August 2 is Ilinden (St. Elijah’s Day), one of the country’s most important holidays. It commemorates both the 1903 Ilinden Uprising against Ottoman rule and the 1944 declaration of the Macedonian state.
- Ilinden – Derived from Sveti Ilija (St. Elijah), meaning “Elijah’s Day.” It symbolizes freedom, courage, and renewal, connecting faith and national identity.
