Day of the Unification of the Romanian Principalities in Romania
Observed every January 24, this Romanian holiday commemorates the 1859 election of Alexandru Ioan Cuza as ruler of both Moldavia and Wallachia. It recalls a key step in the formation of the modern Romanian state and is also a statutory public holiday.[1][2][3]
History and meaning
In 1859, Moldavia and Wallachia elected Cuza as their common ruler. The union is known in Romania as the Little Union; it began a process of political unification that helped establish the modern Romanian state.[3]
Romania’s Parliament declared January 24 the Day of the Unification of the Romanian Principalities in Law No. 171 of 2014. The law also allows central and local public authorities to organize or support cultural and artistic events for the day.[1]
How the day is marked
Romanian regulations provide for the anniversary to be marked across the country at monuments dedicated to the union. They specify that ceremonies conclude with the Hora Unirii, with participants joining the dance when space allows.[2]
A prefecture’s official account of observances in Cluj-Napoca describes a military and religious ceremony at the bust of Cuza, with wreath-laying. Local authorities can organize events, and ceremony details may differ by place.[1][2]
Public holiday and practical planning
The Labor Code lists January 24 among public holidays on which work is not done. When a free day is not granted, it provides for a salary increase of at least 100% of the basic salary for work during normal working hours. Check directly with workplaces or businesses you plan to visit for their hours.[4]
The holiday is fixed on January 24. The official calendar lists no substitute or observed day when it falls on a weekend. Check opening hours with the bank, shop, school or museum before you go, and check transport schedules with the operator.[1][4]
Frequently asked questions
When is the Day of the Unification of the Romanian Principalities?
Is January 24 a day off in Romania?
The Labor Code lists January 24 as a public holiday on which work is not done. When a free day is not granted, employees receive a salary increase of at least 100% of the basic salary for normal working hours.[4]
What happens at official ceremonies?
Regulations provide for commemorations at monuments dedicated to the union and specify the Hora Unirii as the closing dance when space permits.[2]
Are banks, shops, or public transport closed?
Check opening hours with the specific business and transport schedules with the operator before travelling.[4]
Sources and references
Sources used for Day of the Unification of the Romanian Principalities in Romania:
- LEGE 171 16/12/2014 - Portal Legislativ- Portal Legislativ - Ministerul Justiției
- REGULAMENT 10/06/2013 - Portal Legislativ- Portal Legislativ - Ministerul Justiției
- Comunicat de presă 23.01.2026 – Ziua Unirii Principatelor Române 24 ianuarie 2026- Instituția Prefectului - Județul Bihor
- Labor Code- Inspecția Muncii - General Employee Register