Moldova Independence Day is celebrated annually on August 27. In Romanian, it is named ‘Ziua Independenței.’ This is Moldova’s National Day. It commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence from the Soviet Union on August 27, 1991. The people of Moldova celebrate with fireworks, concerts, and military parades. The president also addresses the nation with a patriotic speech. Because it is a public holiday, most citizens and employees have the day off, and, like some other holidays, most businesses in Moldova are closed on August 27 each year.
History of Moldova Independence Day
Moldova is an Eastern European Country and was formerly part of the Soviet Republic. The country shares borders with Romania and Ukraine. A great part of Moldovan territory was a part of the principality of Moldavia from the 14th Century until 1812 when it conceded to the Russian Empire, and that part of the country became known as “Bessarabia.”In 1856, Southern Bessarabia was returned to Moldavia and in 1859, merged with Wallachia to form Romania, but Russian rule was soon restored over the whole region in 1878. During the 1917 Russian Revolution, Bessarabia briefly became a self-governing state within the Russian Republic, known as the Moldavian Democratic Republic. In February 1918, the Moldavian Democratic Republic declared independence and then integrated into Romania later that year following a vote of its assembly. In 1940, as a consequence of the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact, Romania was compelled to concede Bessarabia and Northern Bukovina to the Soviet Union, leading to the creation of the Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic. On August 27, 1991, as the dissolution of the Soviet Union was afoot, the Moldavian SSR declared independence and took the name Moldova.On 21 December 1991, Moldova, along with 10 other Soviet republics, signed the act that formed the Commonwealth of Independent States (C.I.S.). Moldova’s Independence was officially recognized on March 2 1992 when the country became a member of the United Nations.Before 1991 parades in the Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic were held in honor of the October Revolution, and Victory Day, but by 2001 the first military parade was held in honor of their independence.
Moldova Independence Day timeline
A treaty grants Russia control of eastern Moldova and The Ottoman Empire gains control of western Moldova.
Southern Bessarabia returns to Moldavia and merges with Wallachia to form Romania,
The Soviet Union annexes Bessarabia and combines it with most of the Moldovan Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic to form the Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic.
Moldova declares independence and joins the Commonwealth of the Independent States, the successor to the Soviet Union.
Moldova Independence Day FAQs
Why is Moldova called ‘Moldova?’
The name ‘Moldova’ is derived from the Moldova River; the valley of this river served as a political center at the time of the foundation of the Principality of Moldavia in 1359.
Is Moldova a third world country?
No, Moldova is not a third-world country; they are the second-world just like every other ‘poor’ country in Europe.
What religion is in Moldova?
Orthodox Christianity is the dominant religion with 96% of the population claiming membership in either of two Orthodox denominations, Moldovan (88%) or Bessarabian(8%).
How to Observe Moldova Independence Day
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Watch Moldova’s National Parade online
Attending national parades is a great way to celebrate the event. However, when you can't be there in person, you can alternatively follow the event online.
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Fly their national colors
The blue, red, and yellow tricolors of Moldova are identical to the flag of Romania, reflecting the two countries' national and cultural affinity. You could show you stand in solidarity with Moldova by flying any one of these colors.
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Prepare Moldova’s national dish
Mamaliga is a traditional Moldavian dish, which serves as a base for many side dishes. You can get recipes online and attempt them, it would be a fun way to celebrate Moldova’s independence.
5 Interesting Facts About Moldova
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Home of the largest wine cellar
With a length of 200km, the largest wine cellar in the world holds almost two million bottles of wine and is located in Mileștii Mici, Moldova.
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Most Moldovans are bi- or tri-lingual
Moldovans speak either Romanian, which is the native language, Russian or Gagauz. Some speak all three.
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Moldova had no president for three years
In 2012, after nearly three years of political deadlock, Moldova elected the veteran judge, Nicolae Timofti, as president, and for the first time in 917 days, the country had a leader.
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The national animal of Moldova
Though extinct, the auroch has been immortalized on Moldova's flag, which features the head of an auroch mounted on a shield.
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Moldova’s capital was destroyed in 1940
In October 1940, Chisinau suffered a deadly earthquake r which measured 7.3 on the Richter scale and destroyed much of the city.
Why Moldova Independence Day is Important
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We can support the people of Moldova
We have the chance to show that we support Moldova. And by commemorating the anniversary of their independence, we support their decision to be a free, independent nation.
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We can learn about Moldovans and their country
This holiday is an occasion for us to learn about the way of life of the people of Moldova. We get to know about the economy of their country, their system of government, and other important aspects.
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We encourage people to visit Moldova
Moldova is not a rich country. By encouraging people to visit, we help increase tourist visits to their country, and that is something they can generate revenue from.
Moldova Independence Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | August 27 | Sunday |
| 2024 | August 27 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | August 27 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | August 27 | Thursday |
| 2027 | August 27 | Friday |
