This anniversary has been the country’s national day and a public holiday since 1990. Between 1866 and 1947, the national day was celebrated on May 10th, the day when King Carol I took the throne. Between 1948 and 1989, the national day was celebrated on August 23rd (the day when Romania switched sides and started fighting on the side of the Allies in WWII). This year, given the parliamentary elections scheduled for December 9th, official celebrations saw fewer political speeches.

Their place was taken by national symbols: the tricolor national flag, the state anthem, and celebrations related to national Romanian heroes, such as Michael the Brave, Nicolae Balcescu and Avram Iancu. One of the highlights was the main military parade, watched by around 20,000 people. Troops from all branches of the armed forces passed through the Triumphal Arch in Bucharest with their respective military equipment, while fighters and transporters flew above. A special moment was the march of the soldiers carrying authentic WWI Romanian flags.

Spectators could also see the armored Mine Resist Ambush Protected vehicle currently used by Romanian forces in Afghanistan. The event was attended by Romania’s president, Traian Basescu, who also held a videoconference with Romanian soldiers deployed in Afghanistan and with sailors on the King Ferdinand frigate, in the Gulf of Aden.

The National Day was celebrated in Alba-Iulia as well, as the city is a symbol of Romanian unity. One of the main events was the Congress of Romanian Spirituality, attended by 150 representatives of Romanian communities in 30 countries, and from areas with Romanian populations. At this 16th edition of the congress, a resolution was passed, calling on the authorities to create a governmental program to support Romanian communities across the world, and to create a ministry for Romanians who live abroad.