Dragobete for the year 2024 is celebrated/observed on Friday, February 24th. There are until the next observance.

Dragobete is a traditional Romanian holiday held on the 24th of February each year, ten days after Valentine’s Day, and is a day dedicated to love and nature. As spring arrives in February, all of nature appears to be celebrating, as birds begin to pair and construct their nests during this period. As a result, this day is also known as the day when “birds are betrothed,” and this encouraging indication urges Romanian youngsters to seek their own future “mates.” But why the name Dragobete? According to a legend, he was the son of Baba Dochia, the goddess who brought spring, and because he was so kind, the Virgin Mary made him the protector of love.

πŸ“† When is Dragobete?

This year, Dragobete is on February 24th. It is the 4th Friday in February; in 2024, it is on Saturday.

Countdown to Dragobete

β†’ Did you know: In certain communities, unmarried women eat salty bread cooked by the eldest lady in the household, sleep with basil beneath their pillows, and dream about their future spouse if they are meant to marry within the following year.

You can also discover all fun things you didn’t know about and facts about February 24, 2023.

πŸ“œ History of Dragobete

It is also believed that between 201 A.D. and 300 A.D., a man named Valentine was beheaded by the Roman Emperor Claudius II for secretly marrying Christian couples. Valentine’s Day originated when the Catholic Church proclaimed him a saint and honored his death on February 14. As a result, Dragobete is sometimes considered as a parallel to the more modern Valentine’s Day celebration. Unlike the Greek and Roman gods Eros and Cupid, the Dragobete of legend was the patron saint of love, birds, and spring. He also didn’t get involved in people’s problems. Instead, he just told people to keep celebrating love.

In Romanian tradition, following Dragobete is crucial for staying healthy throughout the year. It is traditionally commemorated by village youngsters going into the woods and selecting flowers such as snowdrops and strawberry blossoms. At noon, girls would run back to the village while being ‘chased’ by a guy, a ritual known as “zburΔƒtorit.” If the boy was quick enough to get to the girl and she liked him, she would kiss him in public. As a result, the phrase “Dragobetele saruta fetele” was coined (Dragobete kisses the girls). This kiss represents the couple’s future one-year engagement. In other ways, it’s also a public expression of affection, in which the entire community learns who is special to whom.

β˜‘οΈ Dragobete facts

βœ… Ward off illness
Participating in Dragobete celebrations prevents disease, particularly fever, in the future.

βœ… Get crystal clear skin
Wash your face with melted snow to keep your skin looking young, healthy, and radiant all year.

βœ… No tears or fears
Those who cry or whine on Dragobete Day will have nothing but sadness and hardship in the coming year, so be happy and pleased.

✨ Things to do on Dragobete

⚑ Get out there and revel in nature
Enjoy nature as it blossoms and revives after the long winter months now that spring is in the air. Choose an outdoor event or activity that you can do with the person you love in the spirit of Dragobete.

⚑ Appreciate your special someone
Dragobete, unlike Valentine’s Day, is not commercial or consumerist. There’s no need to empty your wallet by purchasing red flowers or candies. Make your significant other feel special by giving them some quality time and attention. There are countless ways to make someone feel unique just by making things personal.

⚑ Make a bold move
If you’re single and wondering how Dragobete applies to you, don’t worry. Meeting and hugging at least one person you like or are drawn to, according to tradition, can ensure that your love life improves. So, what are you holding out for? Go ahead and ask your crush out on a date. Dragobete will take over after you make the initial move.

πŸ“… Dragobete Observances

YEAR DATE DAY
2024 February 24 Saturday
2025 February 24 Monday
2026 February 24 Tuesday
2027 February 24 Wednesday
2028 February 24 Thursday

Discover all February holidays, including Cultural and other Appreciation holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and interesting facts about Dragobete. So be sure to check back soon.