There are many different ways to look at culture, and today we take a geographic approach, to distinguish people who live in rural mountain and hilly settings from those of the wider plains and urban areas.

Above photograph © Daniel Rosca

Our focus is the country of Romania, where we’ll explore the rustic landscape of small farms, hand-tilled fields, and local communities that still identify with the working methods and traditions of the past. Along the way, we’ll follow the cyclical work of farmers and shepherds, gain insight into the Orthodox faith, explore vibrant holiday celebrations, and reveal unique rituals with pagan roots.

In this fourth installment of our monthly series, Picturing World Cultures, we speak with Daniel Rosca, a Romanian photographer and travel guide specializing in photographic, cultural, and genealogical tours.

As a child, Rosca experienced the age-old traditions of rural Romania firsthand during time spent on his grandparents’ farm. Following university studies, he spent four years abroad, working in youth development, consulting, and corporate social responsibility. After living in Brussels, Warsaw, Istanbul, and Cairo, and travelling to another 40 countries on four continents, Rosca decided travel should become his full-time job.    

He chose to return to his homeland, in 2011, where he founded Romania Photo Tours and True Romania Tours, to help curious travelers immerse themselves in—and capture images of—old-world Romanian culture.

In summary, to quote the motto of his photo tour site: Veni, Vidi, Click!

Guest: Daniel Rosca

For more information on our guest and the gear he uses, see:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/podcasts/photography/picturing-world-cultures-daniel-rosca-romania

And if you haven’t already listened, check out all episodes from our Picturing World Cultures podcast series here: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/promotion/picturing-world-cultures

Stay Connected:

Romania Photo Tours Website: https://romania-photo-tours.com/

True Romania Tours Website: https://true-romania.tours/

Romania Photo Tours Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/romaniaphototours/

Romania Photo Tours Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/touroperatorRomaniaPhotoTours

True Romania Tours Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrueRomaniaTours/

Romania Photo Tours X: https://twitter.com/photo_romania

True Romania Tours X: https://twitter.com/TRomaniaTours

True Romania Tours Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/trueromaniatours/

Romanian photographer Sorin Onisor: https://www.instagram.com/sorin_onisor/

The B&H Photography Podcast

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Picturing World Cultures: Daniel Rosca - Romania

"Empanadas of Remembrance: The Secret Legacy" delves into the heartwarming tale of Abuela Dominga and her legendary empanadas santiageñas, which have become a symbol of love, remembrance, and familial continuity in a quaint town in northern Argentina. This article celebrates not just the culinary mastery behind these beloved empanadas but also the profound connections and traditions they represent within families and communities. Through the story of a cherished recipe passed down as a sacred heirloom, we explore the essence of culinary heritage and the indelible marks it leaves on our hearts and lives.

2 Empanadas Of Remembrance  The Secret Legacy E -90p

Explore the quirky and whimsical world of bizarre traditions in 'Quirky Customs.' This upbeat pop song takes you on a journey through odd rituals from blowing out birthday candles to Mayan soccer games, spraying fields with chemicals, and even jumping over babies in Spain. With catchy synths, rhythmic claps, funky bass lines, and playful lyrics, this song will make you laugh and think about the funny habits we all embrace. Enjoy the blend of electronic and acoustic sounds, guitar riffs, and a lively tempo that will keep you engaged from start to finish.

Blow out candles, make a wish,
Spit on the cake, oh what a dish.
Parents say, "Kids, wash your hands,"
Then eat the cake, it's all so grand!
Clean hands to eat a grimey delight,
Oh, the irony, isn't that right?

Quirky customs near and far,
Here’s to traditions, bizarre as they are.
Clanking glasses for a toast,
Saying “excuse me” as part of good etiquette, after a burp for most.

What weird stuff we all do,
Never really thinking it through,
Embracing habits, old and new,
Quirky customs, it's all true!

Mayan soccer, play to win,
Victor's prize? A beheaded grin.
Europe's fans, a riotous spree,
Burning trash cans in pure glee!
From ancient fields to modern days,
Rituals in such curious ways.

Quirky customs near and far,
Here’s to traditions, bizarre as they are.
Clanking glasses for a toast,
Saying “excuse me” as part of good etiquette, after a burp for most.

What weird stuff we all do,
Never really thinking it through,
Embracing habits, old and new,
Quirky customs, it's all true!

Aztecs sent their sons to freeze on high,
For a bumper crop, oh my, oh my.
Now we spray our fields with care,
With chemicals filling the air.
Fruits and veggies look so fine,
Sold for profit, health declines.
A dance with danger, nature's plight,
In neon colors, day and night.

Quirky customs near and far,
Here’s to traditions, bizarre as they are.
Clanking glasses for a toast,
Saying “excuse me” as part of good etiquette, after a burp for most.

What weird stuff we all do,
Never really thinking it through,
Embracing habits, old and new,
Quirky customs, it's all true!

In Spain they jump o'er babies small,
To cleanse their spirits, protect them all.
Men dressed as devils, leaping high,
Superstition rules the sky.
Turkey wishbone, pull and snap,
A wish fulfilled in a finger's clap.
From wishing bones to midnight pranks,
Whimsical, funny, no room for blanks.

