Prime Minister Zeljka Cvijanovic recently marked "The 9th of January – The Day of the Republic of Srpska,' which was celebrated this year with some novel additions, including a parade.
 
"We had the opportunity to see some new elements in the celebration of the Day of the Republic, and we would work on these things in the future,” Cvijanovic said. “It is important that all institutions along with the citizens wanted to send a message of peace and cooperation and good wishes for the Republic of Srpska and for the whole region.”
 
In addition to the parade, which brought in approximately 100 participants, the day’s festivities included a full-day ceremony at the Administrative Center of the Government, housed in Banja Luka, and a recital in the city’s Borik Sports Hall. Some politicians and citizens also celebrated with a church service, though Cvijanovic pointed out that it is a secular holiday. He also noted that it was important to celebrate the occasion on the actual day of the anniversary.
 
"There is only one [anniversary], and I believe that both the citizens and the institutions have the right to honor this day in a dignified way, together with many guests sending messages of peace and love,” he said.