Orthodox Pentecost Monday (holiday)

Whit Monday and Whit Sunday (Rusalii or Rusaliile), also called Pentecost, are public holidays in Romania to celebrate the Christian belief of the Holy Spirit’s descent on Jesus Christ’s disciples.

The dove is a symbolic representation of the Holy Spirit, who visited Jesus' disciples according to Christian belief.The dove is a symbolic representation of the Holy Spirit, who visited Jesus' disciples according to Christian belief.©iStockphoto.com/ong kok keat

What Do People Do?

Many Romanians have the day off work and school on Whit Monday. Many people can see the Căluşarii’s dance, which is a healing and protection ritual against mythical creatures, around the time of Whit Sunday. Many churches hold special services to celebrate Pentecost.

Public Life

Whit Monday is a national public holiday in Romania so banks, public offices, and many private businesses are closed. People intending to travel via public transport during public holidays must check with the public transit authorities on any changes to time schedules.