Dragobete: the complete guide to the Romanian day of love

Dragobete is celebrated every year on 24 February and is, in short, the Romanian day of love — our authentic equivalent of Valentine's Day, but with far older roots in Romanian folk tradition.

Where Dragobete comes from

The name is tied to a figure from Romanian folklore, a kind of god of love and good cheer, son of Baba Dochia. In the folk calendar the day marked the start of spring and the moment birds choose their mates — hence the idea that it is the day for lovers.

Dragobete traditions

Traditionally, young people would meet, gather the first spring flowers and join in dance. Those who met on Dragobete were said to stay together all year. Girls collected unmelted snow from leaves, thought to be magic water for beauty.

Today Dragobete is popular again as a Romanian alternative to Valentine's Day — a chance to celebrate love in our own key, with our own traditions.

Dragobete on RoLove

On RoLove, Dragobete is the star of our cultural-events engine. Around 24 February the app dresses up for the occasion: special perks, collectible badges and a moment when the whole community is looking for love at the same time.

It's the perfect time to complete your profile, send your first like and start a story. Who knows — maybe the right person is looking for you right now.