13 July - Symbol of Montenegrin statehood
The uprising on 13 July 1941, marked the beginning of the People's Liberation Struggle, during which, through crucial political decisions, the restoration of Montenegro's statehood commenced. Montenegro's statehood had been abolished in 1918 when it joined Serbia, later becoming the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, which eventually evolved into Yugoslavia. This uprising stood as the first nationwide rebellion in occupied Europe.
Montenegro celebrates its Statehood Day on 13 July, commemorating the country's recognition as an independent state at the Berlin Congress on 13 July 1878.
The Berlin Congress commenced on 13 June 1878, with representatives from the Ottoman Empire, Russia, Austria-Hungary, Germany, Great Britain, France, and Italy. Montenegro was represented by Duke Božo Petrović and Duke Stanko Radonjić. The Congress concluded its work on 13 July 1878.
This momentous event laid the foundation for Montenegro to regain its independence on 21 May 2006, paving the way for the development of a civic state and parliamentary democracy.
