Culture
Events, festivals, music, film and the arts.
Ursitoarele: Romania's Fate Fairies and the Stories They Shape
Discover the Romanian folk belief in ursitoare, the three fairy godmothers who visit newborns to bestow gifts and set the course of a life.
Brâul: Romania's Lively Belt Dance and How to Join In
Learn about the brâu, Romania's traditional belt dance, its fast steps, regional variations, and how to join in at a village celebration.
Pomană: Romania's Tradition of Giving for the Souls of the Departed
Pomană is a deeply rooted Romanian custom of giving food and alms to honour the dead. It connects families, neighbours and strangers in shared remembrance.
Viflaim: Romania's Christmas Folk Theatre of Shepherds and Kings
A centuries-old Christmas tradition, Viflaim brings the Nativity story to life through verse, music and masquerade in villages across Romania.
Moșii de Toamnă: Romania's Autumn Day of Remembrance
Each autumn, Romanians honour their departed loved ones with candles, chrysanthemums and shared food. Here's what the tradition means and how it is observed.
Harap Alb: Romania's Classic Tale of Wit, Courage and Adventure
Discover the beloved Romanian fairy tale of Harap Alb, a young prince's journey of self-discovery packed with magic, clever helpers and timeless wisdom.
Plugușorul: Romania's New Year's Ritual of Wishes and Plenty
Discover Plugușorul, the Romanian New Year's ritual where children and adults recite verses, crack whips and offer wishes for a prosperous year ahead.
Deochi: Romania's Folk Belief in the Evil Eye and How to Counter It
From whispered prayers to water and coal, Romanians have long used simple rituals to ward off the evil eye, known as deochi. Here's what the tradition involves and why it still matters.
Croatian Director’s HBO Film Asks Where Home Really Is
Tatjana Božić’s documentary Fragments of Belonging explores migration, identity and the subtle difference between being an expat and an immigrant. Now streaming on HBO.
Romania's Orthodox Calendar November 2026: Key Feasts and Christmas Fast Start
Romania's Orthodox Christians mark several major feasts in November 2026, including three red-cross celebrations. The 40-day Christmas fast begins on 15 November.
Step Back in Time at Bucharest's Open-Air Village Museum
The Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum in Bucharest is one of Europe’s largest open-air ethnographic museums, preserving Romania’s rural architectural heritage.
Târgul de Fete: Romania's Mountain Fair of Music and Matchmaking
High in the Apuseni Mountains, an ancient gathering brings together shepherds, villagers and visitors for a celebration of song, dance and courtship that has endured for centuries.
Baba Dochia: Romania's Legend of the Old Woman and the Coming of Spring
Discover the folk tale of Baba Dochia, the old woman whose fate explains the fickle weather of early March in Romania.
Sârba: Romania's Spirited Circle Dance and How to Join In
Discover the lively steps, driving music and social joy of the sârba, one of Romania's most beloved folk dances. Learn its origins and how to take part at any village celebration.
Ruga: Romania's Village Festivals of Food, Music and Community
Discover the Ruga, a traditional Romanian village celebration that brings neighbours together with feasting, dancing and warm hospitality.
Mămăligă: Romania's Cornmeal Staple and Its Cultural Significance
Mămăligă has been a cornerstone of Romanian cuisine for centuries, evolving from peasant fare to a beloved national dish. Discover its history, preparation, and place in modern Romanian kitchens.
Romanian Folk Costumes: Regional Styles and Timeless Symbols
From the embroidered ie to the woven fota, traditional Romanian dress is a language of identity that varies richly from region to region.
Romanian Baptism Traditions: A Celebration of New Life and Community
Discover the religious rites and folk customs surrounding baptism in Romania, from the role of godparents to the symbolic first bath.