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May is considered the month of flowers (Florar) in Romanian tradition. At this time the fragrant lilacs, peonies and lilies of the valley bloom and the meadows turn into a sea of flowers. The fondness of the people of Timisoara for flowers is shown by numerous parks and flower gardens, which look magnificent, especially in this month. In Timisoara there is actually a Clock made of flowers, which, since it was built, is one of the many attractions of the city. It is located in the northern part of the city park and is visible from the "Proclamația de la Timișoara" street.
Since the people of Timisoara like it colorful, this month - as every year - the multicolored sunshades will be installed again in Alba Iulia Street. They are a feast for the eyes of passers-by and, at the same time, also a shady oasis in the middle of the old town.
The month of May is popular not only for its flowers and colorfulness, but also because it begins immediately with a holiday. On May the 1st is celebrated "Labor Day" in Romania, as in many other countries. It has become a tradition for the people of Timisoara to spend May the 1st outdoors, eating mici (grilled minced meat rolls, considered a national dish in Romania) and drinking beer.
The event series "La UVT, Cultura este capitală!", part of the program "Timișoara-European Capital of Culture 2023" continues this month. On May 18, the West University will have a special guest, the famous professor and Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry Jean-Pierre Sauvage.
Author: Florentina Constantinescu
Photo: Sylvia Burger
Translator: Nicole Olariu
April showers bring May flowers.
After the previous warm and sunny days, April brought cold and rain to Timisoara. But this did not prevent the city residents to enter the Easter mood. Easter markets had already opened at the beginning of the month. The Easter market at ,,Piața Libertății" is the most famous and has attracted many guests, especially this year, from near and far.
Since Timișoara is a multicultural city, Easter is celebrated twice here. The Catholics are the first to celebrate - on April 9 - and the Orthodox a week later. Easter traditions also differ depending on the religion. German children decorate the Easter tree with Easter eggs on Maundy Thursday and look for the Easter eggs hidden by the Easter Bunny on Easter Sunday. Among the Hungarians and the Germans the girls are splashed with Easter water on Easter Monday and the Romanians knock the painted Easter eggs on each other (Egg tapping) while saying: "Christ is risen!" "He is truly risen!"
Easter is the greatest feast in the Orthodox Church year. On the night of Easter, many Orthodox people go to Easter Mass with a candle in hand to get the Easter light. On this night, the streets are brightly lit by candlelight, as everyone brings home their burning candle.
Among the highlights of this month for Timisoara people was not only Easter, but also the visit of some guests of honor. On April 3, the first to arrive in Timișoara was the Turkish writer and Nobel Prize winner for literature, Orhan Pamuk. He was awarded an honorary degree of PhD by the Western University of Timișoara. On April 11, the Western University of Timișoara awarded an honorary doctorate to Jean-Marie Lehn, a Nobel Prize winner in chemistry. On April 25, UVT had the honor to welcome the famous philosopher Gabriel Liiceanu.
These events were organized by the Western University of Timișoara and are part of the event series "La UVT, Cultura este capitală!", a part of the program "Timișoara European Capital of Culture 2023".
Author: Florentina Constantinescu
Photo: Sylvia Burger
Translator: Nicole Olariu
In March, spring finally begins. The sun shows itself more often, nature awakens to new life and it everything turns green. The first migratory birds are back and delight us with their chirping. Especially beautiful at this time of year is that many plants are blossoming. Snowdrops bloom as early as the beginning of March and are thus considered messengers of spring. Crocuses also stick their colorful heads out of the ground, an unmistakable sign that spring is on its way.
Like everywhere else in the world, the beginning of spring is the occasion for festivals and traditions in Romania. The most famous custom in March is the little March, in Romanian known as "mărțișor". This is a small pendant with a thin red and white twisted cord, which is worn on the clothes like a brooch. Women and girls are given this as a gift for the first of March and wear it until the first fruit trees begin to blossom. Then you hang it on a flowering branch and make a wish. March symbolizes the beginning of spring and is supposed to bring good luck.
