As 2026 unfolds, Romanians can look forward to a calendar filled with public holidays and special occasions moments that bring together reflection, celebration, and well deserved days off. These holidays highlight the country’s deep cultural and religious heritage while giving people the opportunity to rest, recharge, and spend quality time with family and friends.
In this guide, we’ll explore the public holidays in Romania for 2026, their meanings, and how Romanians traditionally celebrate each one.
2026 Public Holidays in Romania
-
New Year’s Day – Thursday, January 1
-
Day After New Year’s – Friday, January 2
-
Orthodox Easter Sunday – Sunday, April 12
-
Orthodox Easter Monday – Monday, April 13
-
Labor Day (Ziua Muncii) – Friday, May 1
-
Orthodox Pentecost (Rusaliile) – Sunday, May 31
-
Whit Monday (a doua zi de Rusalii) – Monday, June 1
-
The Assumption of Mary (Adormirea Maicii Domnului) – Saturday, August 15
-
Saint Andrew’s Day (Sfântul Andrei) – Monday, November 30
-
National Day (Ziua Națională a României) – Tuesday, December 1
-
Christmas Day (Crăciunul) – Friday, December 25
-
Second Day of Christmas (a doua zi de Crăciun) – Saturday, December 26
Public Holidays in Romania – In Detail
New Year’s Day – January 1–2, 2026 (Thursday–Friday)
The new year begins with fireworks, festive meals, and joyful greetings of “La Mulți Ani!” (Happy New Year!). The celebrations often extend into January 2, giving Romanians a four day weekend to rest and enjoy family time before returning to work.
Orthodox Easter – April 12–13, 2026 (Sunday–Monday)
Easter (Paștele) is one of the most important religious celebrations in Romania, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Festivities begin with midnight church services, candle lighting, and the greeting “Hristos a înviat!” (“Christ is risen!”). Families gather for Easter feasts that include lamb dishes, red dyed eggs, and traditional desserts. Easter Monday, April 13, is also a public holiday, extending the celebration into a three day weekend.
Labor Day (Ziua Muncii) – May 1, 2026 (Friday)
Labor Day honors the rights and achievements of workers and marks the unofficial start of spring. It’s a public holiday, and since it falls on a Friday, it creates a three day weekend. Romanians typically celebrate with outdoor picnics, barbecues, and getaways to the mountains or seaside.
Orthodox Pentecost (Rusaliile) – May 31 & June 1, 2026 (Sunday–Monday)
Also known as Whit Sunday and Whit Monday, this holiday commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. Churches hold special services, and communities host local fairs, music, and dance events. It’s a two day holiday, offering Romanians another relaxing long weekend to enjoy the early summer.
The Assumption of Mary (Adormirea Maicii Domnului) – August 15, 2026 (Saturday)
This important religious holiday, also known as Sfânta Maria Mare, celebrates the Virgin Mary’s ascension into heaven. Many attend mass, join processions, and spend the day with family. While it falls on a Saturday in 2026, it remains one of the most observed religious celebrations in the country.
Saint Andrew’s Day (Sfântul Andrei) – November 30, 2026 (Monday)
Saint Andrew, the patron saint of Romania, is honored with religious services and cultural events. It’s also associated with folk traditions such as placing garlic by doors to ward off evil spirits or performing fortune telling rituals. Falling on a Monday, Saint Andrew’s Day creates a three day long weekend.
National Day (Ziua Națională a României) – December 1, 2026 (Tuesday)
Romania’s National Day celebrates the Great Union of 1918, when Transylvania joined Romania. It’s a patriotic holiday marked by military parades, concerts, fireworks, and public ceremonies throughout the country. Many Romanians take Monday, November 30 (Saint Andrew’s Day) off as well, making this a four-day celebration of national pride and unity.
Christmas Holidays – December 25–26, 2026 (Friday–Saturday)
Christmas (Crăciunul) is one of Romania’s most beloved holidays, blending Christian faith with joyful traditions. Families decorate Christmas trees, sing carols (colinde), and share traditional dishes such as sarmale (cabbage rolls) and cozonac (sweet bread). With Christmas Day and the Second Day of Christmas as official holidays, Romanians enjoy a cozy three day weekend to end the year on a festive note.
Conclusion
The public holidays in Romania for 2026 offer an ideal balance between rest, reflection, and celebration. With several long weekends throughout the year, Romanians will have plenty of opportunities to recharge, travel, and spend meaningful time with loved ones.
From the solemn beauty of Easter to the national pride of December 1st and the joy of Christmas, these holidays showcase Romania’s cultural richness and strong family traditions. Whether you’re planning a getaway, a cultural experience, or a simple staycation, 2026 in Romania promises a calendar full of moments to celebrate life, faith, and togetherness.