The show lasted about 2 hours, during which thousands of fans were thrilled and felt the energy of a true legendary band. The first song played was “Welcome to My World“, followed by “Angel” and “Walking in My Shoes“. However, the crowd gone crazy on hits like “Black Celebration“, “Enjoy the Silence” and “Personal Jesus“. In a few words, this concert was one of the greatest concerts held in Bucharest.

The crowd was excited and  cheered each track from the setlist. Thousands of voices singing their favorite lyrics along with the great performance of the band, made the evening perfect.

Even if Depeche Mode was in Romania for the second time, Andy Fletcher have declared that he wants a comeback in the future. This is great news for Romanian fans, which showed that they are able to create an incredible atmosphere, even if the arena was not at full capacity.

“The crowd was great! It was a perfect evening! We should do it again!” - Andy Fletcher

Depeche Mode had to cancel their next concert, in Istanbul, due to circumstances beyond their control. The Bulgarian trucking blockade at the Bulgaria-Turkey border has prevented the band’s production trucks from crossing the border into Turkey, forcing this situation.

Popular year-round, this park is where Bucharest locals spend their free time on a regular basis meeting with friends, taking a coffee or beer, or even just for a leisurely stroll during pleasant weather. Immaculately maintained, Cismigiu Gardens may appear to be a better fit in a city like Vienna or Paris, but the fact that it is found in the sometimes dirty capital of Bucharest makes it all the more enchanting.

The History of the Park

Developed in the year 1847, Cismigiu Gardens has been a popular point in Bucharest for well over a century and a half. Originally, the space was a fishing pond and was also used as a vineyard that produced local wine.

Cismigiu Gardens

When the decision was made to turn the land over to public ownership and create a central park, a team of urban planners and horticulture experts were brought in to lead the design. Since this initial beginning, the park has always been a source of pride for both Bucharest natives and the administrators that have continued to make sure it is accessible, clean, and enjoyable to present day.

What to Do in Cismigiu

The biggest draw to Cismigiu is its central location and the many activities that happen within the borders of the park. There are a few cafes and bars that have outdoor seating, making it a frequent place to simply take a break from the hustle and bustle of Bucharest’s teeming urban life.

Rowboat rentals in Cismigiu

During the summer months, inexpensive pedalos and rowboat rentals are available to drift on the shallow lake that makes up the centerpiece of the park. For a person that enjoys a good game of chess (sah in Romanian) or backgammon (table), there is a small area in the southwest corner of the park where retirees and up and coming players gather everyday to test their skills against the local masters.

The Statues

A person wandering through Cismigiu Gardens will quickly notice that there are several statues located in random places throughout the park, culminating in the Writers’ Rotunda (Rotunda Scriitorilor) which features busts of many of Romania’s famous writers, such as Mihai Eminescu, Ion Luca Caragiale, and George Cosbuc.

Statue of Mihai Eminescu

Other statues are dedicated to Maica Smara, a women’s rights leader, and the French soldiers that lost their life on Romanian ground during the first World War.

Cismigiu in Winter

Cismigiu in Winter @ Andrei Vocurek

One might think that an outdoor public park would shut down in winter and that it would remain empty until the thawing spring. Not so with Cismigiu Gardens. When the freezing winter months come, the lake turns into an ice skating rink, complete with small vendors selling food items, coffee, and boiled wine (vin fiert), a Romanian tradition to warm up on a cold winter’s day. Attracting visitors of all ages and from all walks of life, Cismigiu Gardens is truly the soul of Bucharest, reflecting perfectly the melting pot city and the many pleasures it has to offer.

About the Danube Delta

Starting in the Black Forest of Germany and ending at the Black Sea, the Danube River covers nearly 3,000 kilometers before reaching the spectacular delta. For much of the journey, the Danube is simply a big river, but the delta offers something completely different. Branches and tributaries connect the various towns and villages that make up the delta and the abundance of food and natural ecosystems has led to a wild proliferation of plants and animals, including an estimated 300 species of birds. In total, the region of the Danube Delta measures around 5,700 square kilometers, making it the most sparsely human populated area in all of Europe.