On March 8, Romania celebrates Women's Day, as everywhere else in the world. Mother's Day is also celebrated on this day. At school, the children make gifts for their mothers.
For inhabitants of Timisoara, March is a special month not only because of its traditions, but also because of the fact that in this month the Bega River shipping traffic is put into circulation again. The small boats, reminding of the Italian vaporetti, run from Monday to Friday as a type of means of local transport from the station "Ardealul" to the station "Mihai Viteazul" and back. On weekends they are used as a recreational means of transport and you can ride them from the stop "Catedrala Metropolitană" to the stop "Sânmihaiu Român". A ride on the vaporetto is especially beautiful at this time, because now the magnolias bloom along both sides of the Bega River. They form not only a spectacular sight, but also exude a wonderful fragrance.
Author: Florentina Constantinescu
Photo: Sylvia Burger
Translator: Nicole Olariu
We have waited long enough. Finally, the time has come. On February 17, 2023, Timisoara has officially opened the Capital of Culture.
There was a big celebration. The opening ceremony lasted from Friday to Sunday and during these days many cultural events took place at different locations in Timisoara. The program was diverse and included a little something for everyone, from performing to visual and from traditional to modern art. Concerts that lasted late into the night created a great atmosphere and the city seemed more alive than ever that weekend.
The interest of the people of Timișoara in nature and biodiversity is reflected in the project "Pepiniera. 1306 Plante pentru Timișoara"-"Nursery. 1306 plants for Timișoara", a steel structure with several floors housing a tree nursery, which quickly became the city's new center of attraction. It is located on Opera Square and what makes it special is that visitors can climb it and experience the city center from a new perspective. Many people say that the whole place looks different from above. Especially newlyweds are enthusiastic about the innovative idea and have their love captured in a photo up there.
Besides culture, love is also the keyword of the month. In February, the Romanian Valentine's Day is celebrated and is known as "Dragobete". This festival commemorates an ancient legend that always falls on February 24. On this day, as every year, various events are organized, which attract many locals, but also tourists.
So if you are a culture freak or just in love, if you love quiet places or rather the hustle and bustle of the city center, then pack your bags and come to Timisoara. There is something for everyone here.
For you too!
P.S. Don't forget your umbrellas! Sometimes it rains here during February.
Author: Florentina Constantinescu
Photo: Sylvia Burger
Translator: Nicole Olariu
The month of January surprises us with its calm and serenity. After the Christmas days filled with excitement and after the beginning of the year, the city settles down. The Christmas market has "vanished" into the cold January air. The streets are empty. Every now and then, a few rays of sunlight sneak through the bare branches of the trees. A charming play of shadows and light is created by the dark clouds obscuring the sun. Nature shines in this unseasonably early spring and people watch this wonderful landscape from terraces or park benches.
Every now and then you see groups of people - from young to old - walking through the streets, eager to participate in the latest events of the Capital of Culture program in their free time.
The cultural offer of the city is also very rich in January, with exhibitions, plays and concerts that revitalize the city in the first days of the year. It is the period when the Timișoara Capital of Culture program is officially opened. Tourists are expected to participate in the countless events of the Capital of Culture year.
Author: Mălina Buzescu
Photo: Sylvia Burger
Translator: Nicole Olariu
Fancy discovering Timișoara in December?
Then come with us!
We will take you to the most beautiful streets and squares of the city. All you need is warm clothes, sturdy shoes and a good mood.
The streets are festively decorated. All Advent markets are now open and the smell of cinnamon, vanilla and candles already creates a Christmas atmosphere. Christmas is approaching and transforming the city into an enchanted place. The pigeons are the witnesses of this beautiful transformation.
There's a lot going on in the big squares. Where do people come from, where are they going? Locals are easy to recognize. They don't stop. No. They are in a hurry to do the last Christmas shopping. The tourists, however, have plenty of time. They linger. Some take photos, others sit on a bench and admire the city.
We do not hurry either, although we are a little cold. Punch or mulled wine always help fend off the cold.
Cheers and Merry Christmas!
Author: Florentina Constantinescu
Photo: Sylvia Burger
Translator: Nicole Olariu
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