The flag of Romania is three wide vertical stripes of blue, yellow and red. The stripes stand for Moldova and Walachia, which joined to form Romania in 1859. Romania has had several flag designs; this most current one was adopted in December 1989 after the fall of Romania's communist government.

While city dwellers no longer fatten a Christmas pig, most Romanians still keep up the tradition of eating pork for Christmas. Romania also has strong Christmas caroling customs that reference Romanian folklore.

Despite popular culture's fantastic treatment of Dracula, this bloodthirsty leader was a real person. Sights throughout Romania, like Bran Castle, are associated with Vlad the Impaler, and tours and events focus on his legacy. You can also explore Romania's region of Transylvania, with legends and hauntings of its own.