New Year's Day, or 'Anul Nou' as it is referred to in Romania, is one of the major holidays in the country, marked with great enthusiasm and fervor. This holiday, which falls on January 1st, signifies the start of a new calendar year. The energy is palpatic as fireworks light up the skies and the streets of Romania pulsate with fun and celebration on the eve of New Year's Day.
Similar to many other nations, Romanians celebrate the New Year with grand feasting, dancing, music, and parties. People also engage in traditional 'Ursul', 'Capra', and 'Sorcova' folklore dances. Customarily, kids start their day by going from house to house singing songs of prosperity and good fortune called ‘Sorcova’ while swaying a twig, wishing everyone a prosperous New Year.
The significant part of the New Year celebration in Romania is the plentiful food. Romanians prepare traditional dishes such as 'Sarmale' (cabbage rolls with meat), 'Ciorba de Perisoare' (meatball soup), and 'Cozonac' (sweet bread with nuts or poppy seeds). They believe that an abundant feast will bring prosperity throughout the New Year. What is also noteworthy is that Romanians focus on family time, strengthening bonds, and hoping for a better year ahead with overall new beginnings.