National Holiday in Romania
In Romania, the 1st of December is observed as Ziua Națională, or in English: National Day. This day is also called Great Union Day (Ziua Marii Uniri) and in this country, it’s a public holiday. This day celebrates the unification of Romanian provinces and is a holiday that’s celebrated with great pride.
Romania (National holiday)On this day, people normally have the day off, and schools, businesses, and government offices are usually closed for the day. It’s also a day when public transportation operates on a reduced schedule and a day when many people visit friends and loved ones.
The History of National Day in Romania
During the 19th century, Romania declared its independence from the Ottoman Empire and was composed of the principalities of Moldova and Wallachia. When WWI ended, Romania doubled in size when the provinces of Bessarabia, Bukovina, and Transylvania were unified with Romania.
The declaration of unification happened on the 1st of December in 1918 in Alba Iulia. This declaration was at a public event that was attended by over 100,000 Romanians. However, in World War II, Romania would end up losing Bessarabia (which is now known as Moldova) and Bukovina. Both of these areas were annexed by the Soviet Republic in 1940. After communist rule ended in Romania in 1990, the 1st of December was made the National Day.
Observing National Day in Romania
One of the main celebrations on this holiday is a large military parade that takes place in Bucharest, the capital of Romania. There are also speeches held in Bucharest and in Alba Iulia, where the proclamation of the unification was made in 1918. Smaller events happen all across Romania, however, and these celebrations include parades, fairs, and cultural events.
It’s also customary for the Flag of Romania to be raised on government offices and some businesses. And on this day, people use the public holiday to visit loved ones. While they’re visiting loved ones, they can enjoy delicious Romanian dishes such as sarmale (cabbage rolls), mici (grilled minced meat rolls), pomana porcului (a pork dish), and cozonac (sweet bread).
Romania (National holiday)