Pelicans in the Danube Delta © by Georg Scholz

Although there are several small villages to be found and explored in the Delta, most visitors will choose to make their home base in one of two locations – either Sulina or Sfantu Gheorghe. The latter is a much better choice due to the fact that it is more centrally located and transportation options between different parts of the delta are more common. Day trips to Sfantu Gheorghe can be easily made and there is a regular schedule for boat shuttles between the two towns.

When to Go

Many visitors to the Danube Delta choose summer as the time for their vacation. With pleasant beaches and sunny weather, this would seem like an easy decision, but there is a specific reason why those in the know usually plan their trips for the spring or fall. That reason is mosquitoes.

Danube Delta sundown © by mihai dragan

During the summer months, the mosquitoes can be an invasive problem and repellent should be worn at all times. For that reason (and to beat the expensive prices of the high season), spring is the best time to come to the Danube Delta for sightseeing reasons. Those planning on spending lots of time fishing in the delta may wish to wait until fall when bigger catches are more plentiful.

How to Get There

Danube Delta canal

Finding a way from Bucharest or another major city to the delta is part of any Danube adventure. The truth is that every method of coming to the delta will require a stop in the city of Tulcea, also known as the gateway to the delta. At this point, most road transportation stops and the last leg of the trip will be made by boat. The quickest option is a catamaran service that will cost 50 lei (~10 Euros) and will take about an hour and a half. Travelers looking for a more relaxed journey can take the cheaper, standard boat, but should know that the duration can last up to four hours on busy days. The schedule does change often, but a basic timetable can be found here.

Places to Stay

As the Danube Delta is slowly becoming a popular destination for both Romanian and international guests, the range of accommodation options is growing. There are hotels to meet most budgets, ranging from the affordable Delta Miraj Pension to the upscale Pension Perla. Most smaller destinations like Crisan have also seen resorts opened in the past years.

Resort in Danube Delta

However, the majority of rooms to let are not in hotels, but rather in private homes. Taking this option will both net a substantial price reduction and deliver a more authentic experience of the delta region. After disembarking from the boat, there will be several people present on the landing to offer and negotiate room prices in private homes. Most will offer to show the room and amenities first, which is highly recommended.

Wild horses in the Danube Delta

What to See

A book could be written about what to see at the Danube Delta as there are seemingly an infinite number of sights. The cities of Sulina and Sfantu Gheorghe both offer museums, beaches, and other attractions, but the true beauty of the region is found in the wild landscape of the delta. In both towns, a visitor can join an organized day-long cruise through the backwaters and tributaries. These cruises will often incorporate a safari-like trip to the Letea Forest to see wild horses and include meals along the way, all for one reasonable price. For a more personalized tour, a negotiated price can be made with the fisherman whose boats are moored on the banks of the river.

Danube Delta adventures © by anka

The Danube Delta Cuisine

As could be expected, the local cuisine of the Delta Danube revolves around fish and comes in all forms. Nearly every restaurant will have a sour fish soup (ciorba de peste) as well as main fish entrees like carp, catfish, and perch (crap, somn, and biban, respectively). In addition, fried and grilled fish options can found on the streets as well as at the beach. Sulina is also home to a unique pastry, merdenele de dovleac, a melt-in-your-mouth treat of cooked pumpkin in flaky pastry. Restaurants will also have classic Romanian dishes as well as the ubiquitous pizza choices.

Grilled Trout

The Danube Delta may have gotten more notice in recent years, but it still remains the hidden treasure of Romania. A trip to the region is still affordable, has plenty of interesting sights, and the only thing missing is you.

The Venue

In a surprise move, the venue for the RHCP concert will not be RomExpo or Piata Constitutiei as is usually the case for major stars. Instead, the National Arena will be used for the first time as a host for an international concert. With a capacity of more than 55,000 attendants, it is likely that the event will be sold out by the time the band hits the stage. The impressive size of the National Arena means that fans should make it a point to arrive early to make sure they have enough time to navigate the enormous crowd and find their seats.

The Music

The Red Hot Chili Peppers are one of the most recognizable bands on the planet and are one of the few groups that has managed the impressive feat of growing in stature each and every year. With a catalog of ten albums dating back to 1984, the big break for RHCP was their seminal 1991 album, Blood Sugar Sex Magik, which served as a widespread introduction to a new sound in the alternative music world. Their newest album, I’m With You, is quickly garnering critical acclaim even though it is the first in more than a decade to be released without longtime guitarist John Frusciante.

