Belarus celebrates Independence Day on July 3

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Today the Republic of Belarus celebrates Independence Day of the Republic of Belarus (Belarusian: Дзень Незалежнасці Рэспублікі Беларусь) or Republic Day (Дзень Рэспублікі), one of the most important state holidays. 
From 1991 to 1996, Independence Day was celebrated on July 27, on the day of adoption of the Declaration of Sovereignty of Belarus.
The new date coincides with arguably the most important holiday for almost every Belarusian: the day marking the complete liberation of Minsk from the Nazis. 
This is a historical date in the country’s history that became a symbol of freedom and peace for its citizens. It was chosen in a national referendum in November 1996. 
On this day in 1944, during Operation Bagration, Minsk was completely cleared of the Hitlerites. 
In 1996, 88.18 per cent of voters at the referendum voted in favour of approving “to move Independence Day of the Republic of Belarus (Republic Day) to July 3, the day of liberation of Belarus from Nazi invaders in the Great Patriotic War.”
Independence Day is a national holiday in the Republic of Belarus, widely celebrated by its citizens.