Culture
Events, festivals, music, film and the arts.
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.
Vioara cu Goarnă: The Horn Violin of Bihor
Discover the vioară cu goarnă, a traditional horn violin from Bihor County that gives Romanian folk music its distinctive, penetrating sound.
Romanian Name Days: How to Celebrate Ziua Numelui Like a Local
In Romania, your name day can be as important as your birthday. Here's how to celebrate ziua numelui like a local, from wishes to gifts.
Romanian Wedding Traditions: A Journey Through Rituals and Symbols
From the pețit ceremony to the hora of the bride, discover the rich customs that make a traditional Romanian wedding a vibrant celebration of community and heritage.
Maramureș Wooden Gates: Romania's Carved Portals to Village Life
Discover the ornate wooden gates of Maramureș, a centuries-old craft that blends function, faith and folklore at the threshold of every home.
The Romanian Athenaeum: A Symbol of Bucharest's Cultural Soul
A neoclassical gem in the heart of the capital, the Romanian Athenaeum has been the stage for the country's most important musical moments for over a century.
Junii Brașovului: Romania's Ancient Spring Horsemen Festival
Each spring, Brașov bursts into life with a spectacular procession of horsemen in traditional costume, carrying banners and celebrating the renewal of nature.
The Legend of Master Manole: Romania's Tale of Sacrifice and Creation
Explore the haunting Romanian legend of Master Manole, the master builder who made the ultimate sacrifice to complete the Curtea de Argeș Monastery.
Opinci: Romania's Traditional Leather Sandals and the Craft Behind Them
From shepherds' trails to national costume, opinci remain a symbol of rural Romania. Here's the story of these handcrafted leather sandals.
Colac: The Braided Bread at the Heart of Romanian Celebrations
From weddings to funerals, the colac is more than bread in Romania—it is a symbol of life, honour and community. Here is what makes this braided loaf so central to tradition.
Romanian Traditional Carpets: Scoarțe, Kilims and the Patterns of Home
From the scoarțe hung on walls to the țoluri underfoot, woven textiles have been a quiet constant of Romanian village life for centuries.
Rusaliile: Romania's Pentecost Traditions of Flowers, Water and Dance
Every year, fifty days after Easter, Romania marks Rusaliile with a unique blend of Christian faith and ancient folk customs. Discover the rituals of flowers, water and the famed Călușari dance.
Romanian Folk Instruments: Nai, Cobza and Bucium
Discover the distinctive instruments behind Romania's folk music, from the haunting pan flute to the booming alphorn, and where you might hear them.
Șezătoarea: The Romanian Winter Gathering of Craft and Storytelling
A look at the traditional Romanian social gathering where women came together to spin, sew, sing and share stories during the long winter months.