Public Holidays in Moldova 2026 – Orthodox & National Holidays
Moldova has a mix of national public holidays, Orthodox Christian religious observances, and a few local / municipal holidays. Many major holidays are set by national law, while some are regional or symbolic in nature.
Overview of Moldova’s Public Holidays
The public holiday calendar in Moldova includes:
- Fixed-date national holidays such as New Year’s Day, Labour Day, Independence Day, Language Day, and Christmas (both Western and Orthodox)
- Movable Orthodox Christian holidays tied to the liturgical calendar such as Easter and “Blajini” (Memory Day)
- Municipal holidays celebrated locally (for example, Chişinău Day or Cahul Day)
Private sector observance varies. Major holidays are widely respected nationwide, while some symbolic or local observances may not entail office closures.
During long holiday weekends such as Independence Day or Wine Day, many visitors explore cultural routes and vineyards featured in places to visit in Moldova or book short stays via options listed under best hotels in Moldova.
List of Public Holidays in Moldova (2026)
| Date | Day | Holiday | Notes / Observance |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Thursday | New Year’s Day (Anul Nou) | National public holiday |
| January 7 | Wednesday | Orthodox Christmas | Eastern Orthodox observance |
| January 8 | Thursday | Orthodox Christmas Holiday | Additional day following Orthodox Christmas |
| March 8 | Sunday | International Women’s Day | National holiday |
| April 12 | Sunday | Orthodox Easter | Movable Orthodox religious holiday |
| April 13 | Monday | Orthodox Easter Monday | Day after Easter |
| April 20 | Monday | Blajini (Memory Day) | Memorial observance linked to Easter |
| May 1 | Friday | Labour Day | International Workers’ Day |
| May 9 | Saturday | Victory Day / Europe Day | WWII remembrance & European unity |
| June 1 | Monday | Children’s Day | Celebrating children’s rights and welfare |
| August 27 | Thursday | Independence Day | National public holiday |
| August 31 | Monday | Language Day (“Limba Noastră”) | Celebration of the national language |
| October 4* | Sunday* | Wine Day | Cultural observance (first weekend of October) |
| December 25 | Friday | Christmas (Western Gregorian) | Christian holiday |
List of Public Holidays in Moldova (2025)
| Date | Day | Holiday | Notes / Observance |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Wednesday | New Year’s Day (Anul Nou) | National public holiday |
| January 7 | Tuesday | Orthodox Christmas | Eastern Orthodox observance |
| January 8 | Wednesday | Orthodox Christmas Holiday | Additional day following Orthodox Christmas |
| March 8 | Saturday | International Women’s Day | National holiday |
| April 20 | Sunday | Orthodox Easter | Movable Orthodox religious holiday |
| April 21 | Monday | Orthodox Easter Monday | Day after Easter |
| April 28 | Monday | Blajini (Memory Day) | Folk / memorial observance |
| May 1 | Thursday | Labour Day | International Workers’ Day |
| May 9 | Friday | Victory Day / Europe Day | WWII remembrance & European unity |
| June 1 | Sunday | Children’s Day | Celebrating children’s rights |
| August 27 | Wednesday | Independence Day | National public holiday |
| August 31 | Sunday | Language Day (“Limba Noastră”) | Celebration of the national language |
| October 4 | Saturday | Wine Day | Cultural observance |
| December 25 | Thursday | Christmas (Western Gregorian) | Christian holiday |
Notes & Observations
- “Blajini” (Memory Day) is observed after Orthodox Easter and honors ancestors and the departed.
- Wine Day is traditionally celebrated on the first weekend of October rather than a fixed weekday.
- Some municipal holidays apply only to specific cities or regions.
- For another country combining national legal holidays with additional local observances, see Public Holidays in Micronesia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many public holidays does Moldova have in 2026?
Moldova is expected to observe around 13–14 nationally recognized public holidays in 2026, plus additional municipal observances.
What is “Blajini / Memory Day”?
Blajini Day is observed on the Monday following Orthodox Easter and honors the deceased through a traditional folk-religious custom.
Which holidays are religious in Moldova?
Religious holidays include Orthodox Christmas (January 7–8), Orthodox Easter, and other observances tied to the Eastern Orthodox calendar.
Is Wine Day a public holiday?
Wine Day is a major cultural celebration linked to Moldova’s wine heritage and is widely listed as a public holiday, typically held on the first weekend of October.
Conclusion
Public holidays in Moldova reflect a balance of Orthodox Christian faith, national identity, cultural heritage, and symbolic commemorations. From Easter and Independence Day to Wine Day and Language Day, these observances shape civic life and cultural traditions across the country each year.
