Independence Day in North Macedonia is observed every September 8 to commemorate the country's declaration of independence from Yugoslavia in 1991. This significant holiday marks the culmination of a national referendum in which over 95.5% of voters supported independence. The first multi-party Macedonian Parliament adopted the Declaration of Independence on September 25, 1991, and the new Constitution was established on November 17, 1991. However, North Macedonia's sovereign status was not recognized internationally until 1993 due to Greek opposition to the use of the term "Macedonia." Celebrations on this day are vital for North Macedonian citizens and typically include free music concerts, cultural and historic displays, and fairs featuring ethnic Macedonian food.