Christmas in Romania is made special by the traditions preserved in the countryside
Traditions are reflected in the city as well as during the holidays, with Christmas fairs that showcase arts and crafts as well. Children in particular can enjoy the workshops held on this occasion.
Catalina Velniciuc, senior adviser with the Suceava National Tourist Promotion and Information Centre has more on the region of Bukovina: “Bukovina is an area where traditions are well preserved. Around Christmas, especially on December 24th and 25th, groups of carollers get around to most B&Bs in the county. Then, on December 26th, we have a special show inspired by traditions. It is a travelling show going from town to town, in places such as Putna, Sucevita, Moldovita, Vatra Moldovitei and Humor Monastery.”
On Christmas and New Year’s Eve, the black ceramics centre in Marginea is open to visitors, as well as the museum of decorated eggs in Vama.
Catalina Velniciuc: “The craftsmen there will be running practical demonstrations, and the tourists will be able to purchase their products. We have a Christmas fair on the esplanade near the Culture House in Suceava. Around the stage where carols are sung every evening, in wood huts, traditional craftsmen have on offer for visitors traditional objects, which make great holiday gifts. They also have on offer mulled wine and holiday food. Pork preparations are everywhere at this time of the year. Bukovina, as most Romanians know, is an exceptional area when it comes to food.”
In Timisoara, at the opposite end of the country, we spoke to Dan Diaconu, deputy mayor of the city: “The Christmas Fair kicked off on December 1st. The centre of the city is in the holiday mood already, and has been for most of the month. The Christmas fair has over a hundred huts for sellers, and the entire centre of the city is covered in Christmas lights. In Victoria Square we hold shows every day of the month. We also have a pedestrian centre downtown, the largest in Romania. It recalls the medieval atmosphere that Timisoara used to be famous for. We are actively promoting the Christmas Fair, as well as the other attractions of the city. For December, my colleagues and I have put together a few versions for the city break that listeners can find on-line, on Facebook, as well as on the websites of the fair and that of the City Hall. They were designed bearing in mind the large number of low cost flights that reach Timisoara from many European cities.”
And now we go to the city of Cluj. There we spoke to Manuela Campean, head of community relations and tourism with Cluj City Hall, who also acts as coordinator of the tourist information centre. In addition to the tourist potential of the city and its outlying areas, Cluj has a special holiday atmosphere, especially if you visit the fair in the city centre.
Manuela Campean: “In the Christmas Fair in Cluj we have a gingerbread stage, we have Santa's hut and the elves' workshop, a puppet theatre and storytelling, and also an ice skating rink where we have musical shows. Cluj has plenty of outdoor events for the holidays. Every evening you can travel by Santa's tramway, and visit the Street Food Festival. Cluj has cultural and entertainment events for all ages and tastes. It has puppet theatre, classical music, art exhibitions, and many more.”
Manuela Campean told us that tourists seeking a Christmas experience should not limit themselves to the city. The rural environment is a welcome surprise for everyone.
Manuela Campean: “We have tourist objectives all throughout the city and around it. Accommodation is getting hard to find around the holidays. They lavish the tourists with rich meals, plenty of traditional drinks, and tradition shows. The villages around Cluj have plenty of events, and churches keep the Christmas spirit alive. Children rehearse their carols there, then go carolling around the village in traditional garb. You are certainly welcome to Cluj, whether you are a Romanian tourist nostalgic for the holiday atmosphere of yore, or you want to have a taste of tradition for Christmas.”
Whichever region you pick for your holiday travels, Romania is certainly the place to be for the holidays. Happy travels! (Translated by Calin Cotoiu)
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