Dragobete, the traditional lovers’ day in Romania, is celebrated on February 24, ten days after the Western European and American counterpart Valentine’s Day, celebrated today ( February 14 ). The traditional celebration of love has become more popular after many rebelled against the Western European holiday and went back to tradition.

Dragobete was the son of Baba Dochia- a figure that marks the return of spring. On this day, girls and boys dressed in holiday suits meet in front of the church and go searching for spring flowers. Then, they sit and talk around the fires lit on the hills in the village. At noon, the girls go back to the village running, each followed by the boy who fell in love with her. If the boy catches the girl he chose, and if the girl likes him, they will kiss in front of everybody. This kiss signals their engagement for one year, Dragobete being an opportunity to show an attachment in front of the community.

Dragobete traditions vary from region to region. There are a number of Dragobete customs in rural areas, many of which are not kept up by modern Romanians.

The tradition also says that those who take part in Dragobete customs are supposed to be protected from illness, for the rest of the year.

Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com

(photo source: Sxc.hu)