Sânziene, a Midsummer Night’s Dream in Romania
On the 24th of June, Christians celebrate the Feast of Saint John, a special day that overlaps the midsummer rural tradition of Sânziene or Drăgaica, as the celebration is locally…
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On Writing: Sophie van Llewyn, Author of Bottled Goods (Interview)
Sophie van Llewyn is what we may call a citizen of the world. Born in Romania, living and working in Germany, and writing in English, her name might not sound…
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Dragobete, the Romanian Celebration of Love and Happiness
Dragobete, the more archaic and agrarian Romanian counterpart of Valentine’s Day, celebrates not only love and happiness, but also the arrival of spring and the mating of animals. Although V…
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8 Romanian Design Brands to Keep an Eye On
Whether we talk about furniture, object design, home decor or fashion, things are constantly changing and evolving. Steve Jobs once said “Design is not just what it looks like and…
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Mihai Eminescu, Romania’s Most Celebrated Poet
January 15 marks the celebration of the National Day of Culture (now in its 10th year), which coincides with the commemoration of Romania’s most celebrated poet, Mihai Eminescu. Born on…
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Sibiu or Seebiu? From Houses with Eyes to Political Protests
Sibiu, one of the most important cities in Transylvania, is known for quite a few things. If we are to agree with Maslow, we must start with salami and cheese—a…
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Contemporary Romanian Painters Worth a Look
Apparently, the 1970s were a great decade for Romanian painting, although it may actually take a while before art history will recognise the fact. In an attempt to compile a…
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Romanian Winter Traditions: Carols, Pig Slaughtering and Eerie Masks
Romania is a country with strong agrarian roots. It makes perfect sense, then, that its most celebrated customs rely on these origins, with winter traditions presumably being the most important,…
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The Art Nouveau Heritage in Oradea
Updated in September 2020. There are definitely many things to see and do in Oradea and nearby, but if you’re looking for just one reason to visit the city, it…
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10 Souvenirs to Bring Home from Romania
Let’s be honest, finding a good souvenir isn’t easy. That is, if you’re looking for more than a fridge magnet, a keychain or a mug. While in Romania, there’s a…
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