Red Hot Chili Peppers © by Upshaw Imagery

As with most major rock events, RHCP will not be the only band in the lineup for the night’s festivities and the opening groups should not be overlooked. One of the three bands to be sharing the stage with RHCP is Sleigh Bells, a dynamic duo that has been getting rave reviews for their 2012 album, Reign of Terror, which earned an impressive 8.2 rating from Pitchfork Media. Balancing the dynamic between soft and loud will be fellow opener Santigold, a genre-mixing artist that often combines reggae, new wave, and pop elements in her tunes. Last but not least, Swedish electronica act Little Dragon will be adding their downtempo music into the mix.

Staying in Bucharest

Being a capital city with around 2 million inhabitants, there are plenty of accommodation options for a person coming to the “Paris of the East.” Upscale hotels abound in the central area of the city and some strong choices are the Radisson Blue, Hilton Palace Athenee, and the Intercontinental. For a more local choice, a person may want to check out Rembrandt Hotel in the historical district or Hotel Capsa, the latter of which has a storied history of guests that include diplomats, artists, and many other VIPs.

Hilton Palace Athenee in Bucharest

At the opposite end of the spectrum is the hostel scene in Bucharest that has literally exploded in recent years. Standouts that have been in business from the beginning include the Midland Hostel at Piata Amzei and Doors Hostel near Piata Unirii. A newly opened location near the National Arena that may be worth a shot is Peaches Hostel. With solid early reviews, this hostel may be the best choice for someone that is only coming to town for the concert.

NH Hotel in Bucharest

Between the two extremes, finding a decent Bucharest hotel at a good price can be a little difficult. A person could look for online deals to try and catch a known brand like Ramada Majestic, K+K, or NH on sale. Another option is to use some the slightly less central options that could have a substantially lower price with the same set of amenities. Some hotels that would fall into this category include the Hotel Tempo, the Marshall Hotel, or the Zava Boutique Hotel. Another cost-conscious option would be to rent an apartment for a few days from one of the many central providers. This could also be a way to cut down on eating out expenses as most come with a fully operating kitchen.

Check out here for more hotels options in Bucharest.

Getting To and From the Concert

Perhaps the trickiest aspect of the RHCP show will actually be getting to and from the concert. No special transport has yet to be announced, but fortunately, there are several different options for getting from the center of town to the National Arena. Taxis will be out in force and a standard fare for a trip from Universitate to the arena should cost around 10 lei, or a little more than 2 Euros, making it the best choice for groups. Just be careful to make sure the rate of 1.39 lei per kilometer is clearly displayed on the car.

For those who prefer public transport over taking taxis, the best option will depend where a person is coming from. The closest metro stop is Piata Muncii and will mean that a few minutes will be spent on foot from the metro to the arena. From Piata Romana and the Gara de Nord area, the 86 trolleybus will be the best bet as it runs directly to the stadium. The same is true of the 104 bus, which makes a stop at Piata Unirii in the center of town. Coming back, the only public transport option will be the 102 night bus, which will end in Piata Unirii where other bus connections can be made.

However a person chooses where to stay and how to get to and from the show, the Red Hot Chili Peppers concert on August 31st should definitely not be missed.

Ancient History

Located just a few kilometers away from the modern day city of Drobeta Turnu Severin, the history of Baile Herculane and its thermal baths actually goes back to much older times. Legend has it that a weak and weary Hercules came to the region in ancient years and rested in the healing pools, thus serving as inspiration for the name of the place. Also, there is concrete proof that humans have lived continuously in Baile Herculane since the Paleolithic era, evidenced by caves that can still be visited. One of the biggest peaks of the area’s popularity came during Roman rule of the area when the city and its Herculaneum Spa were known throughout the Roman empire and there are many artifacts from that time.

Modern History

Even though the thermal baths were used continuously throughout their known history, Baile Herculane has somehow managed to stay off the typical tourist trail. The closest it has gotten to becoming an international spa destination was during the interbelic period of Romania when the healing waters attracted nobility and aristocratic society from all corners of Europe. After World War II and the switch to communism, Baile Herculane became more of a Romanian treasure and it was heavily developed into a mass tourism resort for annual vacations taken by the Romanian population. With communism falling in 1989, the city moved into a new modern era and many new hotels and pensions have popped up to meet the increasing demand for accommodation.

