Public Holidays in Moldova
Statutory public holidays in Moldova, with the dates that give people the day off, how the calendar is set, and what it means for travel, cities and culture.
Moldova at a glance
Moldova’s public holidays follow the Orthodox calendar for religious dates, with Independence Day on 27 August the main national celebration.
Orthodox Christmas and Easter fall on Julian-calendar dates, so they differ from Western Europe.
Moldova public holidays 2026
Moldova has 13 public holidays in 2026 – the statutory days off. The table below lists those public holidays; observances and other non-statutory dates are not part of the total.
| Holiday | Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Jan 1Thu | National |
| Christmas Day (by old style) | Jan 7Wed | National |
| Christmas Day (by old style) | Jan 8Thu | National |
| International Women's Day | Mar 8Sun | National |
| Easter | Apr 12Sun | National |
| Easter | Apr 13Mon | National |
| Day of Rejoicing | Apr 20Mon | National |
| International Workers' Solidarity Day | May 1Fri | National |
| Europe Day; Victory Day and Commemoration of the heroes fallen for Independence of Fatherland | May 9Sat | National |
| International Children's Day | Jun 1Mon | National |
| Republic of Moldova Independence Day | Aug 27Thu | National |
| National Language Day | Aug 31Mon | National |
Showing 12 of 13 public holidays for 2026.
Major cities in Moldova
The urban centres that anchor most trips to Moldova.
Chisinau
A capital of Soviet boulevards, parks and a growing cafe scene.
Tiraspol
The administrative centre of the breakaway Transnistria region on the Dniester.
Balti
The second city, an industrial and cultural centre in the northern plains.
Bender
A city on the Dniester with a major fortress above the water.
Comrat
The capital of the autonomous Gagauz region in the southern steppe.
Top attractions in Moldova
The places that draw most visitors to Moldova.
Orheiul Vechi
A river gorge holding cave monasteries carved into limestone cliffs.
Cricova Winery
Vast underground cellars where sparkling wine ages in limestone tunnels.
Soroca Fortress
A round stone fortress on the Dniester, once part of a defensive chain.
Bender Fortress
A 16th-century Ottoman fortress overlooking the Dniester.
Mileศtii Mici
A vast underground wine city holding one of the world's largest collections.
Capriana Monastery
A forested monastery complex, one of the oldest in the country.
Festivals, food and getting around Moldova
What the calendar looks like on the ground, and how to move through the country around it.
Festivals behind the holidays
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New Year's Day
Falls on Jan 1
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Orthodox Christmas Day
Falls on Jan 7
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Orthodox Christmas Day holiday
Falls on Jan 8
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Mihai Eminescu Commemoration Day
Falls on Jan 15
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Holocaust Remembrance Day
Falls on Jan 27
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Valentine's Day
Falls on Feb 14
Food & drink
Getting around
Marshrutka minibuses link most towns; the wineries and Orheiul Vechi are easiest with a driver or hired car.
Travelling around Moldova’s holidays
What the dates mean once you are there.
Book around the peaks
Transport and hotels in Moldova tighten around major holidays; reserve early for the busiest weeks.
Check opening hours
Museums, banks and government offices usually close on statutory holidays, and often on the nearest Monday.
Carry local currency
Small vendors and rural businesses frequently take cash only, especially on holidays when banks are shut.
Expect crowded transport
Long weekends produce the year's heaviest road, rail and air traffic. Build in extra travel time.
Confirm the official list
Moldova's holiday dates are confirmed by government announcement; check the year page for the final arrangement.
Plan the long weekends
Pairing a holiday with adjacent weekends gives the longest breaks of the year โ and the busiest.
Moldova public holidays: common questions
How many public holidays does Moldova have?
Moldova has 13 public holidays in 2026, counting every date typed National, Substitute or Bank in our calendar. Observances, religious dates and regional holidays are listed separately and left out of the total, because they are not days off across the whole country.
Where can I find the full 2026 list?
The complete 2026 calendar for Moldova is on the year page, with every recorded date in order.
Are Moldova's public holidays paid?
Statutory national holidays are generally paid leave for employees. Observances and commemorative days are usually not.
Do holidays move if they fall on a weekend?
Where a holiday falls on a weekend, Moldova typically observes it on the nearest weekday. Check the year page for the confirmed arrangement.
Are there regional holidays in Moldova?
Some holidays are observed only in certain regions or by certain communities. The year page lists what applies nationally.
Which years are covered for Moldova?
Calendars are published for 2026, 2025.
School holidays in Moldova
School term dates in Moldova
School calendar data last updated 10 Sep 2026. Dates come from education ministries and local education authorities; always re-check with the school before booking travel.