What makes you happy each month?
Traditions and Customs from around the world that I look forward every year to enjoy as well as just simple changes in nature. Most of the traditions are Romanian as being my home country I grew up with them, but not only. I only added festivals or activities I've been to, I am sure that there are so many others out there so this is an ongoing list and I will be sure to add anything else I discover.
January
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SORCOVA
Where: Romania
When: 1st of January Description: It's a very old tradition, where kinds come in the morning of the new year to wish every household health, happiness and a prosperous year. They carry a wand with flowers (called sorcova) which acts like a magic wand.
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This picture was taken in Strasbourg after spending New Years Eve in Alsace, France
February
It's been years, that I tried to find something, anything that makes me happy this month and i end up with nothing. Some might say that this is Valentines month, but I don't believe that Love is something that is relevant on one day of the year and so, instead of feeling the pressure of being happy on just one day, wouldn't it be better to be happy all year round? :) just saying
March
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MARTISOR
Where: Romania, Bulgaria, Macedonia & Republic of Moldova
When: 1st of March Description: is the celebration of the beginning of spring, it was added to the UNESCO Heritage patrimony in December 2017. The red and white tread symbolizes the step from winter (white) to the agriculture season (red). There are several stories behind it but you can read more on 92springdays. |
I love spreading the culture around, so to prepare for the 1st of March, I have made (yes, myself) these little traditional romanian blouses to give them to my colleagues in the office.
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Day of the Woman
Where: Romania
When: 8th of March Description: Although all around the world 8 of March represents the day of the woman but in Romania and a lot of the eastern block countries, we also celebrate the day of the mother, making it a very special day for us. We give flowers to women and tell them that they are special to us, and so since I moved to Belgium I decided to share this with all my female colleague at work. This picture is from me bring flowers to the office last year 😊 |
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Forty Martyrs of Sebaste
Where: Romania
When: 9th of March Description: It is dedicated to the martyrs of Sebaste, it is more a religious celebration, about which you can read more on 92springdays . What I love about this are the traditional sweets that we bake 😊. |
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St. Patrick's
Where: Ireland
When: 17th of March Description: I only celebrated it in Leuven so I can’t give you the full experience, but saint Patrick is a day that is always very happy and cheerful and if you never experienced it you should. There is an Irish pub everywhere in this world, go there on 175) of March |
April
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Orthodox Easter
Where: Orthodox Countries
When: Varies (generally April) Description: Besides the date itself that is usually different, there are also several traditions that are different between the Catholic and Orthodox Easter. |
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Cherry Blossom - Sakura
Where: Japan (&World)
When: April Description: to me, Sakura is the re-birth of nature, the time of the year when the sun is getting warmer and nature is starting to smell incredible. Not to mention how pretty the trees look like. |
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Dia del Libro & Sant Jordi
Where: Catalonia, Spain
When: 23 of April Description: Catalonia is celebrating today Sant Jordi. In a nutshell the tradition says that the girl offers a book to the guy while the guy offers a rose to the girl. This holiday led #UNESCO to declare 23 April as the #worldbookday |
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King's Day
Where: The Netherlands
When: 27 April Description: Koningsdag or King's Day is a national holiday in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Celebrated on 27 April, the date marks the birth of King Willem-Alexander. Until the abdication of Queen Beatrix in 2013, the holiday was known as Koninginnedag or Queen's Day and was celebrated on 30 April. Celebrations: Partying, wearing orange costumes, flea markets, concerts and traditional local gatherings |
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Tulips HollandWhere: The Netherlands
When: Keukenhof & Holland in general Description: Holland is famous for it's endless fields of Tulips and so if around The Netherlands around April make sure you check out the gorgeous fields that cover the country in beautiful colors. |
May
BlueBells BloomWhere: Hallerbos, Belgium
When: May Description: I know it's not only a Belgian thing, but here is where I first discovered the excitement to see how a whole first turns purple |
June
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La Blouse Roumaine
Where: World Wide by Romanians
When: 24th of June Description: Like a lot of traditions especially when it come sto fashion, people tend to consider them old fashioned and become less and less interested in them. La Blouse Romaine thought that cultural heritage and hand made traditions need to be values and honored as it is something unique that each country has and so in Romania I am proud to say that the gorgeous hand made sewed Romanian traditional costumes gained in popularity. |
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St Juan
Where: Seaside locations, Spain
When: 24th of June Description: Gives you a feeling of camp, it's exciting and seems so sociable ending with a perfect swim right before sunrise (that if the weather allows). The downside to this, is that people forget that the beach is not their trash |
July
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Rock WerchterWhere: Belgium (Werchter)
When: Early July Description: I am definitely not a festival person for particular bands, but for the incredible atmosphere. If you are lucky enough to catch sunny days during RW you'll love the time at this festival |
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Vlaanderen Zingt
Where: Belgium (Flemish part)
When: Last Saturday of the month Description: This is like a giant Karaoke. It's crazy. You get a newspaper with lyrics of popular songs (EN/FR/NL) and the whole market gets packed with people singing from the bottom of their lungs. And don't you worry, be it sunny or rainy the Old Market will be packed (at least in Leuven). |
August
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Hapje Tapje
Where: Leuven, Belgium
When: 1st Sunday of the month Description: If you love food and always struggle what to pick, then this is the event for you. all restaurants of the city take out their kitchen in the street and prepare taps sized portions. You still need to be strategic about it as there are so many options. Note that you need to be patient as the city gets super crowded and walking takes place at snail speed. |
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Aste Nagusia
Where: Bilbao, Spain
When: The big week Description: |
September
October
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Autumn Colors
Where: World Wide
When: all month Description: |
November
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My B-day.
I am born in the second worst month of the year and the only reason why it is second to last is that i do celebrate my b-day and i am always excited for it. Plus in Belgium you get a day off and so it's like a present offering you the opportunity for a long weekend away. |
December
Xmas MarketsWhere: Several Countries
When: Before 25 December Description: I love Christmas Markets, the decorations, the sweets, the bratwurst the hot wine, and if some snowflakes decide to fall during that time everything becomes even more magical. |
ChristmasWhere: (almost) World Wide
When: 25 December Description: there is no better Christmas than the Christmas at home. Since I leave outside my country I missed several holidays and traditions, but someone Christmas is not one of day. I could not go home one year and I really missed the time with my family and my home town during that time. |
New Years EveWhere: (almost) World Wide
When: 31 December Description: Well, this is not necessary something i enjoy that much, maybe more like a Valentine day. I don't believe in having fun on a particular day as you have to stay till midnight. Maybe I do get excited for the fireworks to be fair and spending time with friends. |