Great Union Day
December 1, Monday
Historical Background
The unification of 1918 was the culmination of a series of events during and after World War I, as the Austro-Hungarian Empire began to disintegrate. The Romanian population in Transylvania, which had long sought political and cultural rights, saw an opportunity to join with the Romanian Kingdom. The decision was formalized on December 1, 1918, when over 1,200 delegates and tens of thousands of Romanians gathered in Alba Iulia to proclaim the union.
Significance
Great Union Day is considered the most important national holiday in Romania, symbolizing national unity and the fulfillment of a long-standing aspiration for a unified Romanian state. It represents the moment when the majority of Romanian-speaking territories came together under one nation, following earlier unifications with Bessarabia and Bukovina earlier in 1918.
Celebrations
The holiday is marked by various events across the country, including:
* Military parades, especially the large one held in Bucharest, showcasing Romania’s armed forces.
* Ceremonies and speeches by political leaders, often held at historical sites such as Alba Iulia.
* Cultural events, concerts, and traditional Romanian folk performances.
* Public displays of the national flag and patriotic decorations.
Modern Observance
Since becoming an official public holiday in 1990, after the fall of communism, Great Union Day has grown in prominence. It serves not only as a remembrance of the past but also as a celebration of national identity and pride. Schools, government offices, and many businesses close for the day, and Romanians both at home and abroad participate in commemorative activities.
Great Union Day in other years
- 2021 December 1, Wednesday
- 2022 December 1, Thursday
- 2023 December 1, Friday
- 2024 December 1, Sunday
- 2026 December 1, Tuesday