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The Month Ahead: Winter is Coming

By David Smith · Moldova Matters · · 5 min read

Deep Dives

Explore related topics with these Wikipedia articles, rewritten for enjoyable reading:

  • Julian calendar 11 min read

    The article mentions Moldova celebrating 'old style' Christmas on January 7th and New Year on January 14th - these dates follow the Julian calendar still used by Eastern Orthodox churches, explaining the 13-day difference from the Gregorian calendar

  • Mulled wine 13 min read

    The article features izvar, Moldova's version of mulled wine, with a recipe. The Wikipedia article covers the rich history of heated spiced wine across European cultures dating back to ancient Rome

  • The Nutcracker 3 min read

    The article mentions the local ballet performance and notes adaptations vary worldwide. The Wikipedia article covers the fascinating history of Tchaikovsky's ballet, its initial mixed reception, and how it became a Christmas tradition

Welcome to our new “The Month Ahead” series! Once a month we’ll share a look at some of the upcoming cultural events in and around Chisinau for interested readers. This section is done in partnership with the team behind Digital Nomad Moldova - the one stop shop for those considering taking advantage of Moldova’s new digital nomad visa process! Learn more on their website.

Snow in a Chisinau park. Photo by Radu Bradu

Winter is coming. December 1st is the official start of winter and Moldovans begin to think of holiday celebrations and warm drinks. Izvar, the Moldovan version of mulled wine, can be found at events and restaurants across the country or at home. If you would like to try to make this traditional drink, mix 1 liter of Moldovan red wine with 200g of sugar, half of a sliced orange, and lemon zest. Heat the mixture and add aromatic spices of your choice such as a cinnamon stick and red pepper corns. Drink this traditional drink hot and with friends or family.

Moldova is also a land rich in holidays, celebrating two Christmases and two New Years Days. Celebrate the “new style” holidays on December 25th and January 1st. Old style Christmas is celebrated on January 7th and 8th and old style New Years on the 14th. All these days except the old style New Years are official bank holidays and many business and most government institutions will be closed.

Citywide Christmas Events

Targul de Craciun – The Christmas Fair

This year’s Christmas Fair, located at the Great National Assembly Square (across from the central Cathedral), from December 5th through January 18th. Throughout the next 6 weeks, you can visit this daily event, enjoy local foods and hot drinks such as izvar, shop from local producers, and ride the amusement park rides. Bring the kids to Căsuța lui Moș Crăciun, Santa Claus’s Cabin, to meet Santa and get a photo.

There are several special events happening at the fair:

  • December 5, 4:30-10:00pm – Official Launch of the Targul de Craciun including concerts, presentations, and the lighting of the tree.

  • December 24 – Christmas Concert – start time and list of acts TBA

  • December 31 – Spetacol de Revlion – Celebrate New Years Eve with this evening full of music and entertainment. Start time and list of performers TBA.

In

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