September 1 is not just the beginning of autumn for Slovaks. Today the country celebrates Constitution Day 👨⚖️ It is a public holiday and an official day off.
The Constitution of the Slovak Republic was adopted on September 1, 1992. On September 3, the solemn act of signing this most important legal act for the state took place in the Knight’s Hall of the Bratislava Castle.
📊 According to 2023 polls, more than 95% of Slovaks believe the constitution protects their rights and freedoms. This is a high figure indicating that Slovaks are generally satisfied with their constitution.
However, as in any other society, there are those who are not completely satisfied with the constitution. Some Slovaks feel that the constitution does not protect them well enough regarding issues such as minority rights, freedom of speech, and freedom of assembly.
📆 Every year on September 1, there is an Open Day at the National Council of the Slovak Republic. Visitors can see the City Hall, and Albin Brunovsky’s famous paintings, have their photo taken at the pulpit in the Assembly Hall, meet members of parliament, and see special exhibitions from different departments.
On this day you can freely visit Bratislava Castle, where the exhibits of the Slovak National Museum are located 🏰 Even those rooms that are usually closed to the general public are accessible: the Reception Hall, the Great Assembly Hall or the Hall of Mirrors, which are mainly used for official receptions of foreign delegations.
