Event
Epiphany & St John the Baptist (Bobotează / Sfântul Ion) — Romania
January 6 (Theophany/Epiphany, Bobotează) and January 7 (Synaxis of St John the Baptist, Sfântul Ion) are consecutive national public holidays. Priests bless waters, and the many Romanians named Ion/Ioana celebrate their name day.
Reviewed May 2026 · Love Bucharest editorial team
Photo: Mircea Solomiea / Unsplash
Last updated:
What to expect
- Two consecutive national holidays opening the year
- Riverside water-blessing ceremonies; brave swimmers retrieve a thrown cross
- Sfântul Ion is one of Romania's biggest name days (Ion/Ioana/Ioan)
Planning tips
- Banks and offices close both days; many shops reduce hours
- Dress warmly for the outdoor water-blessing services
- It marks the formal end of the winter holiday cluster
Build a day around it
In Bucharest, an event day is best when it’s clustered. Treat the event as one anchor block, then pair it with one food mission and one simple walk. If you keep buffer time, the day feels fun instead of logistical.
- If you have 2–3 hours: arrive early → event → short neighborhood walk.
- If you’re making a full day: one museum/architecture block + event + a calm evening plan.
- If the weather turns: keep walking minimal and use cafés/museums as your buffer.
Before you go
- Confirm the details: check the official link for last-minute schedule or venue updates.
- Arrive with buffer: 15–30 minutes early usually makes the whole experience calmer.
- Have a weather plan: keep one indoor “warm stop” in mind in case the day turns.
Map
This event is citywide (or the venue changes). Use the official link above for the latest location details.
