Almost three quarters of Romanians intend to participate in the Resurrection service this year, according to the Informat.ro – INSCOP Research Barometer, conducted between April 1 and 7. At the same time, the majority plan to spend the Easter mini-holiday at home, with the family, only 2.5% will travel in the country and 1.8% abroad. The survey shows that 73.4% consider Easter a religious holiday, while 12.1% see it as a family tradition and 6.9% as a cultural event.
Who goes to the Resurrection service
Compared to last year, when 65.9% attended the Resurrection Service, the percentage of those who plan to go this year increases to 75.6%. Participation is higher among AUR voters, people between 30 and 44 years old, those with primary education, rural residents and state employees.
Conversely, USR voters, people over 60 and those with higher education are less likely to go to work.
The survey also shows that Romanians who attended last year’s Easter service are younger and more open to tradition, while those who missed prefer a more relaxed or family approach to the celebration.
Easter at home, but on a tight budget
The survey shows that 76.2% of Romanians will spend Easter at home, 9.6% with relatives or friends, and only a small percentage will go on vacation. PSD voters, people over 60 and rural residents are among those who prefer the comfort of home, while urban youth with higher education and state employees choose visits to relatives or friends.
In addition, 3.7% of respondents have not yet decided how they will spend their mini-vacation, and 6% say they will not do anything special. These figures reflect the flexibility of Romanians’ plans and the concern for savings, in the context of an increasingly high inflation.
The Easter meal, more expensive than ever
Frames analysis shows that the traditional Easter meal will come with record prices this year. Cocoa powder rose in price by over 46%, chocolate by 29%, eggs by 14%, and lamb meat by almost 9%. The ready-made cake costs 16% more than last year, and walnuts have risen in price by over 17%.
The rise in prices is not due to traders’ speculation, but to global economic and climate crises. In West Africa, major cocoa-producing areas have compromised harvests due to extreme weather and disease, and feed, energy and health costs have pushed up the price of eggs and meat.
Romanians in the face of inflation: smart purchases and financial survival strategies
High inflation changes consumption behavior. Shoppers prefer private label products, smaller quantities and multi-store visits to get the best price.
“We’re in for a real week of financial passions where chasing promotions has turned into a national sport,” explains Adrian Negrescu, Frames manager.
The average budget for the traditional Easter meal for a family of four can reach between 1,000 and 1,500 lei, including lamb, cozonac, pascha, drinks and gifts. For many families, this cost becomes impossible to allocate, especially in the context of daily increases in energy and maintenance.
Analysts warn that the effects of the war in the Middle East and the liberalization of the gas market may keep inflation in double digits for the coming months, which will continue to influence Romanians’ financial choices and holiday spending habits.
