Unification of the Romanian Principalities

Unification of the Romanian Principalities History

Unification of the Romanian Principalities, also known as Little Union Day and Ziua Unirii, celebrates the anniversary of the union of the Romanian Principalities. On 24 January 1859, the principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia were united into the Romanian United Principalities under the rule of Alexandru Ioan Cuza. This event played a key role in the future formation of Romania, commemorated on Great Union Day.

Unification of the Romanian Principalities is celebrated annually on 24 January. Although it had been celebrated for many years, it only became an official public holiday in 2015.

Top facts and quotes about Unification of the Romanian Principalities

• In 1862, the Romanian United Principalities officially become known as Romania and Bucharest was declared the new capital of the state.
• In 1881, Romania was renamed the Kingdom of Romania and Prince Carol I became King Carol I of Romania.
• Originally, the unification was not well received by Britain, Turkey and Austria. The Unification of the two Romanian Principalities was then reviewed by other European powers at Conferences in Paris and internationally accepted.
• The union is accomplished, the Romanian nationality is founded. - Alexandru Cuza, Former ruler of Romania
• The greatest, most general desire all previous generations have been striving for and which is the soul of the current generation, the desire that once fulfilled will make the happiness of future generations, is the Unification of the Principalities into a single state ... - Mihail Kogalniceanu, well-known Romanian politician and historian

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Top things to do

• Head to the National Museum of Romanian History in Bucharest which displays the Proclamation of Union painting and an exhibit linked to the day.
• Wear your national colours. It is customary to wear the colours of the Romanian flag which represent the different provinces of Wallachia, Moldavia and Transylvania. Get out your yellow, red and blue to celebrate the birth of Romania.
• Spread awareness for the day by posting pictures of yourself in national colours and using hashtags such as #UnificationofPrincipalitiesDay, #RomaniaUnification, #ZiuaUnirii and #LittleUnionDay.
• Attend the commemorative ceremony held near the monument to Alexandru Cuza. It is customary to bring a bouquet of flowers and place it alongside or on top of the other flowers in order to surround the monument to the man who created the nation.