Pathet Lao Day is observed in Laos every January 6, commemorating the anniversary of the Pathet Lao's victory over the Lao Royal government. The Pathet Lao was a communist political organization that emerged in the mid-20th century and played a significant role during the Laotian Civil War, receiving support from North Vietnam. After successfully assuming political power in 1975, the Pathet Lao accused the royal government of genocide against the Hmong ethnic minority, leading to significant casualties. The movement is now regarded as a Nationalist movement in Laos, reflecting its historical ties to Vietnamese communists. This day serves as a reminder of the country's tumultuous past and the eventual transition to a democratic republic in the late 1980s.