The traditional festivals of Maramure

Babes Bolyai University Kohut GheorgheFaculty of GeographyGeography of Tourism, ID (distance learning)1st yearThe traditional festivals of MaramureChristian holy days and celebrations, kept by the book by the faithful Maramure people by fasting and prayer, intertwine with the folklore, with rituals, superstition and popular beliefs and with pastoral traditions frequently accompanied by popular dances. Besides the old traditions of the New Year, Easter, Christmas and other important religious celebrations, there are also some traditional laic events organised every year.Tnjaua de pe Mara Hoteni. A festival of agrarian customs, held in the villages of Hoteni, Sat ugatag and Hrniceti. The whole village, wearing their traditional costumes, gathers in order to celebrate the most hardworking man, the one who ploughed first his field. He is seated on a tilegu (small carriage) covered with colourful woven carpets and pulled by several young men. Pairs of young men carry the (usually) 12 tnje that are decorated with branches, flowers, white towels and coloured ribbons. Village Dance After the 15th of August (the holy day of Saint Mary), three Sundays in row there are festivities involving traditional music and dances in the villages of Breb, Sat ugatag and Hoteni respectively.Nevermind Im small, Budeti in this beautiful village located on Cosu Valley, on the day of the Whitsun, childrens ensembles from all the areas in the region of Maramure are invited to sing and dance.Goulash Festival In August, in Ocna Sugatag, there is a competition between amateurs and professional chefs for the most tasteful goulash a Hungarian traditional food. The word goulash in Hungarian means shepherd of cattle. The first recipe explaining how to make this dish dates back to the XVIII century. Since then, the preparation of goulash didnt suffer major changes, the ingredients used and their combination remaining the same. After the tasting of the goulash the winner is announced and people enjoy the traditional drink, horinc.Festival of winter customs and traditions, Sighetu Marmaiei it takes place every year since 1968, between Christmas and New Year, on the 27th of December. The event is held in order to preserve and pass along the specific winter customs and traditions. Alongside representatives of villages in the whole of Maramure other people who also cherish ancient habits, coming from other regions (Bistria-Nsud, ara Oaului, Bucovina, Banat, Dobrogea, Oltenia and also Ukraine), participate in the festival.

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