Victory Day in Moldova
Moldova marks Victory Day on May 9 as a non-working public holiday and a day of remembrance for those who died in the Second World War. The date also has legal recognition as Europe Day, giving May 9 a dual place in Moldova’s public calendar.[1][2]
A public holiday with two meanings
Article 111 of Moldova’s Labour Code lists May 9 as both Victory Day and the commemoration of heroes who fell for the country’s independence, and as Europe Day. The law names it a non-working public holiday; it also allows work in continuous-operation units, services needed by the public, and urgent repair and loading work.[1]
The calendar date remains May 9. The Labour Code allows the government to transfer working or rest days by decision, but does not itself guarantee a replacement weekday when a holiday falls on a weekend. A transfer therefore depends on a separate government decision.[1][4]
Remembering the war and its dead
Moldova’s official commemorations connect Victory Day with the end of the Second World War in Europe and remembrance of its victims. The government has described May 8, 1945, as the announcement of victory over Nazism and May 9 as the first day of peace in Europe after years of suffering.[2]
The loss is also remembered in Moldovan terms: a government account states that 56,000 Moldovans died in the Second World War. The account frames May 9 as a time to honor those killed and to thank surviving veterans.[2]
How people mark May 9
Official ceremonies in Chișinău have included flower-laying at the Eternity Memorial Complex by national leaders, veterans and members of the public. Government reporting describes the event as a tribute to those who died in the war and sacrificed their lives to restore peace in Europe.[2]
The Ministry of Internal Affairs describes May 9 as both a day of remembrance for the suffering caused by the war and a celebration of peace, unity and European values through Europe Day. Public events take place around the country; the ministry has reported hundreds of events nationwide in a past year, while emphasizing that programmes may vary.[3]
What to expect for work and travel
Because May 9 is legally a non-working holiday, many employees have the day off. The law allows some essential or continuous operations to continue, so it does not mean every workplace closes.[1]
Check directly with the service or venue you plan to use, and look for local notices if you are travelling to a ceremony.[1][3]
Victory Day in Moldova: FAQs
When is Victory Day in Moldova?
It is marked every year on May 9. Moldova’s Labour Code lists that date for Victory Day and the commemoration of fallen heroes, and also for Europe Day.[1]
Is May 9 a day off?
Yes. The Labour Code classifies it as a non-working public holiday. Some continuous-operation units, public services and urgent work may still operate under the exceptions listed in the law.[1]
If May 9 falls on a weekend, is Monday automatically a day off?
Where are the main commemorations in Chișinău?
Official ceremonies have taken place at the Eternity Memorial Complex, where national leaders and other participants have laid flowers in remembrance of those killed in the Second World War.[2]
Are shops and public transport open?
Shops and transport operators set their own hours, so check with them before you travel.
Sources and references
Sources used for Victory Day in Moldova:
- Republica Moldova- State Register of Legal Acts of the Republic of Moldova
- Conducerea țării a participat la evenimentele de la Memorialul „Eternitate”. Dorin Recean: „Victoria asupra fascismului și nazismului în cel de-Al Doilea Război Mondial este Victoria Păcii”- Government of the Republic of Moldova
- Mesajul Ministerului Afacerilor Interne cu ocazia zilei de 9 Mai – Ziua în care s-a încheiat Războiul în Europa și Ziua Europei- Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Moldova
- 2 January and 8 May 2023 will be will be regarded as days-off- Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Republic of Moldova