Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Major Festivals in Romania
Romanians love to party and have traditionally found many endearing reasons
to celebrate; many of these celebrations are no longer observed, however. Fes-
tivals are generally determined by traditional folklore as well as by the Ortho-
dox Church's important feasts; numerous local celebrations also add color to
the lineup of festivals around the country. On
March 9, Forty Saints' Day
is cel-
ebrated as part of Lent in some rural communities where villagers bake colaci,
special loaves of bread that are blessed and handed out as an act of charity. A
popular Spring festival is the
National Festival of Spring Agriculture Customs
(Tanjaua de pe Marna)
held in
April
/
early May
in the Maramure@ village of
Hoteni; it remains a lively local party opportunity, with folk music, dancing, and
much drinking. Also in
early May
(usually the first or second Sun), are the
Mea-
suring of the Milk Festivals,
in the Apuseni Mountains, where shepherds com-
pete to see whose sheep and goats are the biggest producers of milk; great
carousing follows the ritual milking. On the
first Sunday in May,
the
Pageant
of the Juni
in Bra@ov is one of the most accessible and splendid city festivals,
drawing large crowds to see costumed youths parading with brass bands and
culminating in spectacular Horâs (Round Dances). In summer, the
Girl Fair (Târ-
gul de fete)
of Mount Gâina takes place near Avram Iancu, in the Apuseni
Mountains
(last Sun before July 20).
Traditionally an opportunity for shepherds
to meet prospective brides, the festival is now a great opportunity to hear the
country's finest traditional folk musicians perform live.
On
August 15
, Orthodox believers observe the
Feast of the Assumption of the
Virgin Mary,
while in September it is the time of harvest festivals in numerous vil-
lages across the country. Saxons celebrate their heritage in the fortified town of
Biertan, in Transylvania, on the
second Saturday of September.
The annual
Roma
Festival
(a time of impressive celebration that draws Gypsies from across the
country) is held in the Wallachia village of Coste@ti
(first week of Sept).
Bra@ov hosts an
International Jazz Festival
in
mid-May.
Pop fans can look out
for
The Golden Stag Festival,
also in Bra@ov, in
mid-September;
running since
1968, the festival launched the international career of Julio Iglesias and has
showcased the talents of Christina Aguillera and Ricky Martin. Drawing some
major international film personalities,
TIFF (Transylvania International Film Fes-
tival)
happens in Cluj in
early June.
may influence opening and closing times. Most businesses and attractions are closed
on these days.
HEALTH CONCERNS
Romania is free of risk when it comes to infectious diseases, malaria, and poisonous
insects. Officially, tap water is potable and safe to drink, but there are accounts of
water supplies in some areas being compromised, so check with your host or hotel.
Mosquitoes frequent the Danube Delta as well as other low-lying areas during the hot
summer months; bring insect repellent. Good medical facilities are available in cities
and towns, but the quality of medical practitioners varies considerably; only visit a
physician who has been recommended to you.
