January 24’26: Union of the Romanian Principalities

 An old page of Romanian history: The Little Union of the Romanian Principalities

January 24, 1859 – January 24, 2026. 167 years ago, the Union of the Romanian Principalities (also known as: “The Little Union of the Romanian Principalities”, or “The Little Union”, or “The Day of The Unification of the Romanian Principalities”) took place, under the leadership of Alexandru Ioan Cuza.

On January 24, 1859, the Little Union marked a profound turning point in Romanian history …a testament to the enduring power of foresight, courage and collective commitment for the national good. The election of Alexandru Ioan Cuza as the ruler of both Moldavia and Wallachia was not just an administrative act, but it was a deliberate realization of a shared vision, an embodiment of unity achieved through compromise, patriotism and unwavering devotion to the future of a people.

This union reminds us that meaningful progress arises when individuals and institutions prioritize common purpose over narrow interests, when dialogue and principles guide action and when vision is paired with the humility to serve the greater collective. The Little Union was a demonstration that even in the complex tapestry of political and social challenges, decisive moments of courage can redefine a nation’s destiny.

For contemporary Romania, the lesson is both timeless and urgent: unity, dedication, and informed foresight are the foundations upon which enduring institutions and equitable opportunities are built.

As we honor this historic achievement, we are called to continue cultivating these values, while ensuring that
every region, every citizen, and every generation has the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a strong, cohesive and forward-looking nation.
January 24’26: To all our Romanian friends, near & far: HAPPY UNIFICATION DAY, dear ones!

La mulți ani tuturor românilor de pretutindeni cu ocazia Zilei Unirii Principatelor Române! 

24 ianuarie 1859 este data la care a avut loc Unirea Țării Românești cu Moldova sub conducerea lui Alexandru Ioan Cuza.

Ziua Micii Uniri, sărbătorită anual la 24 ianuarie, reprezintă un moment definitoriu în istoria modernă a României, marcând unirea Principatelor Moldovei și Țării Românești sub domnia lui Alexandru Ioan Cuza în 1859. Acest eveniment nu este doar un act administrativ, ci un simbol al curajului, al viziunii politice și al unității naționale, demonstrând că o națiune poate transcende barierele istorice și geografice pentru a-și asuma destinul colectiv. Mica Unire a creat fundația unui stat modern și coeziv, deschizând drumul spre consolidarea economiei, infrastructurii și educației, factori esențiali pentru emanciparea socială și culturală. Această zi evocă idealurile patriotice și spiritul civic al generațiilor care au precedat-o, subliniind importanța continuității istorice și responsabilitatea fiecărei generații de a păstra și amplifica realizările înaintașilor. În lumina retrospectivă, Ziua Micii Uniri invită la reflecție asupra procesului complex de construire a statului național, evidențiind atât delicatețea compromisurilor politice, cât și energia colectivă ce stă la baza unui proiect de modernizare durabilă.

● A concise historic briefing:

January 24^th, also known as the Little Unification (Romanian: "Mica Unire") celebrates the political union of these 2 principalities, which is considered the foundation of modern Romania. The United Principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia, also known as "The Romanian United Principalities", was the official name of the Romania following the 1859 election of Alexandru Ioan Cuza as the ruling prince (Romania: "domnitor") of both territories.

Years later, on December 1^st, 1918, the Great Union happened (Romanian: "Marea Unire"), when the 3 Romanian Principalities (Wallachia, Moldavia & Transylvania) became one country, one voice, called "Romania", and December 1^st became Romania's National Day.

● My previous greetings on the same theme: The Little Union of the Romanian Principalities, each year on January 24 – 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021

● A short video clip I’ve put together a while ago for this occasion: January 24

● Several highlights featuring this historic moment:

⚪ Few historic songs “Unity Hora” (Romanian: “Hora Unirii”) | “Cuvântul lui  Ion Roată către Divan” (în interpretarea lui Valeriu Penișoară)

⚪ Brief documentaries in Romanian language “Unirea Principatelor Române din anul 1859” (Arhiva TVR) | “Lecţia de istorie – Domnia și reformele lui Cuza”

⚪ A brief documentary in English language "The Proclamation of the Union of the Principalities”

NOTE: Dear readers, please be advised that on this website each of the previous postings, pertaining to the recurrent annual themes, portray a different perspective of the subject/s presented (same theme/s, but a different outlook without duplication due to the cultural richness of the specific topic/s discussed).