Romania: Thriving Despite Itself?
During the holidays, I couldn’t help but notice that, for better or worse, Romanian Christmas traditions are still very much alive.
Although we don’t live in the countryside—and certainly wouldn’t know how to slaughter a pig or preserve protein supplies for winter to save our lives—some traditions endure. This year, just like last year, my children and five others from our street went carolling from house to house.
Doors opened for their voices to spread joy and hope to everyone listening. It’s my favorite thing at Christmas.🎄
The image above is from a village in Maramures where carollers wear traditional costumes.
Why Visit Romania? Authenticity and Nature
When I talk to travelers about Romania and why they should consider visiting, I always highlight two main points: our stunning nature and biodiversity, and the access to an authentic way of life. If you like these, Romania is for you in a big way. (And you can go ahead and plan a bespoke trip with Beyond Dracula 😉 )
The experience of the local culture in Romania is actually hard to avoid. It covers everything from holiday traditions to the everyday rituals people mostly in villages (but not exclusively!) still observe. in harmony with the seasons and nature’s rhythms. It’s in the stories passed down through generations, the superstitions and recipes that reflect an enduring connection to the past. It’s something you don’t just see here—you feel it.
The Holiday Backdrop: Political Turmoil
But this holiday season wasn’t only about carols and traditions.
It also set the stage for significant political changes—or lack thereof. After a peculiar presidential election, where the second round pitted Romania’s first woman candidate against an unknown, far-right extremist, the elections were ultimately cancelled. We remain governed by the same president, same prime minister, and, more or less, the same ministers.
Jokingly, in Romania, we say we like to take one step forward and two backward, which actually results in slowly going backward. If you judge Romania by its politics, this might be spot on country branding. 🤷♀️
Hope in the Builders
But I am hopeful.
Not in our politicians, but in the people who are building the country, who are relentless in their pursuit of positive change and impact, who just wouldn’t give up and keep going no matter what. I don’t know if it’s just me, but among the mixed bag of outcomes from the recent political situation, I sense that there are more and more of the unstoppable builders speaking up. And I think this counts.
Actually, I know it does.
Politically, Romania has seldom been lucky. The “one step forward, two steps back” metaphor is often painfully accurate. And yet, here we are, moving forward nevertheless.
Sometimes, I joke with my friend Andy Trincia that Romania thrives in spite of itself. But what if that’s not true? What if, in spite of our politicians, it’s the people collectively pushing the country forward? What if this has always been the case?
I’d have to dig deep to find answers to this question. I’ll leave it here for others to explore if they wish.
The Revolution’s Legacy: 35 Years Later
The holidays also coincided with the celebration of the Romanian Revolution from 1989. Thirty-five years ago, a small group in Timisoara dared to ask for freedom. It was only a spark and it could have gone unnoticed (the communist regime tried to extinguish it), but the conditions in Romania had been so hard for such a long time that enough people joined in and risked their lives in hope for a change. Thinking of these people and their courage is humbling.
As I reflect on this juxtaposition—our enduring traditions, our frustrating politics, and the spirit of those who won’t give up—I find myself both grateful and hopeful. Romania seems to have always been a place where resilience prevails. I only wish sometimes we would make it easier for ourselves to move forward.
Inspiring reflections!