Restoration of Primorska to the Motherland Day in Slovenia ― Date, History, and Details
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History of Restoration of Primorska to the Motherland Day in Slovenia and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
In May 1945, the Allies liberated Slovenia from Nazi occupation. One of the first orders of business for the new Slovenian government was the restoration of the territory of Primorska to the Motherland. This had been a longstanding goal of the Slovenian people, as Primorska had been part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until the end of World War I, when it was annexed by Italy. The Italian annexation was never recognized by the Slovenian people, and the goal of restoring Primorska to Slovenia was a rallying cry during the years of Nazi occupation.
On May 15, 1945, the day after liberation, the Slovenian National Council issued a declaration calling for the restoration of Primorska to Slovenia. This was followed by a mass demonstration in Ljubljana, the capital, on May 19. The demonstrators carried banners and chanted slogans calling for the return of Primorska.
The Allies were initially reluctant to support the Slovenian demand, fearing that it would upset the delicate balance of power in the region. However, public pressure continued to grow, and on July 10, 1945, the Potsdam Declaration called for the return of all territory annexed by Italy during World War I, including Primorska. This was finally accomplished on October 12, 1947, when the Treaty of Peace with Italy was signed, officially returning Primorska to Slovenia.
Today, the restoration of Primorska to the Motherland is celebrated annually on October 12. It is a national holiday in Slovenia, and a day of reflection on the country’s history and identity.