This happened in response to fears of Moldova's unification with Romania following the fall of dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu, as well as hopes of the creation of a pro-Soviet republic that would remain in the USSR.

The first major anniversary occurred in 1995, during which students educational institutions in Tiraspol conducted theatrical performance on the history of the country.

Transnistrian organizations such as the Black Sea Cossack army, the national militia, and the Union of Women took part in the celebrations.

[6] In 2005, Official delegations from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, South Ossetia, Nagorno-Karabakh, Abkhazia, and Gagauzia attended the celebrations.

[11] Moldovan Minister of Defense Anatol Șalaru criticized the presence of the Russian military attaché at the parade, calling it an "unfriendly" action on Moscow's part and suspended all defence ties as a result.

[citation needed] A historical mechanized convoy was assembled (which saw the usage of the T-34-85, the Katyusha rocket launcher, and the American Willy car[14]), with more than a hundred pieces of equipment involved as well as a two dozen horse equestrian column.