Ciocănești village, in Suceava county, where all houses are decorated with traditional motifs, has been included in the top 10 most colorful European destinations by Lonely Planet, the world’s largest travel guide publisher.
„The Carpathian Mountains. The name evokes vampires, werewolves, and enchanted forests. However, in the historical region of Bucovina, Ciocănești shatters the scary clichés: after all, what could be less frightening than an entire village painted like Easter eggs?”, says the guide’s author, Tamara Sheward.
Easter egg decoration, known as ‘incondeiere’, is a centuries-old tradition in Bucovina, but it was only in 1950 that the locals of Ciocănești began decorating their houses with elaborate designs similar to those on the eggs.
The designs on the houses were so appreciated by visitors that, in 2004, local authorities decided that the exterior of every newly built or renovated house must be decorated with folk motifs.
Source: Profit
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Ciocănești village unique?
Ciocănești is famous for its houses decorated with traditional folk motifs, similar to those found on painted Easter eggs.
When did the tradition of painting houses start in Ciocănești?
While egg painting is centuries old, the tradition of decorating house exteriors began in 1950.
Is it mandatory to decorate houses in Ciocănești?
Yes, since 2004, local regulations require all new or renovated houses to feature traditional motifs on their exteriors.