Romanians could still have one legal holiday per year. What major importance in the history of Romania has the day for which the draft law was submitted
May 10 could become a legal holiday in Romania, if a bill initiated by PNL parliamentarians is adopted. The measure would take effect from 2027 and would bring the total number of statutory holidays to 18.
May 10 could become a legal holiday in Romania. PHOTO: Shutterstock
The legislative initiative provides for the amendment of Law no. 189/2021, so that May 10, known as National Independence Day, is officially declared a non-working day, according to the Labor Legislation platform.
The date of May 10 has a major importance in the history of Romania, being associated with three essential moments:
– May 10, 1866 – the arrival in the country of Prince Carol I
– May 10, 1877 – proclamation of state independence from the Ottoman Empire
– May 10, 1881 – the proclamation of the Kingdom of Romania and the coronation of Carol I
Incidentally, May 10 was the National Day of Romania during the period 1866–1947. After the establishment of the communist regime, the holiday was eliminated and replaced by August 23.
Only in 2021, through the adoption of Law no. 189/2021, May 10 was reintroduced into the calendar as National Independence Day, but without the status of a day off.
More days off for employees
If the project passes the Parliament, Romanians will benefit from an extra day off every year. Currently, the legislation provides for 17 non-working days.
For the year 2026, the list of legal holidays includes:
January 1 and 2 – New Year
January 6 – Epiphany
January 7 – Saint John the Baptist
January 24 – Day of the Union of the Romanian Principalities
April 10 – Good Friday
April 12 and 13 – Easter
May 1 – Labor Day
May 31 and June 1 – Pentecost
June 1 – Children's Day
August 15 – Dormition of the Mother of God
November 30 – Saint Andrew
December 1 – Romania's National Day
December 25 and 26 – Christmas
The project is to be debated and voted on in Parliament.
