What Makes Romania Unique? A Cultural Adventure for Children

Romania is a country full of exciting traditions, tasty food, colorful clothes, and magical stories. Let’s take a look at some of the best things kids can learn and enjoy about Romanian culture!

1. Delicious Romanian Food

• Mici: Tiny grilled sausages made from pork, mutton, and beef. Great with mustard and fries.

• Salata Boeuf: A holiday potato salad with chicken, carrots, and mayonnaise.

• Ciorba: Sour soups made with meatballs, beef, or chicken and veggies.

• Sarmale: Cabbage or grape leaves stuffed with rice and meat, served with mamaliga (cornmeal porridge).

• Papanasi: Donuts made from cottage cheese, topped with cream and fruit.

• Cozonac and Pasca: Sweet holiday breads filled with raisins, nuts, or cheese.

2. Traditional Clothing

• Ie: A white shirt worn by both men and women, decorated with colorful embroidery.

• Women’s outfit: Ie, apron (catrinta), and headscarf (basmaua).

• Men’s outfit: Ie, white pants, belt, vest, and hat.

• Opinci: Leather sandals worn with traditional costumes.

3. Romanian Festivals and Celebrations

• Dragobete (Feb 24): Romania’s Valentine’s Day.

• Martisor (Mar 1): Start of spring with red-white strings given as good-luck charms.

• Easter: Painted eggs, Sacred Light, and traditional meals like lamb drob and sweet breads.

• Christmas: Caroling, pork dishes, and gift-giving from Saint Nicolas and Santa.

• New Year: Kids sing with bells and wave a sorcova (flower stick) for good luck.

• Medieval Festival: Held in Sibiu with knights, music, and dancing.

• Maidens Fair: Folk dance, costumes, and matchmaking on Mount Gaina.

4. Famous Stories and Legends

• Count Dracula: Inspired by Vlad Tepes, not a real vampire but a strict prince.

• Manole’s Legend: A builder sacrifices his wife to complete a monastery.

• Salt in Dishes: A fairy tale that teaches why salt is just as important as sweetness.

5. Romanian Fairy Tale Characters

• Iele: Magical fairies who sing, dance, and cast spells if angered.

• Ileana Cosanzeana: A beautiful, brave heroine who fights evil with kindness and wisdom.

6. Fun Games for Kids

• TOMANAP: A geography game where kids list countries, cities, animals, and more starting with a chosen letter. Points are scored for original answers.

7. How Romanians Communicate

• Common greetings: “Buna” (Hello), “Buna dimineata” (Good morning), “Noapte buna” (Good night).

• Romanians are warm and expressive. Hugs, cheek kisses, and direct eye contact are normal.

• Guests are welcomed with gifts, smiles, and kindness.

8. Romanian Values and Beliefs

• Family: The most important value. Children grow up learning respect and loyalty.

• Religion: Most Romanians are Orthodox Christians who value faith deeply.

• Identity: Romanians are proud of their culture, heroes, and traditions.

9. Special Customs and Traditions

• Ignat (Dec 20): Traditional pig sacrifice for Christmas.

• Saint Andrew’s Night (Nov 30): Garlic is used to keep away evil spirits.

• Sanzienele (June 24): A flower celebration where girls dream of future husbands.

• Capra (The Goat): A colorful New Year’s dance with masks and songs.

10. Amazing Places in Romania

• Danube Delta: A nature wonderland with birds, fish, and lakes.

• Bran Castle: Known as Dracula’s castle, visited by many tourists.

• Peles Castle: A royal castle with over 170 rooms and art collections.

• Transfagarasan: A famous mountain road with lakes and tunnels.

• Carpathian Mountains: Romania’s natural heart with forests, rivers, and wildlife.

• Bucovina: A region with painted monasteries and peaceful countryside stays.

Want to learn more? Join Dinolingo to explore the Romanian language through games, videos, songs, and printable materials. Kids can enjoy learning Romanian on the web, iOS, or Android. One subscription works for up to 6 users!

Romania is full of wonder, and now you know how fun it is to explore it through food, stories, music, games, and traditions!