Public holidays in Moldova

Public holidays in the Republic of Moldova refer to the celebrated non-working days established by the Government of Moldova and valid for the whole territory of the country. Autonomous territorial units Gagauzia and Transnistria, as well cities, communes and cantonal authorities also establish local holidays, which are, however, not non-working days. There are 14 nationally celebrated holidays in the modern Moldova. Most holidays celebrated in the Republic of Moldova recognize events or people from Moldovan history. Most retail businesses close on New Year's and Independence Day, but remain open on all other holidays. Private businesses often observe only the big holidays such as New Year's Day, Easter Monday, Victory Day, Independence Day, Labour Day, Language Day, and Christmas.

The holiday season in the winter traditionally ran between New Year's Day until Old new Year's Day. As of 2009, the holiday season now officially begins with Western Christmas on December 25, now a legal holiday in the Republic of Moldova. The holiday seasons gets underway much earlier with the official lighting of the Chisinau town Christmas tree at the end of November or very beginning of December when other than Christmas, some locals celebrate Winter solstice, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. The Summer holiday season traditionally (though unofficially) starts in May with celebrations of anniversary of most important localities (Bălţi - 21 May) and culminates in the end of August with the celebrations of Independence Day and Limba Noastra.

National holidays

These holidays are designated by the Government of the republic of Moldova, in accordance with the legislation of the republic of Moldova.

DateOfficial NameRemarks
January 1New Year's DayCelebrates beginning of the Gregorian calendar year. Festivities include counting down to midnight (12:00 AM) on the preceding night, New Year's Eve. Traditional beginning of holiday season.
January 7Orthodox Christmas
March 2Remembrance DayCommemorates the end of the Transnistria War
March 8International Women's Day
April/MayOrthodox Easter
May 1Labour Day
May 9Victory Day and Commemoration of the Fallen Heroes for the Independence of the Fatherland[1]
June 1Children's Day
August 27Independence Day
August 31National Language DayIt commemorates the Moldovan language and the name of the national anthem.
December 25Christmas Day

Other observances
A concert in honor of National Wine Day in 2006.

In addition to the holidays, mentioned above, the following days are observed:

DateOfficial NameNotes
February 15Afghan War Veterans DayIt commermorates the end of the Soviet-Afghan War[2]
April 27Flag DayIt commemorates the adoption of the Moldovan tricolour[3]
June 10Border Guards DayIt commemorates the founding of the Moldovan Border Police
July 29Constitution Day
August 24Liberation DayIt celebrates the end of the Jassy–Kishinev Offensive. It is also celebrated in neighboring Romania as Liberation from Fascist Occupation Day
September 3National Army DayIt commemorates the founding of the Moldovan Armed Forces
October 8National Wine DayIt commemorates the production of Moldovan Wine.
December 18Police DayIt commemorates the founding of the Moldovan Police Forces

Local holidays

In addition to the national holidays, cities, communes and cantonal authorities observe the following holidays:

DateOfficial NameRemarks
May 22Bălţi DayPublic Holiday just for Bălţi
June 28Liberation Day of Gagauzia[4]Public Holiday just for Gagauzia
October 14Capital's DayPublic Holiday just for Chisinau.
November 21South Capital's Day CahulPublic Holiday just for Cahul.

See also
  • Christmas controversy

References
  1. https://m.moldovenii.md/md/section/752
  2. https://www.rferl.org/amp/moldovan_afghan_war/2310835.html
  3. Parliamentary Decision regarding the establishment of the Flag Day
  4. https://www.timpul.md/articol/comrat-ziua-eliberarii-de-sub-ocupatia-fascistilor-romani-12703.html
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