Where to Stay

Today, a visitor has many choices for where to stay in Baile Herculane. While some of the original communist hotels, such as Hotel Diana, are still active, many of the newer and smaller locations offer a more personal feel from which to explore the town. Of these, Pension Noblesse may be the best choice for true luxury. The 4 star hotel opened their doors in 2011 and has quickly become a favorite with its excellent location in the center of town and an impressive list of amenities. The only downsides to the pension are the fact that it is 5 kilometers away from the natural springs and can command a high price during peak season. A good budget option that will put a visitor in the middle of the action is Pension Charisma, which is located less than a kilometer from the train station. Most hotels will offer a combination package of several nights that also gives a person access to the thermal baths as well.

Check out here for more hotels options in Baile Herculane.

The Mineral Waters

The reason that Baile Herculane is coming back into fashion after such a long dormancy has to do with the waters that are used in the thermal baths. A total of 16 natural springs have been identified in the area and they contain very high amounts of minerals like sulfur that are claimed to have healing properties. Combined with the many services offered by the spas, patients with a wide variety of conditions come on a regular basis to receive treatments as well as simply enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of the town. Some of the health problems that are said to be alleviated by the thermal springs include breathing problems, diabetes mellitus, digestive issues, obesity, eye problems, detoxification, and other disorders.

Things to Do Outside Baile Herculane

Spending time in the thermal baths is an excellent activity, but there’s much more to Baile Herculane than just the water. For a person staying several days in the resort town, it will be helpful to know what other sights are located near the spas. Valea Cernei National Park is nearby and has lots of hiking trails for someone who would like to spend some active time in nature. For those looking for more urban things to do, Drobeta Turnu Severin occupies a picturesque spot on the Danube and has all the amenities of a medium-sized city.

Getting to Baile Herculane

As part of a full Romanian vacation, Baile Herculane is relatively easy to reach. There are daily train and bus connections from Bucharest and Timisoara, the closest major city in the region. In addition, rental car is another option and can be a great way to explore not only the city and its spas, but also the surrounding area as well. For a person coming directly to Baile Herculane by plane, the nearest real airport is in Timisoara.

When to Go

Some people would argue that the summer is the best time to check out Baile Herculane, but it makes for a great winter destination as well as the hot baths can provide an excellent contrast for the cold weather outside. One particular time of note is thinking about coming to the spas for New Year’s Eve. Much less expensive than other New Year’s Eve destinations, there is a growing number of people that choose to ring in the new year by relaxing in the thermal baths.

Baile Herculane will not be an undiscovered destination for much longer. Word has already gotten out about the high mineral content of the waters and the pleasant atmosphere of the town. With spa tourism on the rise both in Romania and other countries, this place will soon be on the map. To get the best prices and a real feel for the place, a person should book their next vacation for the thermal baths as soon as possible.

Stretching across the Parang Mountains from Novaci to Sebes, National Road 67 has truly earned its nickname of the Transalpina. Also called The King’s Road by Romanian locals in the area, the highway has just recently started to be recognized for the amazing place that it is.

History of the Transalpina

The true history of the Transalpina is actually up for debate. One theory states that the road was created by the Romans as a way of moving to and from Sarmizegetusa, the main city of the Roman empire in Romania, which is still home to many ruins and is an important archaeological site. The alternative idea about the construction of the Transalpina is that it came about during the reign of King Carol II, hence the nickname of The King’s Road.

Transalpina road and Urdele peak in Romania

Regardless of whichever theory is true, it is known that the road fell into disrepair before the start of the second World War. During that conflict, it was rebuilt for military use by German troops, but remained inaccessible for most normal drivers and vehicles until only a few years ago.

Rebuilding the Road

In 2007, a public works project set out to modernize the Transalpina by paving the roads and making it easier for tourists to enjoy the highest altitude highway in the country. It would take five years to finish, but the construction was finally completed in April of 2012. At the same time, many people have questioned the decision as the road was previously only available to true mountain lovers with vehicles suited to the environment.

Transalpina winding road in Romania

With the modernization project, many new visitors will be able to take their turn on the road, which could cause a great deal of damage to the pristine environment. For that reason, travelers are encouraged to do their part to keep the area clean and make it enjoyable for all later visitors.

