Christmas in Dorna Country

Today we propose a foray into the world of the Romanian village, a world that always surprises with the beauty of traditions and customs

Daniel Onea, 21.12.2023, 14:00

If the Christmas markets have already opened in the center of the big cities, the guesthouses in the countryside have already prepared for the holidays. In addition to a special menu, carefully composed of natural ingredients, the hosts offer artistic programs to tourists who choose the Romanian village as their destination, as well as visits to the most interesting sights in the surroundings.

Today we propose a foray into the world of the Romanian village, a world that always surprises with the beauty of traditions and customs. And, in the north-east of Romania, where Tara Dornelor stretches, the Christmas celebration has even more charm, says Mihaela Cocârță, executive director of the Tara Dornelor Destination Management Organization.

Tara Dornelor is a fairytale destination, a destination that overwhelms with its natural beauty, the warmth of the people, authentic traditions and rich customs, carefully passed down from generation to generation. Tara Dornelor is located in the heart of Bucovina and is an ideal destination for those who choose to spend their winter holidays away from home, as here they will feel exactly like home. For example, tourists passionate about adventure, traditions, and local gastronomy will feel truly pampered here, as, in the Dornelor Basin, the atmosphere is full of celebration and activities specific to the season. Tourists can take part in a lot of festive events. Of course, we are talking about Christmas markets. We also opened a few occasional Christmas markets in Tara Dornelor. We also have a fair with local products, where tourists can come and taste the goodies of Dorna Land. We are also talking about charity events, carol performances, all kinds of cultural events. All this being just a small part of our holiday tourist offer.

Those who love winter activities have the opportunity to spend an intense day on the ski slopes, says Mihaela Cocârță.

We have several slopes of different levels of difficulty, where they can ski, board or sled. They can also do lap skiing. Tourists can create memories with their loved ones on the ice rink, or even take romantic horse-drawn carriage rides. Some guesthouses offer this service. Of course, they can also go horseback riding or they can simply go for a walk and enjoy the festive light show, which turns our area into a fairytale place during this period. Among the special activities that tourists can do in our area, I mention a visit to the Călimani National Park, where both families with children and young people can learn more about this park of ours, which is so important to us. They can also visit the deer farm in the area and, why not, they can also make a short stop at one of the sheepfolds in Tara Dornelor, which offers tourists a foray into this fantastic world and even enjoy a tasting of specific delicacies. Of course, don’t forget that they can also do chairlift rides, recreational flying, snowmobile and ATV trails, and even go hiking through the snow, weather permitting.

We can’t talk about the winter holidays without mentioning Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, both of which are very important. And a specific tradition on Christmas Eve is caroling, an old custom of the locals, especially in the village area. They dress in folk costumes and walk the streets with their carols, full of emotion and joy.

During this period, houses and guesthouses await their carolers, and open their doors to listen to them. In our area, it is also a reason to narrow the ties between neighbors and friends, but, extrapolating to tourists, there is also a lot of emphasis on creating a relationship between host and guests. A very close atmosphere is created, and for us it is very important that the guests feel part of the family. Also on Christmas Eve, the tree gets decorated, and a distinct element compared to other areas of Romania is that, here, the tree is still decorated on the Eve, not earlier, and also those candies are still used specific to the tree, in addition to the other design elements.

Christmas in Dorna Land is not just a holiday, but a journey through time to customs and traditions that have endured. And, if we talk about gastronomy, all accommodation units, especially in the rural area, prepare something special for their guests, says Mihaela Cocârță, executive director of the Țara Dornelor Destination Management Organization.

We don’t compromise on quality, and that’s why all local products, in addition to being delicious, are also natural. They are carefully prepared by the hosts, as if for their families. Our gastronomy brings together all the traditional flavors, especially during Christmas. And here we are talking about stuffed cabbage, about Christmas cake, Russian salad, and about all kinds of specific meat products, but also cheeses from small local producers. Thus, we offer a culinary feast that brings joy to even the most demanding of customers. Moving on to Christmas meals, these are the most delicious of the entire year. Țara Dornelor offers a unique experience to the tourists who visit us, being a destination dedicated both to groups of friends and families with children of all ages, even grandparents. As proof, in our area, the occupancy rate is very high, somewhere close to 100%. We have visitors, foreigners and Romanians, of all ages, precisely because we offer so many services that are addressed to various age groups. There are all kinds of events that take place during this period. One of these events is the Festival of Winter Traditions and Customs, an event with tradition. It has reached its 26th edition, and is an extraordinary parade of groups of carolers and carolers from all over the country, held in the open air, where the spectators enjoy an extraordinary show. In conclusion, I can only wish everyone happy and peaceful holidays, wherever, in whatever corner of the country and the world they are.

And the list of events continues over the next period. On January 20, 2024, the first edition of the Balkan Cyclocross Championship will take place in Vatra Dornei. Then, also in Vatra Dornei, from February 15, 2024, two stages of the luge world cup will be held on the natural track.