Moldova Public Holidays

Moldova Public Holidays

Searching for the national holidays in Moldova? All public holidays in Moldova are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Moldova employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Moldova and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.

Holidays in Moldova

New Year’s Day (January 1)

Description

New Year’s Day in Moldova is celebrated on January 1st, marking the beginning of the year according to the Gregorian calendar. The day is a time for celebration, reflection, and family gatherings. In Moldova, it is a public holiday that is celebrated with fireworks, parties, and festive meals. Many people use the day to relax with family and friends after the busy holiday season.

In the capital city of Chișinău and other urban areas, public spaces are adorned with decorations, and public events such as concerts, fireworks, and other cultural performances take place. Traditional Moldovan foods are often served, and the day also includes religious observances for those who follow the Christian faith.

Duration

New Year’s Day is a one-day holiday, and businesses, government offices, and schools are closed for the day.

Groups Affected

  • General Public: All citizens of Moldova.
  • Government Employees: Given the day off.
  • Private Sector: Most businesses close, though essential services remain operational.

Orthodox Christmas Day (January 7)

Description

Orthodox Christmas Day is celebrated on January 7th by Orthodox Christians in Moldova, following the Julian calendar. This day is a major religious holiday, observed by many Moldovans as they mark the birth of Jesus Christ. The day is observed with church services, prayers, and family gatherings.

On Christmas Eve, many people attend church for the midnight liturgy, which is followed by a festive meal. The Christmas meal traditionally includes twelve dishes, symbolizing the twelve apostles. This holiday is primarily religious, and people take time off to attend religious services, spend time with family, and reflect on the spiritual significance of the occasion.

Duration

Orthodox Christmas Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed for the day.

Groups Affected

  • General Public: Primarily Orthodox Christians.
  • Government Employees: Given the day off.
  • Private Sector: Most businesses close, though essential services remain operational.

International Women’s Day (March 8)

Description

International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8th, is a holiday that honors the achievements and contributions of women around the world. In Moldova, it is an important occasion, marked by both public and private celebrations. The holiday is not just about celebrating women’s achievements but also recognizing ongoing issues such as gender equality and women’s rights.

On this day, women are often celebrated with flowers, gifts, and recognition in the workplace and at home. There are often official events, speeches, and rallies organized by women’s organizations and political groups. The day also serves as an opportunity for discussions on gender equality, women’s health, and economic empowerment.

Duration

International Women’s Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed for the day.

Groups Affected

  • General Public: All citizens of Moldova, particularly women.
  • Government Employees: Given the day off.
  • Private Sector: Most businesses close, though essential services remain operational.

Labour Day (May 1)

Description

Labour Day, observed on May 1st, is a global holiday that honors workers and their rights. In Moldova, it is celebrated with rallies, parades, and public demonstrations. The day is a time to recognize the contributions of workers to the economy and society, while also advocating for labor rights, better working conditions, and social justice.

In Moldova, political parties, trade unions, and civic organizations often hold marches and speeches highlighting the importance of the labor force in the country’s development. The holiday is both a celebration and a time for social reflection on workers’ rights.

Duration

Labour Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed for the day.

Groups Affected

  • General Public: All citizens, especially workers and union members.
  • Government Employees: Given the day off.
  • Private Sector: Most businesses close, though essential services remain operational.

Victory Day (May 9)

Description

Victory Day, celebrated on May 9th, marks the end of World War II and honors the victory of the Soviet Union over Nazi Germany. In Moldova, Victory Day is an important national holiday, particularly for veterans and those who experienced the war. The day is filled with ceremonies, military parades, and events honoring the sacrifices made during the war.

There are often public gatherings, including speeches from political leaders, and visits to war memorials to honor the fallen. The holiday is also marked by moments of silence and remembrance. Victory Day serves as a reminder of the significance of peace and the importance of honoring those who contributed to the fight for freedom and justice.

Duration

Victory Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed for the day.

Groups Affected

  • General Public: All citizens of Moldova.
  • Government Employees: Given the day off.
  • Private Sector: Most businesses close, though essential services remain operational.

Independence Day (August 27)

Description

Independence Day in Moldova, celebrated on August 27th, marks the country’s declaration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. It is one of the most important national holidays in the country, reflecting on the struggles for freedom and the desire for a democratic future.

The holiday is celebrated with national pride, marked by official ceremonies, military parades, and cultural performances. Public spaces are often adorned with the national flag, and citizens participate in a variety of public events. Independence Day also serves as a moment for reflection on Moldova’s journey as a sovereign nation and its ongoing development as a democracy.

Duration

Independence Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed for the day.

Groups Affected

  • General Public: All citizens of Moldova.
  • Government Employees: Given the day off.
  • Private Sector: Most businesses close, though essential services remain operational.

National Day of Mourning (August 23)

Description

National Day of Mourning is observed on August 23rd to remember the victims of totalitarian regimes and commemorate the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact signed between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union in 1939. This pact led to the division of Eastern Europe and the occupation of Moldova by the Soviet Union.

The holiday is marked by somber observances, including memorial services, moments of silence, and public ceremonies to honor the victims of political repression. This day serves as a reminder of Moldova’s troubled history during the 20th century and the impact of foreign occupation on its people.

Duration

National Day of Mourning is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed for the day.

Groups Affected

  • General Public: All citizens of Moldova.
  • Government Employees: Given the day off.
  • Private Sector: Most businesses close, though essential services remain operational.

Christmas Day (December 25)

Description

Christmas Day, celebrated on December 25th, is one of the most important religious holidays in Moldova. While Moldova is a predominantly Orthodox Christian country, Christmas is also recognized by those following other Christian traditions. The holiday is a time for family gatherings, religious observances, and festive meals.

On Christmas Eve, many people attend church services, and a festive meal is prepared, including traditional Moldovan foods such as stuffed cabbage rolls and sweet pastries. In the evening, families come together to exchange gifts and reflect on the significance of Christ’s birth.

Duration

Christmas Day is a one-day holiday, with businesses, government offices, and schools closed for the day.

Groups Affected

  • General Public: Primarily Christians.
  • Government Employees: Given the day off.
  • Private Sector: Most businesses close for the day, though essential services remain operational.

Table: Overview of Public Holidays in Moldova

Public Holiday Date Duration Groups Affected
New Year’s Day January 1 1 day General Public, Government Employees
Orthodox Christmas Day January 7 1 day Orthodox Christians
International Women’s Day March 8 1 day General Public
Labour Day May 1 1 day General Public, Workers
Victory Day May 9 1 day General Public
Independence Day August 27 1 day General Public
National Day of Mourning August 23 1 day General Public
Christmas Day December 25 1 day General Public (Christians)

Moldova Public Holidays