Eastern Europe is a region rich in history and tradition, especially when it comes to celebrating holidays. From the enchanting Christmas markets of Poland to the vibrant Easter rituals in Romania, each country offers unique and fascinating customs.
These celebrations are a blend of ancient traditions and modern festivities, reflecting the cultural diversity and communal spirit of the region.
Join us as we explore the most beloved holidays in Eastern Europe and discover the warmth and joy they bring to people’s lives.
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Romania
Romania’s public holidays reflect the country’s deep Orthodox Christian heritage and national pride. Many religious and historical holidays are observed with great reverence and are vital times for Romanians to spend with their families and communities.
New Year's Day (January 1)
New Year’s Day marks the beginning of the year with celebrations across Romania. Families and friends gather for feasts and parties, often staying up late to watch fireworks and exchange good wishes for the coming year.
New Year Holiday (2nd January)
Following the New Year’s celebrations, this day serves as an extended holiday for Romanians to rest and continue festivities before returning to their regular schedules.
Epiphany (6th January)
Epiphany is an important Orthodox Christian holiday celebrating the baptism of Jesus Christ. In Romania, it is marked with church services, the blessing of waters, and the symbolic tradition of throwing a cross into water for young men to retrieve.
Synaxis of St. John the Baptist (7th January)
The day after Epiphany is dedicated to St. John the Baptist, who baptized Jesus. Many Romanians celebrate this day by attending church services and honoring those named John or Ioana, as it is a common name in Romania.
Union of the Romanian Principalities (24th January)
This day commemorates the unification of the Romanian Principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia in 1859, an essential step towards Romania’s independence. It is a day of national pride, celebrated with patriotic events and festivities.
Labor Day (1st May)
Labor Day is a public holiday in Romania that honors workers and labor movements. Many Romanians use this day to relax and spend time with family, often enjoying outdoor activities like picnics and barbeques.
Orthodox Good Friday (3rd May)
Good Friday is a solemn day in Romania, marking the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Romanians attend church services, and many observe fasting or other religious practices as part of their Orthodox faith.
Orthodox Easter Sunday (5th May)
Orthodox Easter Sunday is the most important religious holiday in Romania, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus. Families gather for festive meals, which often include traditional foods like painted eggs and lamb dishes, and they exchange greetings of “Hristos a înviat” (Christ has risen).
Orthodox Easter Monday (6th May)
The day following Easter Sunday is a continuation of the holiday celebrations, with families visiting each other and attending church services. Easter Monday is also a public holiday in Romania.
Children's Day (1st June)
Children’s Day is a joyful holiday dedicated to celebrating the happiness and well-being of children. Special events, activities, and entertainment are organized across Romania to honor the country’s youngest citizens.
Orthodox Whit Sunday (23rd June)
Also known as Pentecost, Whit Sunday marks the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. In Romania, this is a significant religious holiday, and many attend church services to commemorate the event.
Orthodox Whit Monday (24th June)
Whit Monday follows Pentecost and is a public holiday in Romania. Many Romanians use this day to relax, spend time with family, or continue the religious observances of the Pentecost period.
Assumption Day (15th August)
Assumption Day celebrates the belief that the Virgin Mary was taken into heaven. It is both a religious and public holiday in Romania, and many people attend church services and enjoy time with their families.
Feast of Saint Andrew (30th November)
Saint Andrew is the patron saint of Romania, and his feast day is celebrated with religious observances and folklore traditions. This holiday has deep cultural and spiritual significance in Romania.
Great Union Day (1st December)
Great Union Day is Romania’s National Day, commemorating the unification of Transylvania with the Romanian Kingdom in 1918. It is a day of national pride, marked with parades, patriotic events, and celebrations across the country.
Christmas Day (25th December)
Christmas is a significant holiday in Romania, celebrated with religious services, festive meals, and family gatherings. Many Romanians attend midnight mass on Christmas Eve and share in traditional holiday foods, such as “cozonac” (sweet bread) and “sarmale” (cabbage rolls).
2nd Day of Christmas (26th December)
The day after Christmas is also a public holiday in Romania, providing families with more time to relax and celebrate. It is often used for visiting relatives or continuing the holiday festivities.
How to work with Romanian nations Holidays as an American Employer
When working with Romanian employees, it is essential to recognize the importance of religious and national holidays, especially Easter, Christmas, and Great Union Day. These are times when Romanians prioritize family and religious observances, and allowing time off during these periods fosters positive employee relations.
Some holidays, such as Orthodox Easter and White Monday, follow the Orthodox Christian calendar and may not align with Western holidays. Flexibility around these dates is appreciated by Romanian employees. It is also helpful to understand the importance of national holidays like Great Union Day and Union of the Romanian Principalities, which reflect Romania’s sense of national pride.
Providing clear communication on holiday policies and accommodating time off during these key observances will help maintain a respectful and productive relationship with Romanian employees.
