New Year's Day in Romania

A two-day legal holiday period

Romania's Labor Code lists January 1 and 2 among the public holidays on which work is not normally done. The law applies to employees covered by the Code; the employer grants the days off. The Code also allows the government to designate additional working days off around public holidays for public-sector employees, with recovery arrangements.[1][2]

Some services must continue. The Code provides for suitable working arrangements in health-care and food-supply units, and its holiday provisions do not apply where work cannot be interrupted because of the production process or the nature of the activity. Employees who work in these circumstances are entitled to compensatory time off within 30 days or, in specified cases, a pay supplement of at least 100 percent.[1]

Customs of the New Year

Romanian folk customs around the turn of the year include masked performances. The Constanța Folk Art Museum describes Capra, also known in some areas as Turcă, Brezaie, Bouriță or Cerb; the animal figure is played by a young man, with music accompanying the performance. These names and details reflect regional variations in the custom.[3]

On New Year's morning, children may go with a sorcovă, a decorated wand used to touch those being greeted while reciting a verse. The museum notes that the wand was once a budding fruit-tree branch and that the greeting invokes images of fruit trees and flourishing growth.[3]

The museum also records Vasilca, a custom practiced on the first day of the year: a decorated pig's head was taken to households, followed by wishes for prosperity and abundance. In the account, the pig symbolizes good luck and forward movement.[3]

Opening hours and getting around

The statutory holiday affects normal working arrangements, but opening hours vary by provider. Check the specific bank, shop, attraction or transport operator's holiday schedule before making plans; services that must continue, including parts of health care and essential food supply, operate under suitable arrangements.[1]