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Appointment with LOVE in Romania

February - the Month of Love

Valentine’s Day has probably become the most controversial holiday of the year in Romania. Not only for those who think that love should be celebrated every day or, not celebrated at all, but because Romania has its own Love Celebration.

24th of February is celebrated as the day of Dragobete, an ancient Valentine's Day.

The legend presents Dragobete as a mythological character, similar to Eros, the ancient Greek good or the Roman's Cupid. Dragobete is a Romanian folk tradition, celebrating spring, the annual rebirth of life and nature. Similarly, Dragobete was established as a day when youngsters confessed their love and chose partner to marry, as their love was blessed that day.

Like any other archaic tradition, this one has its own superstitions. It is believed that men who treat bad women on that day, or even have the smallest argument with, are doomed to bad fortune for the rest of the year. Also couples that want to stay together and in love must kiss that day. Single women should see a man – in order for them not to remain single the entire year. In some parts, single woman gather the last snow they find, they melt it for it is believed that this water has magical properties in love rituals.

A true reason for joy and celebrations, Dragobete is one of the most beautiful ancient customs of the Romanian people. It is a shame that many have forgotten the original meaning and substituted it with the Western neighbours celebration, St. Valentines Day which doesn't have any traditions with Romanian history and mythology.

What better place to celebrate love in such a beautiful tradition than in the medieval city of Sibiu or the capital of Romania, Bucharest ?

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But, let’s not forget that love is much more then a feeling, and if you ask us, love should be celebrated every day!

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