What’s on & events
The holidays and events that mark the year in the Republic of Moldova — plus the official resources you need to plan a visit.
The events calendar
Recurring holidays, festivals and traditions, grouped by season.
Spring
March – May4 eventsMărțișor
TraditionThe tradition of the red-and-white thread that announces spring — an element of UNESCO intangible cultural heritage.
The „Mărțișor" Festival
Music festivalThe country’s longest-running music festival (since 1966): symphonic, opera and chamber concerts in Chișinău.
Mileștii Mici Wine Run
Wine festivalA running race through the underground galleries of the world’s largest winery (a Guinness record), followed by a tasting.
The union of Bessarabia with Romania (1918)
National holidayThe historical commemoration of the union of Bessarabia with Romania on 27 March 1918.
Summer
June – August7 eventsDescOPERĂ
Music festivalAn open-air opera and classical music festival in the natural amphitheatre at Orheiul Vechi.
IA MANIA
EthnographicA celebration of the ie (the traditional embroidered blouse) and of traditional crafts: needlework, live music, workshops and country cooking.
The „Nufărul Alb" Festival
EthnographicAn international folklore festival at Cahul, one of the oldest in the country (since 1989). It is held every two years.
Gustar
Music festivalThe largest open-air music festival in Moldova, at Orheiul Vechi, with crafts and food stalls.
Independence Day
National holidayThe national holiday of the Republic of Moldova — independence was proclaimed on 27 August 1991.
Diaspora Day
National holidayA day dedicated to Moldovans everywhere, with events in Chișinău.
Romanian Language Day („Limba noastră")
National holidayThe celebration of the mother tongue, marked since 1990, when Romanian became the state language again.
Autumn
September – November3 eventsBostaniada
Food & drinkThe pumpkin and autumn harvest festival at Criuleni: traditional dishes, folk music and competitions.
National Wine Day
Wine festivalThe country’s largest wine event, in central Chișinău: dozens of producers, tastings and concerts.
Chișinău’s patron saint day (hram)
ReligiousThe capital’s patron saint day: a liturgy, a folk craftsmen’s fair, a food area and concerts.
Exact dates (the days a festival runs) change from year to year, and some religious holidays are movable. There are also events with variable dates — the apple festival (Soroca), Purcari Wine Run, Sparkling Party by Cricova, „Dor fierbinte de plăcinte". Always check the official sources before planning a visit.
Official resources
For up-to-date, verified information.
Note: for news and real-time weather forecasts, consult the official press sources and the state meteorological service. This calendar gives the recurring markers of the year, not live information.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about events in Moldova
What are the most important events in Moldova?
National Wine Day (the first weekend in October), Mărțișor (1 March), Independence Day (27 August), the festivals at Orheiul Vechi (DescOPERĂ in June, Gustar in August) and the winter holidays.
Which festivals take place at Orheiul Vechi?
DescOPERĂ (open-air opera and classical music, in June) and Gustar (the country’s largest open-air festival, in August), both in the natural amphitheatre of the reserve.
When is National Wine Day?
On the first weekend in October, in central Chișinău, with tastings from dozens of wineries, food and music.
What is the national day of the Republic of Moldova?
Independence Day, celebrated on 27 August, marking the declaration of independence in 1991.
Where can I find official information about Moldova?
On the official portals, such as Moldova Travel, the National Bureau of Statistics and the National Bank of Moldova.
When is the best time to visit Moldova?
Spring and autumn, especially during the wine season (October), when the weather is pleasant and most events take place.
Where to stay for the events
On festival weekends the rooms sell out. Compare early on the map.
Map provided by Stay22. Bookings are completed on the partner platforms.
Book the route
Where to stay
Real hotels and guesthouses, with prices compared on the map across Booking, Airbnb and other platforms.
SeeGetting there from Romania
Plane, coach, train or car — real journey times, border crossings and the documents you need.
SeeTours & day trips
Organised trips with transport included — useful above all if you are going tasting.
SeePlan your visit around an event
Wine Day, the winter holidays or a village patron saint day — each one is an experience.