When to Go

A potential Transalpina visitor should keep in mind that the road is not open all year round. Depending on weather conditions, the highway is usually closed in November or December due to the heavy amount of snowfall and the treacherous driving situations that could develop. With that in mind, a person wanting to experience the Transalpina in all its splendor should plan for an mid-to-late fall trip. During this time, the deciduous trees will see their leaves change color, creating an unbelievable backdrop with tons of different shades of green, orange, yellow, red, and brown.

Transalpina road crossing the mountains

Planning a Route

A person going to the Transalpina basically has two main choices in how they would like to see the road. If they are coming from the north, the best option is to stay in the city of Sibiu the night before and make it a full day drive, finishing in Ranca, Baile Olanesti, or Targu Jiu. The other option is to come up from the south and stay one night in the Ranca resort area before beginning the journey. Located already in the mountains, starting in Ranca and continuing north may be the best bet to get a visitor in the right natural mindset to enjoy the scenery of the Transalpina.

Known by the current name of Ziua Muncii, this special day can be traced back to a combination of influences, but its current incarnation is much different. It is still loosely tied to praising workers for their contributions to society at large, but Romanians today feel less of a patriotic connection to the holiday, possibly because of its history.

The Origins of May 1

In many pre-Christian cultures in Europe, May 1 was thought to be the first day of summer and many traditions and rituals took place to celebrate the new year’s flowers and other plants coming into bloom. However, the idea behind the Labor Day in Romania and many other Eastern European countries was changed dramatically in the country’s communist period. It is during this time that the holiday took on the connection with workers and it was celebrated as a triumph of the political ideology. While it is still recognized as Labor Day, this connection has all but disappeared and the celebrations now have little to do with any of their earlier influences.

How to Celebrate

Depending on your age, how you celebrate May1 could be very different. Traditional folk festivals are often attended by the older crowd, but younger Romanians usually have a different idea about how they would like to spend the holiday. The classic choice is a trip to the seaside towns of Vama Veche, Mamaia, or Costinesti for a party that could last much longer than just one day. In Vama Veche, revelers often choose not to splurge on a hotel room and simply pitch a tent in special areas of the sandy beach. For a bit of a quieter time, the mountains may be a good choice, but accommodation could be hard to find and quite expensive as the day draws near.

The Food

No May 1 celebration would be complete without food, preferably meats grilled over an open fire. The Romanian dish of choice for this day is mititei, a minced meat roll that is usually served with mustard, bread, and some form of potatoes. Also known by the name of mici, these rolls feature a combination of lamb, beef, and pork with a few condiments like thyme, pepper, and garlic for added flavor. Although mici can be eaten any time of year, the ritual grilling on May 1 and festive atmosphere make them taste better than on any other day.

If you’re in Romania for May 1, there will be no possible way to miss the celebrations. In every town across the country, holiday activities will be planned and people will take to the streets. While many people may not have a clear idea of the underlying reasons for celebrating, the warm weather and a few pints of beer are often more than enough to give any event a positive attitude.

Starting a Bucegi Adventure

Even though there are several possible entry points to the Bucegi Mountains, most people choose to start their adventure at the small towns of either Busteni or Sinaia. From the former, there are two ways to get into the mountains. The first is to simply take the cable car located in the western part of the town that takes visitors directly from Busteni to Babele or even further to Pestera.

Horizontal panorama of Bucegi mountains in Romania

A person that prefers to hike up to the same points will find a trail that leads up the side of the mountain and has an easy to medium difficulty. Coming from Sinaia, the first stop will usually be the Miorita area, which can be reached by either cable car or an easy hike of 2-3 hours. A visitor should be aware that wait times for the cable car during the busy summer months can easily reach several hours.

Babel and the Sphinx

For most visitors, the first sight they will encounter after reaching the top ridge will be Babel, which basically translates to “the old women.” These natural rock formations look almost like mushrooms and have been shaped by countless centuries of winds and rain.

A similar formation is found at the Sphinx. Named because it has an eerie resemblance to the Sphinx in Egypt, the rock is massive and many visitors choose to have lunch in the shade of the gigantic formation. The first pictures of the Sphinx were taken around the turn of the twentieth century and it has since become a landmark of the Bucegi Mountain range.

