Events dedicated to Romania's National Day were held on Monday in multiple cities across the country.
Maramures
Over 500 people attended the National Day military parade in light rain and cold conditions in central Baia Mare.
Alongside the public, representatives from county institutions, the Ministry of National Defence, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Romanian Intelligence Service (SRI), Romanian Mountain Rescue Salvamont, the County Council and Prefecture of Maramures, the Orthodox and Greek-Catholic Episcopates, parliamentarians and guests were present at the military and religious ceremonies.
In his speech, Maramures County Council President Gabriel Zetea highlighted the role and importance of the county's delegation at Alba Iulia on 1 December 1918.
"100 delegates with voting rights. Maramures had the largest standard-bearer and flag at Alba Iulia, donated by the Bixd Monastery (today in Satu Mare County). They worked for a month to ensure it arrived on time. Maramures opened the parade at Alba Iulia because the other regions of Transylvania were impressed by their traditional attire. They were the first to submit credentials in the Union Hall. This is Maramures' historical legacy and the significance of this day," said Zetea.
Baia Mare Mayor Doru Dancus also emphasised the historic importance of the 1918 Union and the consolidation of the Romanian state. The parade concluded with a folk music performance by a local youth group.
National Day celebrations also took place publicly in Seini, Sighetu Marmatiei, Targu Lapus, Viseu de Sus, Borsa, and Cavnic.
Tulcea
Hundreds of Tulcea residents attended the military parade organised by the Garrison and Prefecture of Tulcea County on Isaccei Street, one of the main roads in the city, currently under renovation.
The day began with a military and religious ceremony at the Heroes Mausoleum, followed by the parade of the honour guard and military equipment, as well as state institutions' vehicles. This marked the second parade on Isaccei Street in 2023.
The parade was followed by a performance organised by the City Hall and County Council at the Jean Bart Theatre. Ceremonies, including wreath-laying at local monuments, also took place across Tulcea County.
Iasi
A military and religious ceremony was held in the Palace of Culture Square in Iasi, attended by thousands, including over 300 military personnel, police, law enforcement, and ISU forces.
Officials present included Metropolitan Teofan of Moldova and Bukovina, Bishop Iosif Paulet of the Iasi Roman Catholic Diocese, Prefect Constantin Dolachi-Pelin, Mayor Mihai Chirica, Vice-President Marius Danga of the County Council, Colonel Dan Orza, commander of the 15th Mechanised Brigade "Podu Inalt" and Iasi Garrison.
Prefect Dolachi-Pelin stressed that "our country needs more than ever people who respect national symbols, know and value history, honour their heritage, and want to move forward together."
Mayor Chirica highlighted Romania's praiseworthy history, noting the importance of passing this heritage to future generations. Iasi County Vice-President Danga said the day marks the foundation of national identity and commemorates the 107th anniversary of the 1918 Union at Alba Iulia.
The event also included the laying of wreaths at the Heroes' Monument in Palace of Culture Square. To celebrate National Day, the local authorities also organised a concert featuring artists and dancers from several folk ensembles from Iasi.
As in previous years, the festive lighting will be inaugurated during the day on 1 December. The evening of 1 December will conclude with the traditional torchlight procession, starting at 18:00, along the route Union Museum - Stefan cel Mare si Sfant Boulevard - Palace of Culture.
Brasov
National Day celebrations began at 10:00 with a ceremony organised by the Union of Junii from Schei in Union Square, concluding with a folklore concert and laser show at 18:00 in Council Square.
The traditional parade along Eroilor Boulevard featured over 200 military personnel from the Ministries of Defence and Internal Affairs, as well as NATO troops stationed in Cincu under the French command, AIGLE.
Brasov Mayor George Scripcaru highlighted the historical role of local youths in building Greater Romania. Evening festivities included a folklore concert and laser show, with the City Hall and Tampa letters illuminated in the national colours. The national flag on Tampa was also ceremonially replaced in the morning.
Satu Mare
Events began with wreath-laying at monuments to Vasile Lucaciu, I.C. Bratianu, and Iuliu Maniu, followed by a military and religious ceremony at the Unknown Soldier statue. Prefect Altfatter Tamas read a message from Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan and spoke on the spirit of the Union, highlighting the county's multiculturalism and diversity as a source of strength and innovation. Celebrations concluded with a military parade.
Oradea
Over 6,000 residents gathered around the equestrian statue of Mihai Viteazul for a military and religious ceremony, speeches, and wreath-laying in memory of Romanian heroes.
Prefect Marcel Dragos noted Romania's role as a stable and secure state, anchored in the EU and NATO. The programme included artistic performances, the parade of the honour guard, and distribution of 2,700 portions of traditional bean stew by the Oradea City Hall and Garrison. Similar events were held in Marghita.
Timisoara
Over 3,000 residents attended ceremonies at the Metropolitan Cathedral, including a religious service at the Heroes Cemetery and a Te Deum led by Metropolitan Ioan of Banat. Mayor Dominic Fritz referenced Queen Maria's words on resilience during hard times, while Vice-President Alexandru Iovescu paid tribute to the generation of 1918.
The parade included a historical artistic guard dressed in 1918 army uniforms, featuring central figures King Ferdinand and Queen Maria alongside Red Cross nurses. Musical performances were provided by the Military Band of the 18th Reconnaissance Brigade "Decebal", and the evening concluded with a torchlight procession across symbolic city points.
Salaj
National Day was marked across all four county cities - Cehu Silvaniei, Jibou, Simleu Silvaniei, and Zalau - with military and religious ceremonies, wreath-laying, speeches, and parades.
At Zalau, the event began at Iuliu Maniu's bust and continued with a parade on the main boulevard featuring army units and vehicles from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ambulance, and Red Cross.
"The country is not an abstract construct; it means a child who grows up in healthy conditions and is educated in the good order of our Romanian and Christian tradition, it means a young person who is guided towards higher purposes, it means an elder who brings their experience and wisdom to building a better life, it means a family that thrives in the Romanian and Christian way, and it means a community that strives to remain united and to achieve the best possible results," Salaj Bishop Benedict declared at the ceremony in Zalau.
Prefect Claudiu Barsan underlined the ongoing need for solidarity, unity, and faith, echoing the message of 1918.
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