Culture & Etiquette in Poiana Brașov (2026)

Firm handshakes with eye contact are the standard greeting; formality matters more in first meetings.
Direct communication and expressive behavior are normal—don't interpret closeness in queues or frank questions as rudeness.
Hosts may insist on refilling your plate as a sign of care; accepting graciously is appreciated.
Bring an odd number of flowers as a gift; even numbers are reserved for funerals.
Avoid politics, religion, and personal financial discussions unless locals initiate.
Finish your food as a compliment to the host, and maintain eye contact during toasts.
Brașov's Junii Brașovului festival (first Sunday after Orthodox Easter) is a major local tradition celebrating spring and community heritage with horsemen, costumes, and folk traditions.

General Standards: Romanians generally dress smartly for both social and business occasions. Conservative attire is expected in business settings. When attending events or visiting churches, it's respectful to dress modestly.

Flowers: Always avoid an even number of flowers, as these are traditionally used for funerals.

Hospitality: Romanian hospitality can be extraordinarily generous, especially once you are welcomed into someone's home or inner circle. Hosts may offer the best food and drink they have, regardless of income level or practical inconvenience. Plates and glasses may be refilled repeatedly, with second and third helpings offered as a sign of care and respect.
Directness And Expression: Loud conversations, interruptions, expressive gestures, and visible emotion may be normal in public or social settings. Public behavior in Romania may feel more direct, closer, or less private than some foreigners expect. People may stand close in queues, sit near others in public spaces, or look directly at someone they find interesting. Personal questions may be asked openly, not necessarily because someone wants to be intrusive, but because curiosity is not always treated as inappropriate.

Table Behavior: When dining, wait for the host to invite you to start before eating. It is polite to finish everything on your plate as a compliment to the host. During toasts, maintain eye contact and clink glasses with everyone at the table without crossing arms. Tipping is customary in restaurants, and for services, it is usually around 10%.

Conversation Caution: While Romanians are open to discussions, certain topics like politics, religion, and personal income might be sensitive. It's a good practice to let your Romanian friends lead such conversations if they choose to.

Greeting Customs: A firm handshake and maintaining eye contact are common greetings. Some older Romanians may still prefer a bow from men and a small curtsy from women. Romanians are generally formal with greetings; when meeting someone for the first time, it is customary to use 'Domnul' (Mr.) or 'Doamna' (Mrs.) followed by the surname, and maintaining eye contact during the greeting is considered a sign of respect. Close friends may greet each other with three kisses on alternating cheeks, starting from the left.
Addressing Others: Titles are significant in Romania, and people are often addressed by their professional title and last name until a closer relationship is established. It's advisable to wait for an invitation to use first names.

Junii BrașOvului: The Junii Brașovului parade has official records dating to 1728, with roots far deeper in the region's cultural heritage. Many historians believe the parade reflects both pagan and Christian symbolism. Originally, this celebration marked the rebirth of nature and the triumph over winter (symbolism with pre-Christian roots) and signaled the start of a new life, serving as a military initiation ritual for young unmarried men, called 'Junii.' This historic Romanian celebration takes place on the first Sunday after Orthodox Easter, locally known as Duminica lui Toma (Thomas Sunday). Brașov's history is marked by the coexistence of different ethnic communities, including Romanians, Germans, Hungarians, and Jews. This multicultural heritage has significantly shaped the city's culture and traditions.

Culture & Etiquette in Poiana Brașov