Moldova Independence Day
BOOK HOTELS & FLIGHTS
Book stays for Moldova Independence Day
AREA
OneSliders may earn a commission if you book through Booking.com.
- 1359Principality of Moldavia founded by Dragoș
- 1812Eastern Moldova (Bessarabia) annexed by Russia
- 1991Moldova declares independence from the Soviet Union
Why Moldova celebrates 27 August
On 27 August 1991, the parliament of the Moldavian Soviet Socialist Republic declared independence from the Soviet Union following the failed coup attempt against Mikhail Gorbachev. Moldova took its name from the medieval Principality of Moldavia, which had existed as a distinct state since the 14th century before being absorbed by the Ottoman Empire and later Russia.
Moldova's post-independence history has been complicated. The Transnistria region — predominantly Russian-speaking and on the east bank of the Dniester River — declared its own independence from Moldova in 1990 and remains effectively outside Moldovan government control, frozen in a post-Soviet limbo supported by Russian troops.
Independence Day is marked with celebrations in Chișinău — the capital — including a parade, concerts, wine festivals and the National Wine Day, which is held the Sunday after Independence Day. Moldova's ancient wine tradition is central to national pride and is showcased alongside independence celebrations.
- 202627 August 2026 · Thursday
- 202727 August 2027 · Friday
- 202827 August 2028 · Sunday
The Moldovan flag has three vertical bands of blue, yellow and red — the same colours as Romania's flag, reflecting the two nations' shared Moldavian heritage. In the centre is Moldova's coat of arms: a golden eagle bearing a shield with an aurochs head, a star, a rose and a crescent — ancient symbols of the medieval Moldavian principality.
Moldovan cuisine is Romanian in character — generous, based on maize, wine, lamb and pork — with Russian and Ukrainian influences from the Soviet period.
What to eat
MămăligăThick cornmeal polenta — the most ancient Moldovan staple, eaten with sour cream, feta and fried eggs.
SarmaleCabbage or vine leaf rolls stuffed with pork and rice — Moldova's most important festive dish.
PlăcintăThin pastry filled with sour cherries, cottage cheese or potato — sold at bakeries across the country.
ZeamăLight chicken noodle soup with sour cream and tarragon — the Moldovan comfort food.
BrânzuiciSmall fried dough filled with sheep's cheese — a traditional village snack.
ColțunașiMoldovan dumplings filled with sour cherries, potato or cottage cheese — boiled and served with butter.What to drink
Moldovan wineMoldova has 112,000 hectares of vineyard — one of the highest ratios in the world relative to population.
DivinMoldovan cognac-style brandy — produced in the Cricova and Mileștii Mici caves, some of the world's largest wine cellars.
BorșFermented bran liquid used to sour soups — a uniquely Moldovan-Romanian ingredient and drink.Moldova culture
Moldova's culture is caught between its Romanian linguistic identity and its Soviet-era Slavic influences. Its ancient wine caves, folk embroidery and hora circle dances are its most distinctive cultural expressions.
Mileștii Mici wine cavesThe world's largest wine collection — over 1.5 million bottles stored in 200km of underground galleries.
Stefan cel Mare SquareChișinău's central park — where independence ceremonies, concerts and National Wine Day are held.
HoraTraditional Romanian-Moldovan circle dance — performed at weddings, celebrations and national events.
Orheiul VechiDramatic clifftop monastery complex above the Răut River — Moldova's most atmospheric historical site.