Culture
Events, festivals, music, film and the arts.
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.
The Hora: Romania's Circle Dance of Unity and Joy
Discover the hora, a Romanian circle dance that brings people together at weddings, festivals and community gatherings across the country.
Transylvania's Fortified Churches: A Journey Through Saxon Heritage
Discover the medieval fortified churches of Transylvania, built by Saxon settlers and now UNESCO-listed treasures.
Romania's Wooden Churches of Maramureș: A Living Heritage
Discover the UNESCO-listed wooden churches of Maramureș, a remarkable tradition of craftsmanship and faith in northern Romania.
Doina: The Soulful Song of Romania's Shepherds and Peasants
Romania's doina is a centuries-old lyrical song of longing, love, and nature, recognised by UNESCO as part of humanity's intangible heritage.
The Black Pottery of Marginea: A Timeless Romanian Craft
In the village of Marginea, potters still shape and fire clay into glossy black vessels using a technique passed down through generations.
Miorița: The Romanian Folk Ballad of Fate and Acceptance
The story of a shepherd who accepts his fate has become a cornerstone of Romanian cultural identity.
Romania's Winter Masquerades: Capra, Ursul and the Dance of the Bear
Every winter, Romanian villages come alive with masked processions that blend pagan ritual, Christian celebration and pure theatre.
Romanian Egg Painting: An Easter Tradition of Wax and Dye
In Romania, decorating Easter eggs is far more than a springtime craft. Using beeswax and natural dyes, artisans create intricate symbols that carry centuries of meaning.
Sânzienele: Romania's Midsummer Festival of Flowers and Fairies
Every June, Romanians honour the Sânziene fairies with flower crowns, bonfires and age-old rituals. Discover the magic behind this enchanting summer tradition.
Romanian Glass Icons: A Transylvanian Folk Art Tradition
Discover the history and craft of painting icons on glass, a unique folk art from Transylvania that brings colour and faith into homes.
Dragobete: Romania's Traditional Celebration of Love
Discover the customs and legends behind Dragobete, Romania's own Valentine's Day, celebrated every year on 24 February.
Călușarii: Romania's ancient ritual dance and its meaning
Discover the Căluș, a dynamic Romanian folk dance with deep ritual roots, recognised by UNESCO as a masterpiece of intangible cultural heritage.
The Merry Cemetery of Săpânța: Romania's Colourful Celebration of Life
In a small village in Maramureș, wooden crosses painted in bright blues and greens tell the stories of the dead with humour and warmth.