Fun and festivities in Romania - celebrations, festivals and cultural events

The cheerful and hospitable people of southern agrarian Romania take great care of their traditions. Many national holidays date back to ancient times when the country was engaged exclusively in farming and cattle breeding. Most of the time, majority of the folk festivals are devoted to the planting season or harvesting period. The second aspect of ancient cultural festivals is religious events which are also strictly honored in this Country. Fans of noisy feasts, dances and music, are in for a swell time since the Romanians also organize a variety of festivals dedicated to various themes.

Winter holidays are celebrated in Romania from December 24th to January 7th. Majority of the population are very anxious at the approach of a New Year; some inhabitants of the country referring to it as “a small Christmas”. Traditionally, a large table full of meat dishes cooked according to national recipes is prepared in advance for the New Year. The favorite New Year dishes of Romanians are Pancakes with various fillings, Baked Pork and Vegetables with spicy seasonings. On Christmas Eve, a candle is lit in front of the icon of Christ the Savior in each house for it is believed that He protects the house from the wiles of evil spirits through the night hours. The whole country devotes this evening to festivities in national costumes, singing ancient folk songs, and performing the most clockwork caroling, wearing masks of evil spirits.

The Romanians also celebrate with equal joy the arrival of spring: the national holiday in early March – the day of Evdokia, which dates back to the times of paganism. On this day, the inhabitants of Romania come out “to bid farewell to winter”, rendering special songs and of course, organizing an abundant and long feast in big and friendly company. Since most of the inhabitants of Romania are Orthodox Christians, the Easter, the Day of Baptism, the Ascension and the Holy Trinity are also observed and celebrated in this country. Religious holidays are usually held in a home-like setting, with the focus on preparing the table and inviting loved ones to join in the holiday celebration. The annual thematic festivals organized by the Government of the Country in various cities are more fun and relaxed. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The Romanian year opens with a Winter Festival in Sfinto - Gheorghe, where traditional folk festivities in national costumes take place. Participants compete in winter sports, and of course adding to the excitement, are the rendition of cheerful folk songs and magnificent performance of fiery dances. In the beginning of spring, two festivals take place simultaneously: the International Festival of Contemporary Art in the large city of Brasov and the National Spring Festival in Khotenia. If the former is a place of the gathering of progressive representatives of Bohemian exhibitions, then the latter is invariably devoted to the traditions of the spring planting activities.

With the onset of summer, the intensity of fun only grows. In May, Brasov brings together flower lovers at the annual Narzissen Festival. Fans of music will like the Blues and Jazz festival, and the Festival of Photography is organized for the quietest guests and citizens of Romania. Historically, Romanians were lovers of craftsmanship and as you will find, Pottery and Weaving are still popular in this Country. It is for this reason that creative festivals, music and other arts, are strongly encouraged by the inhabitants of this country.

Summer in Romania is full of music and fun: an International Transilvania Festival is held in June. During this time, Bucharest is filled with guests from all over the country who come to the Fair of Crafts. At the end of summer, the Festival of Popular Music is held. Dance festivals are also carried out. In the city of Sighisoara, the traditional Days of the Middle Ages are celebrated. In autumn, Romanians continue to enjoy music at the “Sibiu” festival, hold carp fishing competitions, and as a way of marking the conclusion of the season, organize a winemaking festival. The year is ended by the December Christmas Festival.