Ialomita Cave

Located just an hour’s walk from Babel is the Ialomita Cave, home to a famous monastery and a spooky legend from many years ago. According to the story, a man named Bucur lived in the cave and charmed many women from local villages with his exceptional flute playing. These women never returned to the village and legend has it that one kiss from Bucur would turn any woman to stone. Whether this story is true or not, the place does have a mystical feel, due in no small part to the Ialomita Monastery, which is located just at the entrance of the cave and is an imposing presence.

Mount Omu

Cabana at Mount Omu

One of the key destinations in the Bucegi range is Mount Omu. Standing at a height of 2505 meters, the peak is the largest in Bucegi and makes a great day hike from Babel or Malaiesti in the northern limit of the range. At the top of Omu is a small cabana that uses no electricity but still manages to be extremely functional, with a restaurant as well as beds for rent. The panoramic view from Omu is definitely one of the highlights of any Bucegi adventure and should be included on every visitor’s itinerary.

Trail Markings

Unlike some other mountain ranges in Romania where trails are not so clearly marked, the trails in Bucegi have signs every few meters to keep visitors on course. It is a good idea for anyone going to Bucegi to pick up a map from one of the many kiosks in Busteni and Sinaia. These cheap maps (about 3 Euro) have a full listing of all the trails and are a great way to plan a longer trip around the mountain range. Signs on the trails are done with a system of color and symbol codes, with an example being a blue cross or red pyramid used to denote separate trails.

Accommodation in Bucegi Mountains

The options of accommodation in Bucegi will largely depend on what kind of trip a person is taking. The most basic and cheapest options are camping sites that are usually located close to one of the cabanas at Babel, Omu or other points in the range. For a person that doesn’t really want to carry all the food and equipment for camping, another cheap option is to actually stay at one of the cabanas (very similar to a hostel).

Landscape with Babele

Most will charge less than 10 Euros per night and have all the basic facilities as well as a small restaurant for eating. The luxury option is to stay at a hotel, with Hotel Pestera being the classic example, complete with a spa and upscale restaurant. Prices at Pestera differ by season and day of the week, but will rarely be higher than 70 Euros per night.

The Hidden Jewel of Bucegi

There is one section of the Bucegi Mountains that does not get as many international travelers, but brings locals in by the droves. Called Piatra Craiului, the mountains form a very steep and narrow ridge that are home to many amazing sights. One of the most remarkable are rock formations called La Zaplaz that form a natural stone canopy overhead at certain points of the path. Getting to Piatra Craiului is a bit more difficult than other parts of Bucegi, with the entry point being a small town called Zarnesti. Those who dare to adventure will be adequately rewarded.

La Zaplaz, in Piatra Craiului

The country of Romania is full of mountains, but the Bucegi range offers tourists the most accessible entry point into the country’s natural wonders. With plenty of sights to see and things to do, Bucegi has a wealth of beauty that must be experienced to be believed. Seasoned hikers who have conquered Bucegi may wish to check out other amazing mountain locations in Romania, such as the Fagaras range and the Retezat National Park.

It is considered to be the most important religious day of the year, with celebrations all over the country. Known as Paste in Romania, Easter is celebrated according to the Julian calendar, which means that it often falls on a different day than in Catholicism or other Christian faiths. Like many other countries, Romania has its own set of Easter traditions that are easily noticeable before and after the holiday.

The Lent Fast

Because of the heavy religious significance of Easter, many Romanians choose to take part in the Lent fast in the six weeks preceding the holiday. During this time, many people choose to eat no meat and abstain from things like tobacco or alcohol. Contrary to popular belief, Romanian Orthodox followers see this more as a celebration or love of God rather than being a form of penitence. While not everyone in the country follows a rigid adherence to this fast, most restaurants will offer items that fit the fasting diet, usually being designated by the term “de post.” This is also a helpful hint for vegetarian travelers who want to know what they can eat on a restaurant’s menu.

Painted Eggs

Painted Eggs © by photogirl7.1

While many countries involve painted eggs in their Easter rituals, the practice is turned into an art form in Romania. The eggs are painted with very intricate designs, including floral and geometrical motifs that are often representative of a person’s home town or region. Several museums in Romania have exhibitions of the highest quality eggs, some of which are true works of art. For children in Romania, the eggs have another purpose as well. A common game on Easter Day is for the children to tap eggs with each other to see which one has the strongest shell.