Quirky customs near and far,
Here’s to traditions, bizarre as they are.
Clanking glasses for a toast,
Saying “excuse me” as part of good etiquette, after a burp for most.

What weird stuff we all do,
Never really thinking it through,
Embracing habits, old and new,
Quirky customs, it's all true!

How did these traditions start?
From odd beliefs or ancient art?
Who first thought to jump so high,
Over babies, under sky?
Wishing bones and candles bright,
Spitting cake by candlelight.

So let's laugh and learn from history,
At rituals both old and new, what a mystery.
Crazy customs, strange but true,
Reflecting on the things we do.

Quirky Traditions

Learn how Afro-Brazilian communities use art and poetry for cultural resistance, asserting identity and fostering solidarity against oppression in Brazil.

Empowering Resilience Through Art And Poetry In Afro - Brazilian Communities

zoo Country is a vibrant celebration of rural life, where the air is filled with the joyful sounds of nature and community. The moment you arrive, you’re greeted by the unmistakable "bunt di du dunt da"—the rhythmic pulse that kicks off the festivities. Picture lush green fields, twinkling lights strung between trees, and the smell of homemade barbecue wafting through the air.

This lively gathering showcases local music, where banjos and fiddles harmonize with the laughter of friends and family. Here, you can immerse yourself in traditional games, artisan markets, and the warm embrace of community spirit. Whether you’re dancing under the stars or enjoying a hayride, Kzoo Country captures the essence of joyful togetherness and the simple pleasures of rural living.

KZOO Country

Michael Knowles sits down with Bishop Robert Barron to discuss "The War on Christmas." Together, they explore the cultural, spiritual, and societal attacks on one of the most cherished Christian holidays. From secularization to corporate appropriation, they dive deep into how Christmas has become a battleground in the broader war against faith and tradition. Don’t miss this insightful conversation that defends the true meaning of Christmas and offers hope for keeping the holiday sacred.

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"The War On Christmas" | Bishop Robert Barron

Who Likes A Bit Of Deep Fried Then? – A Hilarious Operatic Tribute to British Cuisine

From BRITS, Tom Connell’s satirical exploration of British culture, comes Who Likes A Bit Of Deep Fried Then?—a grand operatic parody celebrating (and poking fun at) the UK’s deep-fried obsession. Performed by the London Contemporary Opera Society and featuring the magnificent voice of Julian Westbrook, this track transforms Britain’s love of battered and fried delicacies into a dramatic, full-throttle operatic spectacle.

With sweeping melodies, exaggerated vocal flourishes, and a tongue-in-cheek libretto, this piece fuses high art with low cuisine, proving that even a battered Mars bar can be worthy of a standing ovation. Witty, theatrical, and undeniably British, Who Likes A Bit Of Deep Fried Then? is a must-hear for lovers of satire, opera, and fish and chips alike.

BRITS

Who Likes A Bit Of Deep Fried Then?

African diaspora healing traditions restore identity, resist oppression, and challenge inequities through holistic mind-body-spirit health practices.

How Diaspora Traditions Heal More Than Just the Body

Exploring the decline of woman-to-woman marriage in West Africa, driven by education, medical advancements, economic shifts, and changing gender roles in traditional African societies.

Forgotten West Africa Female Husbands Decline Impact

First track from forth coming remastered album 'Orakhal' releasing on June 1st.

Orakhal

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CUINS MOON

The B&H Photography Podcast: Join us every other week for a conversation with insightful and entertaining guests. From gear and technique to history, science and art, we discuss the issues most important to the contemporary photographer.

https://xyloquint.com/

email: xyloquint@xyloquint.com

Sonic alchemist and scribe , Bob namely, is an instrument of charge and light privileged to be in a body, lived, able and ever so glad to share the musical vibrations.

An Inspirational composer author producer and award winning guitar hero from Ireland, Bobby is a lyrical light power house synthesized through acoustic organic beats and loops allow his rich message of spatial light renewal and transformation be delivered clear on the light wave .

Back in the heyday Bobby toured and released music extensively with bands Hooky , Open Kitchen , Kila ,  and has spent a large portion of his life facilitating music workshops , co writing recording and releasing music with and through young and aspiring performers under the banner
 R o o t s ​ .

His focus throughout being is to motivate and inspire an understanding of the human brecoming an awakened light being , a journey Bobby has consciously taken after an intense initiation led him into this realm , here he now dedicates and advances his lifes work as a governed being around this . 

A quiet and settled man he crafts from his home studio The Chapel, recording and releasing music online consistently along with books on Spatial Law and The Art of Being Lived , under the influence and name Orakhal.


Shine on brightly 
x

Bask in the simple joys of being right. The Michael Knowles Show cuts through the madness of our politics and culture, analyzing the top stories of the day. Monday through Friday.

Tom Connell — composer, arranger and classical music producer.

This profile represents the official catalogue of Tom Connell’s classical and classical-crossover works, including original compositions, transformative arrangements, and releases issued under his recognised pseudonyms.

Writer IPI: 671594418
Publisher: Tom Connell Publishing (from 1 January 2026)
Publisher IPI: 1316555262
ISNI (Writer): 0000 0005 2866 3209

This profile includes commercially released recordings and curated selections that reflect the full scope of the catalogue.

New tracks tagged #Traditions,