Public Holidays in Romania in 2025 offer a fascinating glimpse into the country’s rich cultural tapestry and historical significance. These days off work and school allow Romanians to celebrate their national identity, religious traditions, and important historical events. From the joyous New Year’s celebrations to the solemn observances of Orthodox Easter and from the patriotic fervor of Great Union Day to the festive spirit of Christmas, each holiday has its unique customs and meanings.
This guide will explore the significance of Romania’s public holidays in 2025, emphasizing how these special days not only mark important events but also shape the nation’s calendar, reflecting its values, beliefs, and shared experiences.
Public Holidays in Romania in 2025
The following is the list of Public Holidays in Romania in 2025
| Holiday | Date | Weekday |
| New Year’s Day | Jan 01, 2025 | Wednesday |
| New Year’s Day Holiday | Jan 02, 2025 | Thursday |
| Union of the Romanian Principalities | Jan 24, 2025 | Friday |
| Orthodox Good Friday | Apr 18, 2025 | Friday |
| Orthodox Easter | Apr 20, 2025 | Sunday |
| Orthodox Easter Monday | Apr 21, 2025 | Monday |
| Labour Day | May 01, 2025 | Thursday |
| International Children’s Day | Jun 01, 2025 | Sunday |
| Orthodox Pentecost | Jun 08, 2025 | Sunday |
| Orthodox Pentecost Monday | Jun 09, 2025 | Monday |
| Assumption Day | Aug 15, 2025 | Friday |
| St. Andrew’s Day | Nov 30, 2025 | Sunday |
| Great Union Day | Dec 01, 2025 | Monday |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2025 | Thursday |
| Christmas Day Holiday | Dec 26, 2025 | Friday |
| Know More: Public Holidays in Reunion in 2025 |
New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day, celebrated on January 1st, marks the beginning of the new year in Romania. It’s a time for fresh starts, resolutions, and hope for the future. Romanians typically celebrate with family gatherings, festive meals, and traditional customs.
One popular tradition is “Plugușorul” (Little Plow), where children go from house to house reciting wishes for good luck and prosperity in the coming year. Fireworks at midnight are standard in cities, while in rural areas, people might ring bells or make noise to ward off evil spirits. Happiness, hope, and the comfort of being with loved ones fill the day.
New Year’s Day Holiday
The New Year’s Day Holiday, typically observed on January 2nd, is an extension of the New Year’s celebrations in Romania. This additional day off allows people to recover from the festivities of New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. It’s a time for relaxation, family visits, and enjoying leftover holiday food.
Many Romanians use this day to reflect on their goals for the year ahead or to participate in outdoor activities if the weather permits. Some may also take down Christmas decorations or prepare for returning to work. This holiday helps ease the transition from the festive season back to regular routines.
Union of the Romanian Principalities
The Union of the Romanian Principalities, celebrated on January 24th, commemorates the 1859 unification of the Principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia. This occasion, which is sometimes referred to as “Little Union Day,” was essential to the development of contemporary Romania. It’s celebrated with parades, concerts, and cultural events across the country. Schools often organize special lessons about this historical moment.
The day honors Alexandru Ioan Cuza, who was elected as the ruler of both principalities, effectively uniting them. This holiday reminds Romanians of their shared history and the importance of national unity in shaping their country’s identity.
Orthodox Good Friday
Orthodox Good Friday, also known as Great Friday, is a solemn day in Romania commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It’s typically observed with fasting, prayer, and church services. Many Romanians abstain from meat and dairy products.
Churches hold special services, including the “Prohodul Domnului” (Lord’s Burial) procession, where a shroud depicting Christ is carried around the church. Families often prepare for Easter by cleaning their homes, dyeing eggs, and baking traditional foods. Good Friday is a time for reflection on sacrifice and redemption in the Orthodox faith. The day is marked by a quiet, respectful atmosphere throughout the country.
Orthodox Easter
Orthodox Easter, or Paște, is one of the most important religious holidays in Romania. Celebrated in April or early May, it honors the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The day begins with a midnight service where people light candles and greet each other with “Hristos a înviat!” (Christ has risen!).
Families gather for festive meals featuring traditional dishes like painted eggs, cognac (sweet bread), and roasted lamb. Many Romanians wear new clothes as a symbol of renewal. Easter is also associated with spring and rebirth in nature. The holiday combines deep religious significance with joyful family traditions and community celebrations.
Orthodox Easter Monday
Orthodox Easter Monday, the day after Easter Sunday, continues the Easter celebrations in Romania. It’s a time for family gatherings, outdoor activities, and relaxation. Many people visit relatives or friends, sharing meals and continuing Easter traditions.
One custom is “Udatul,” where young men playfully sprinkle women with water or perfume, symbolizing purification and fertility. In some regions, people organize egg-tapping contests or other games with leftover Easter eggs. The day is generally more relaxed than Easter Sunday, allowing people to enjoy the spring weather and the festive atmosphere. It’s a pleasant conclusion to the Easter holiday period.
