Romania's National Day: Celebrating 1 December with the Romanian Flag

Romania National Day (Ziua Na?ional? a României) is celebrated on 1 December, the anniversary of the 1918 Great Union, when an assembly at Alba Iulia voted for Transylvania to unite with the Kingdom of Romania. Romanians everywhere mark it with the blue, yellow and red tricolour, from military parades in Bucharest to community gatherings in British towns and cities. Here is the story behind the date and a practical guide to flying the Romanian flag properly.

Great Union Day: what happened at Alba Iulia

As the First World War ended, regions with large Romanian-speaking populations sought to join the Romanian kingdom. Bessarabia and Bukovina voted to unite earlier in 1918, and on 1 December a Great National Assembly of delegates met at Alba Iulia, in Transylvania, and proclaimed union with Romania. The decision was formally accepted by King Ferdinand later that month, and the enlarged state became known as Greater Romania.

The date has been the national day since 1990, when Romanian law moved the holiday to 1 December. That makes it a relatively recent national day in its current form, though the event it marks is more than a century old.

How Romanians celebrate 1 December

In Bucharest the centrepiece is a military parade at the Arch of Triumph, and Alba Iulia itself hosts large ceremonies and concerts. Families often gather for a traditional meal, and bean stew with smoked pork (fasole cu ciolan) is a dish many associate with the day. Concerts, folk dancing and rosettes in the national colours are common.

The Romanian community in the UK has grown large over the past two decades, and you'll find the tricolour in shop windows, Orthodox parishes and community centres around 1 December. The Romanian Embassy in London usually hosts a reception, and churches and cultural associations organise services, concerts and children's events. Dates and venues vary, so check local community groups and the embassy's channels each year.

Next National Day: Tuesday 1 December 2026.

The Romanian tricolour explained

Romania's flag has three equal vertical stripes of blue, yellow and red, with blue at the hoist (the side nearest the pole). By law its height is two-thirds of its length, a 2:3 ratio. There is no separate civil version: the same plain tricolour is used by the state and by individuals. The current design dates from the 1989 revolution, when the communist-era coat of arms was removed from the yellow stripe; flags with the emblem cut out became a powerful image of that winter.

The colours have been used together since the 19th century and are linked to the historic principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia. You'll often read that each colour represents a region, a popular interpretation rather than an official definition.

Romania and Chad: spot the difference

Romania's flag is almost identical to that of Chad in Africa. The only practical difference is the shade of blue, which is slightly darker on Chad's flag. When ordering, double-check the product name, especially for school projects where both countries appear.

Displaying it alongside the Union Flag

Blue must always be at the hoist; a Romanian flag with red nearest the pole is the wrong way round. When flying it with the Union Flag, use separate poles of equal height and flags of matching size. In the UK the Union Flag usually takes the position of honour, on the left as you face the poles. Our flag order of precedence guide explains larger arrangements.

Ideas for decorating on 1 December

• A flag for the house or business: the printed Romania flag in 5ft x 3ft fits most domestic poles. A flag that flies all winter will last longer as a Romania DuraFlag.
• Church halls and restaurants: Romania bunting brings colour to a room quickly, and 3m lengths suit a shop window.
• Receptions and dinners: Romania table flags make neat centrepieces; a pair with the Union Flag suits a formal event.
• Children's events: 9in x 6in hand flags on wooden poles are easy for small hands at a concert or school assembly.

Planning an international evening? Our ideas for schools' international days may help.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Romania's national day on 1 December?

It marks the Great National Assembly at Alba Iulia on 1 December 1918, which proclaimed the union of Transylvania with Romania. It has been the national day since 1990.

Is the Romanian flag the same as Chad's?

Nearly. Both are blue, yellow and red vertical tricolours, but Chad's blue is a darker shade.

Which side of the Romanian flag goes next to the pole?

Blue. Red should be at the flying end.

Does Romania have a flag day?

Yes, National Flag Day is 26 June, separate from the national day on 1 December.

See all our Romanian flags and the wider range of world flags, and find other dates in our guide to European national days.