Romanian Winter Traditions by Region
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Winter looks different everywhere. Some countries celebrate with fireworks, others with candlelit processions or big family feasts. Romania? We do all of that and more. Here, winter is a full-on celebration.
While Romania shares many holiday traditions nationwide, each region brings its own flavour to the season. So get cosy with a mug of hot chocolate and let me take you on a journey through Romania’s winter customs.
1. Maramures: the land of wooden churches and soulful traditions
If winter traditions had a capital in Romania, Maramures would claim the crown. Known for its wooden churches, carved gates and incredibly well-preserved folklore, this region lives and breathes tradition during the winter season.
Colindat
In Maramures, carolling is not just kids singing for treats. It is an entire ritual in which villagers dress in beautifully embroidered coats made of thick wool, decorated with traditional red and black motifs. Groups of young men called "cete de colindatori" rehearse for weeks before going from house to house on Christmas Eve.
These carols are old and poetic. Some of them are believed to date back hundreds of years. When the singers arrive, the hosts welcome them with steaming “horinca” (strong plum brandy), homemade sausages and sweet bread. This is where the spirit of Romanian winter truly shines: slow, warm and filled with community.
The Goat Dance
The “Capra” (Goat Dance) is known throughout the country, but Maramures keeps it beautifully raw and traditional. The performers wear hand-decorated goat masks, covered in beads, sequins and colourful ribbons. They jump, whirl and stomp around to create that hypnotic rhythm that is said to chase away anything negative left from the year.
2. Moldavia: home of the Bear Dance
Moldavia is one of the regions with the most energetic and theatrical winter traditions. If you ever visit around Christmas or New Year’s Eve, be ready for loud drums, impressive animal costumes and big groups marching through the snow.
Ursul
One of the most famous winter rituals in Romania comes from Moldavia. The Bear Dance is performed in towns and villages across the region, but the best-known festival takes place in Comanesti. Here, dozens of performers dress up in real or synthetic bear skins, weighing up to 50 kilograms. Led by a “bear tamer,” they dance, growl and stomp to the sound of drums.
What does it mean? In ancient times, people believed bears had the power to protect the household and bring prosperity. Their dance symbolises the death of the old year and the birth of a new, stronger one.
Another tradition is “Plugusorul,” or the Little Plow, a spoken performance recited on New Year’s Eve. In Moldavia, it is performed with a real plow, horses decorated with red tassels and bells, and a lot of noise. The text is humorous and rhythmic, celebrating hard work, good harvests and the hopes of the new year. When you hear the sound of whips cracking in the distance, you know the performers are getting close.
3. Transylvania: carols
Transylvania’s winter traditions blend Romanian, Hungarian and Saxon elements into something unique. If you have ever wandered through the Christmas markets in Sibiu or Brasov, you already know the fairytale atmosphere this region creates in winter.
n many villages, children carry a star with painted scenes of the Nativity and sing at each household on Christmas Eve. This is known as “Steaua,” and it is one of the most peaceful winter customs in the country.
Saxon villages, especially around Sibiu and Sighisoara, hold winter fairs where you can find handmade wooden toys, spiced wine, gingerbread and traditional crafts. These fairs have German Christmas market influences, which means a lot of lights, a lot of baking smells and a lot of warm smiles.
4. Bucovina: monasteries coated in snow
Northern Romania becomes a postcard in winter. Bucovina is famous for its painted monasteries, and when the hills get covered in snow, the entire region feels serene and magical.
Irozii: the winter theatre
“Irozii” is a type of religious theatre performed around Christmas. It tells the story of King Herod and the birth of Jesus, but in Bucovina, the play is filled with humour and local charm. Villagers gather in community halls or even in barns to watch this old tradition come to life. Teenagers usually act in these roles, and they put their whole hearts into making the show lively and fun.
The masked dances of New Year’s Eve
Bucovina loves colourful costumes. On New Year’s Eve, groups of performers parade through the streets wearing elaborate masks called “mascați.” You will see devils, old men, brides, animals and all kinds of comical characters. The idea is to bring good fortune, laughter and abundance into the new year while driving away anything negative.
5. Oltenia
Oltenia brings energy to the winter season. This region is known for its outspoken people, strong local identity and powerful traditions that echo through villages and towns.
In Oltenia, carols are rhythmic, loud and confident. Young men gather in groups and rehearse for weeks before Christmas. They knock on each door, singing in deep voices that resonate throughout the village. The hosts reward them with homemade sausages, doughnuts, apples and wine. The gatherings last until late in the night.
The Horezu traditions
Around Horezu, a place famous for its pottery, winter comes with ceramic fairs and workshops where you can create your own clay decorations. Many people make holiday ornaments or paint traditional symbols that are believed to bring protection and good fortune.
6. Muntenia: urban winter magic and old customs
Muntenia includes both lively cities like Bucharest and peaceful rural areas that keep ancient rituals alive.
Even though it is a busy capital, Bucharest still holds on to the “Steaua” tradition. Kids and teenagers walk through neighbourhoods with illuminated stars made of paper and tinsel. They sing carols, and the city blocks echo with familiar winter melodies. Families open their doors to offer sweets, apples or a few coins.
In rural Muntenia, you will find the “Vasilca” ritual. This is performed around New Year’s Eve. A group of villagers carry a wooden pig’s head decorated with beads and ribbons. They recite playful poems that mix humour, good wishes and a bit of satire. The ritual is believed to bring a prosperous new year.
7. Dobrogea
Dobrogea is the only Romanian region by the sea, and winter traditions here blend Romanian, Greek and Turkish influences.
The carols in Dobrogea often have melodies influenced by the region’s diverse communities. Some households celebrate Christmas in Romanian style, others have Greek-style customs, and some communities prepare Turkish desserts for the winter holidays. If you walk through Constanta in December, you will hear carolling in several languages.
Dobrogea goes big on food during the holidays. Fish dishes are more common here than in the rest of the country, so if you want to try something different during the winter season, this is the place to be.
Winter Markets across Romania
No matter the region, Romania’s winter markets add sparkle to the cold season. Known as “Targuri de Craciun,” these markets fill city squares with twinkling lights, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and handmade ornaments. Sibiu, Brasov, Cluj, Bucharest and Oradea host some of the most beautiful markets, each with its own style.
Romania’s winter traditions are not just rituals. They are living stories passed from one generation to the next. They bring people together, protect the past and celebrate the present.
Now I am curious: how do you celebrate winter where you live? Share your traditions in the comments!
Roxana, OLS Community Manager - Romanian