Labour Day
Labour Day, celebrated on May 1st, honors workers and their contributions to society. In Romania, it’s a day off work for many, often marking the beginning of the warm season. Traditionally, it was celebrated with parades and speeches about workers’ rights. Today, it’s more commonly a day for relaxation and outdoor activities.
Many Romanians enjoy nature by having picnics, barbecues, or short trips. In some areas, there are still organized events or concerts. The day also has historical significance, as it was heavily promoted during the communist era. Now, it’s a more laid-back holiday, balancing its labor roots with leisure time.
International Children’s Day
International Children’s Day, observed on June 1st, is a joyful celebration of childhood in Romania. Schools and kindergartens often organize special activities, performances, or field trips. Parents might take the day off to spend time with their children.
Many towns host events like puppet shows, face painting, or sports competitions. It’s common to see children receiving small gifts or treats. The day also raises awareness about children’s rights and well-being. Some organizations use this opportunity to promote charitable activities for disadvantaged children. Overall, it’s a day filled with laughter, play, and a focus on the happiness and future of Romania’s youngest citizens.
Orthodox Pentecost
Fifty days after Easter, on Rusalii, Orthodox Pentecost commemorates the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles. In Romania, it’s a significant religious holiday with deep spiritual meaning. Churches hold special services, and many are decorated with green branches, symbolizing renewal.
Traditionally, it’s believed that the souls of the dead return to Earth during this time, so people might visit cemeteries to honor deceased relatives. Some regions have specific customs like the Călușari dance, performed to ward off evil spirits. Pentecost is also associated with the fullness of spring, making it a celebration of both spiritual and natural abundance.
Orthodox Pentecost Monday
Orthodox Pentecost Monday extends the Pentecost celebrations in Romania. It’s a day off work for many, allowing for continued religious observances and family gatherings. Some churches hold additional services or blessings. In rural areas, there might be community feasts or traditional dances.
It’s also a time when some Romanians believe nature has healing powers, so people might collect medicinal herbs or visit natural springs. The day often involves outdoor activities, taking advantage of the late spring weather. Like many Romanian holidays, Pentecost Monday combines religious significance with cultural traditions and a chance for relaxation and community bonding.
Assumption Day
In Romanian Orthodox tradition, Assumption Day celebrated on August 15th, honors the Virgin Mary’s ascension to heaven. It’s also known as Sfânta Maria Mare (Great Saint Mary’s Day). Many Romanians attend church services and light candles for the Virgin Mary. In some regions, pilgrimages to Marian shrines are common.
The day often involves family gatherings and festive meals. It’s traditionally a time when people offer fruits, especially grapes, as gifts or blessings. In rural areas, it may mark the end of the summer agricultural season. The holiday combines deep religious devotion with cultural traditions and marks a turning point in the seasonal calendar.
Andrew’s Day
St. Andrew’s Day, observed on November 30th, celebrates Romania’s patron saint, believed to have preached Christianity in the region. It’s a day of religious observance and folklore traditions. Many attend church services dedicated to St. Andrew.
The night before is known as the “Night of St. Andrew” and is rich in superstitions and customs, particularly regarding protection against evil spirits and divination about future spouses. Some people put wheat to germinate, believing its growth predicts the following year’s crops. Garlic is often used as a protective charm. The day blends Christian traditions with pre-Christian beliefs, reflecting Romania’s complex cultural heritage.
Great Union Day
Great Union Day, celebrated on December 1st, is Romania’s National Day. It commemorates the unification of Transylvania, Bessarabia, and Bukovina with the Romanian Kingdom in 1918, forming modern Romania. Military parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and patriotic speeches mark this day.
Many cities host concerts, fireworks, and cultural events. Schools often organize special lessons about Romanian history and national identity. It’s a day of national pride, with many people wearing traditional costumes or displaying the Romanian flag. The holiday reminds Romanians of their shared history and the importance of national unity while also looking toward the country’s future.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day, celebrated on December 25th, is one of the most important religious and cultural holidays in Romania. It is a time for religious observances, family get-togethers, and lavish meals as it commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. Many Romanians attend church services, often starting with the Christmas Eve liturgy. Traditional foods include sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls), cozonac (sweet bread), and various pork dishes.
Carol singing, known as “colinde,” is a beloved tradition. Children eagerly await Moș Crăciun (Father Christmas) who brings gifts. The day is filled with warmth, generosity, and the spirit of togetherness, blending religious significance with cultural traditions.
Christmas Day Holiday
The Christmas Day Holiday, typically observed on December 26th, extends the Christmas celebrations in Romania. Known as the Second Day of Christmas, it allows for continued festivities and relaxation. Many families use this day for visiting relatives or friends they couldn’t see on Christmas Day. It’s common to enjoy leftover Christmas food or have additional festive meals.
Some people might attend church services or participate in community events. In rural areas, there might be folk performances or traditional games. With an extra day off, folks may extend the holiday spirit and spend more time relaxing and spending time with loved ones before getting back to their usual schedules.