Bucharest marks Romanian Armed Forces Day on Sunday, 25 October 2026, with military ceremonies, historical re-enactments at the Arch of Triumph, a military band concert and an evening torchlight procession.
For visitors, the day offers several opportunities to witness Romania’s military traditions at some of the capital’s best-known landmarks, from the memorial in Carol I Park to Arcul de Triumf.
Morning Military Ceremonies in Bucharest
The official programme begins at 10:00 at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Carol I Park. A military and religious wreath-laying ceremony will be followed by the changing of the guard and a Romanian Air Force flypast.
Two further wreath-laying ceremonies take place simultaneously at 12:00:
- At the Monument to the Homeland’s Heroes of the Second World War, in front of Carol I National Defence University.
- At the Monument to the Heroes Fallen in Theatres of Operations and on Romanian Territory, in front of the National Children’s Palace.
Military History at the Arch of Triumph
Between 15:00 and 17:00, the Arch of Triumph hosts historical military re-enactments beneath the monument. Visitors can see period uniforms and equipment, honour ceremonies and commemorative presentations.
The programme brings together three anniversaries: Romanian Armed Forces Day, King Michael I’s birthday and 90 years since the inauguration of the Arch of Triumph in its present form.
The outdoor event is free, with accessibility provisions for visitors with hearing impairments.
Visitors can also explore the monument’s interior, its two temporary exhibitions and the panoramic view over Bucharest. Interior admission is charged separately:
- Adults: 15 RON
- School pupils, students and pensioners: 8 RON
- Preschool children and people with disabilities: Free
The monument’s weekend visiting hours are 11:00–19:00, with last admission at 18:30. This leaves time to visit the exhibitions after the outdoor programme ends.
Military Band Concert in Cișmigiu Gardens
At 17:00, Cișmigiu Gardens hosts a concert by the Representative Band of the Ministry of National Defence. For visitors staying in central Bucharest, this is a convenient afternoon stop before the evening procession.
Torchlight Procession from the National Military Circle
At 19:00, the torchlight procession departs from the National Military Circle Palace.
The announced route follows Calea Victoriei, Regina Elisabeta Boulevard, Mihail Kogălniceanu Boulevard, Splaiul Independenței, Eroilor Sanitari Boulevard, Profesor Doctor Gheorghe Marinescu Street, Șoseaua Cotroceni, Iuliu Maniu Boulevard, General Paul Teodorescu Boulevard and Timișoara Boulevard, ending at the headquarters of the 30th Guards Brigade “Mihai Viteazul”.
Planning Your Visit
Choose the morning ceremony for the changing of the guard and flypast, or the Arch of Triumph for the afternoon re-enactments. The two noon ceremonies take place at different locations, so visitors should choose one.
Allow time to travel between venues: the programme is spread across the city, and the Arch of Triumph event ends at the same time the Cișmigiu concert begins.
Where: Carol I Park, Carol I National Defence University, National Children’s Palace, Arch of Triumph, Cișmigiu Gardens and the announced torchlight procession route, Bucharest.
When: Sunday, 25 October 2026, with events beginning at 10:00 and the torchlight procession departing at 19:00.
Admission: Free outdoor re-enactments at the Arch of Triumph; separate tickets apply to visits inside the monument.
