Children's Day in Romania

Date and legal status

Children’s Day falls on 1 June each year. Romania’s Parliament added 1 June to the Labour Code’s list of public holidays through Law No. 220 of 17 November 2016. The Labour Code lists public holidays as days on which work is not done, so the day off applies to employees in general, subject to the law’s exceptions.[1][2]

Some activities and services may still operate on public holidays. The Labour Code provides that employees who work on a legal holiday and are not given paid time off must receive a salary increase of at least 100% for the work performed during normal working hours.[2]

A Romanian date and a wider purpose

Romania’s Ministry of Education says the country has celebrated Children’s Day on 1 June since 1950. The ministry describes it as a day for attention to children’s lives and development, and points to cooperation among schools, society and families as part of supporting the younger generation.[3]

The date is Romania’s choice within a broader international observance. In 1954, the United Nations General Assembly recommended that countries establish a Universal Children’s Day focused on understanding among children and promoting their welfare, allowing each government to choose the date and manner of observance.[4]

How it is observed

Official Romanian event records show a range of activities rather than one required ceremony or custom. A government programme documented performances, exhibitions, children’s competitions, bicycle events and outdoor activities in different counties. Later Ministry of Internal Affairs events included workshops, games, demonstrations and activities for children and families.[5][6]

These examples show that local authorities and institutions have organized public activities around the day. Specific events vary by place and occasion.[5][6]

What to expect practically

Because 1 June is a legal public holiday, employees generally have the day off, while the Labour Code sets out compensation for employees required to work. The law does not establish a single opening schedule for shops, banks or public transport, so travellers should check directly with individual providers. Check local school arrangements where relevant.[1][2]