Dragobete Date in the current year: February 24, 2024

Dragobete is the festival of the son of Baba Dochia, whose figure is identified with the return of the spring in the Romanian folklore. The Romanians consider Dragobete the first day of the spring and it was said, that the birds are betrothed on this day. Around this time birds really start building their nests and mate.

Many traditions are connected with Dragobete. Girls and boys gather together to gather first spring flowers, if the weather allowed, and sing songs. Maidens collected the snow on the ground and melt it. This water was used in magic potions throughout the rest of the year.

One common belief exists in some parts of Romania. It says, that if you step over your partner's foot on Dragobete, you will have the dominant role in your relationships. According to another belief, women needed to touch a man from another village to be loved throughout the year.