the front-line soldiers and home front workers, guerrillas and underground workers, all those who brought freedom to the Belarusian nation.