Taking the Light

Taking the light © by gabig58

On the Saturday before Easter Sunday, there is a tradition in Romania that few people miss each year. At precisely the hour of midnight, Romanians go to their local church to take part in the annual Easter vigil. With each person holding an unlit candle, the priest lights the first candle and everyone works together to make sure that every candle is lit. This is seen as symbolizing the act of taking the light from God and is an essential part of any Romanian Easter celebration.

What to Say

Even after Easter is over, there are some words that can be heard on the streets for weeks to come. When a person sees a friend or family for the first time after Easter has passed, the normal introduction is skipped and the first person says, “Cristos a inviat (Christ has risen).” The second person responds by saying, “Adevarat a inviat (Indeed, he has risen).” This verbal exchange is very much part of the celebration and is a way for people to remind each other of the importance of Easter even after the holiday is over.

If you’re planning on visiting Bucharest and you are a fan of live music, here are, in chronological order, the most important events that will take place in the city this summer.

Romanian Rock Meeting

This spring event is scheduled for the 13th of May at the Roman Arenas and it promises to be a great opportunity for all rock music lovers. Apocalyptica have already confirmed their presence.

Tickets price vary from 95 lei to 125 lei.

OST Fest

This Rock Festival will take place on the 15th, 16th and 17th of June, at Romexpo and promises to be the best metal event of the year.

If you’re a metal lover, you will definitely love this top line up: Dimmu Borgir, Hollyhell, Lake of Tears, Europe, Manowar, Megadeth, Motley Crue, Motorhead, Overkill, W.A.S.P.

A three day pass costs from 150 lei to 525 lei (fire circle). One day tickets are available at 90 lei.

Julio Iglesias

On the 30th of June, at Zone Arena, you can listen to the most famous and best sold Spanish singer of all times. In 1983, Julio Iglesias received a diamond record from Guinness Book for being the artist who sold the most albums recorded in the largest number of foreign languages.

Julio Iglesias’ concert is part of the “2012 World Tour” and might be the last of his career.

Tickets cost 100 lei, 150 lei, 300 lei (Golden), 425 lei (Platinum), 600 lei (Diamond), 900 lei (VIP+catering).

Rock the City

Rock the City Festival has a great line up for three days (June 29th, 30th , July 1st), of quality music: Guns N’ Roses, Machine Head, The Cult, Godsmack, Black Label Society, Ugly Kid Joe, Within Temptation, Saxon, Pentagram, Sweet Savage and Lost Prophets.

Three day passes cost: 191.70 lei (Normal Circle), 287.55 lei (Gold Circle), and 479.25 lei (VIP).

B’estfest Summer Camp

On the 6th, 7th and 8th of July, in the North of Bucharest, thousands of music lovers will camp near the lake “Pasarea” (Bird) for the only Romanian music festival included in the Top 20 European Festivals (Times, 2009 & Guardian, 2011).

This year’s line up includes: Garbage, Kreator, Moonspell, The Qemists, Stanton Warriors, Millow, Selah Sue, Mala Vita, Obituary, Modestep, Pulp, Caro Emerald, Andy C, Meshuggah, Skin Dread, Tristania, Dope D.O.D.

Not only will you have fun with the most popular band of the moment but you will also benefit from a sports area, a lake lounge area, food court, arts and crafts, bazaar and playground. B’estfest is also a “green” festival, so don’t forget about the “bring ten cups and receive one free drink“ policy.

A three day pass in 285 lei and a one day ticket is 150 lei (camping vouchers cost 15 lei).

Placebo

If you would rather listen to an unique androgynous sound, the British band, Placebo, will hold a concert at the Iolanda Balas Soter Stadium, on the 6th of August.

Tickets cost between 95 and 145 lei.

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Bucharest’s National Arena will host its first concert on the 31st of August. Red Hot Chili Peppers’ concert is included in the world tour promoting their newest album “I’m with you”.

This will certainly be the rock event of 2012.

The prices vary, depending on the location: 130 lei (Field), 275, 155, 185, 215, 265, 305, 375, 495 lei (VIP tribune).