From 16 to 84: Love spans generations in Moldova’s 2026 marriage statistics
Fourteen couples in the Republic of Moldova will officially wed today, February 24, celebrating Dragobete—the traditional Romanian feast of love. The date marks a symbolic intersection between ancestral folklore and modern civil service, as couples choose the protector of lovers to oversee their spring vows.
According to data from the Public Services Agency (ASP), 1,388 marriages have been registered nationwide since the beginning of 2026. The statistics reveal a diverse demographic landscape, proving that marital commitment remains a priority across all age groups in the country.
Generational diversity
The recent records highlight that love transcends age. In the past year, the oldest grooms were aged 81 and 84, while the Agency also recorded two cases where both partners were 16 years old.
Demographic trends show that most men in Moldova choose to marry between the ages of 24 and 30. In contrast, women typically enter wedlock between the ages of 21 and 25, reflecting established social patterns.
Cultural onomastics
The Agency also noted a unique linguistic trend: several Moldovan citizens bear names inspired by the concept of love. Names such as Dragostea, Dragostina, and Liubov (meaning "Love" in various linguistic traditions) remain part of the national identity.
In local mythology, Dragobete was the son of Baba Dochia. Described as a handsome and passionate figure, he was believed to officiate the "weddings" of animals in the heavens, eventually becoming the patron of human relationships and luck for lovers.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
