The 11 Best Traditional Festivals In Romania

Romania is a country where centuries-old traditions and crafts are strongly rooted in the local culture. A land where patriarchal rituals represent not only symbols of identity, but also celebrations of life. There is nothing unusual to see people dressed in traditional costumes going to church, carts filled with hay pulled by horses, or shepherds marching in the mountains with their flock. Discover traditional Romanian culture by taking part in the festivals; because there are so many celebrations, here is a list of the best.

1. The Long Way to the Merry Cemetery

Cemetery

Organized at the end of July, in the Maramures region by Peter Hurley, an Irishman who decided to settle in Romania, the Long Way to the Merry Cemetery is not only a festival but a national campaign aiming to promote the traditional Romanian village as a universal heritage. The festival is organized in two different locations: during the first week, the activities take place in Tara Lapusului, while in the second week they are run in Tara Maramuresului. The festival ends in Sapanta, at the Merry Cemetery. During the whole event, craft workshops, folk music concerts and meetings with the elders of the villages to share their life stories are organized. Every day ends with a party with local dances.

Transylvanian Saxons Festival

The Transylvanian Saxons Festival in early August, or ‘Haferland Week‘ is an opportunity for the Saxons who lived in Transylvania to reunite, for the visitors to learn about the history and traditions of the Saxon community and for the organizers to promote the local heritage. During a week, the festival’s activities are held in several Saxon villages: Crit, Rupea, Mesendorf, Saschiz, Bunesti, Viscri, Homorod, Roades, Archita and Cloasterf. The programme includes brunch with local dishes, photographic exhibitions, guided tours on the surrounding hills and in the villages, carriage trips, organ concerts, film showings and treasure hunt competitions.