As the calendar marks the 15th and 16th of February, Serbia’s chosen day for reflection and celebration, Pakistan extends its heartfelt felicitation to the Serbian people and government on Serbian Statehood Day.
Pakistan and Serbia are entirely different states concerning culture, religion, and history, but they still have bilateral ties, especially in the sphere of economy and celebrating cultural events.
Brief Historical Background
This day honors the heroic struggles and triumphs of the past, as most of modern-day Serbia was governed by the Ottoman Empire while the rest was controlled by the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the 15th century.
Therefore, the struggle can be traced back to the first Serbian uprising against Ottoman rule. It began under the leadership of Karađorđe Petrović in 1804, which paved the way for independence from Ottoman rule.
Following the Russian-Turkish War, Serbians were subjugated by the Ottomans in 1813. However, after two years of uprising, Serbia was granted the status of principality.
Later, on February 15, 1835, the Principality adopted the Balkan region’s first constitution in Kragujevac, known as the Sretenje Constitution.
It established a Serbian Parliament and abolished feudalism and serfdom. Despite its short duration, the Constitution left an enduring mark on Serbia’s journey toward self-governance.
Symbolism of the Serbian Flag
Based on historical and cultural context, Serbian people interpret the colors of the flag.
The Serbian flag featured three horizontal strips: red on the top, blue in the middle, and white on the bottom. Red represents bravity and sacrifice; blue represents hope and freedom; and white is associated with purity and peace.
In the center, the coat of arms displays a red shield adorned with a white two-headed eagle, symbolizing Serbia’s history, national identity, and strength.
Prime minister of Serbia congratulated citizens on Statehood day
The Prime Minister of Serbia, Ana Brnabić, congratulated the people of Serbia on Statehood Day. He emphasized that only an economically strong and stable Serbia, led by people who truly love their country, can persevere in solving issues of state and national interest.
“On behalf of the Government of Serbia and on my own behalf, I congratulate the citizens of Serbia on the national holiday Statehood Day, with a reminder of the Constitution of Sretenj, the foundation of the modern Serbian state, as well as memories of the famous ancestors whose vision of a modern and free state we are living today,” he added.
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Celebrations of Serbia Statehood Day
Serbia’s Statehood Day extends across two days and is characterized by a rich array of events that pay tribute to Serbia’s history and cultural heritage. Celebrations encompass visits to historical and cultural sites like the Church of Saint Sava, the National Museum, and the Kalemegdan Fortress.
On this special occasion, people wear traditional costumes or accessories, such as the šajkača (a cap), the opanak (a shoe), or the kokarda (a badge), and attend official ceremonies and parades.
People spend their day watching patriotic movies, documentaries, or shows, such as the ones broadcast by Radio Television of Serbia, to learn about and honor the struggles of their ancestors.
The celebration is accompanied by singing or listening to national anthems and songs, such as “Bože pravde” (God of Justice) or “Marš na Drinu” (March on the Drina), resonating through the air.
Folk performances and dance displays further vitalize the atmosphere, showcasing the vibrancy and diversity of Serbia’s cultural expressions.
On this joyous occasion, Serbian households relish a spread of traditional dishes that carry deep symbolic value. Mouthwatering specialties like sarma (a mixture of ground pork or beef with rice rolled in cabbage leaves), ajvar (a pepper-based condiment), and pita (pastry) find their way to tables.
Families and friends often come together, sharing meals and stories and strengthening a sense of unity and national pride.
In a nutshell, Sovereignty Day stands as a reminder of Serbia’s historic events towards independence, marked by the signing of the Sretenje Constitution in 1835. It strengthens unity among the people of Serbia and makes them more resilient towards future endeavors.
