(This section is being
updated. In the meantime, check out the "Festivals" photo galleries here on
the Jiu Valley Portal)
Festivals
The “Om Rau (Bad Man)” Festival in Petrila is an
intellectually stimulating annual music and cultural show held over a 2-3 day
period (usually near the beginning of July) at the residence and outdoor
amphitheater of Petrila resident Ion Barbu, an internationally-recognized
political/ social cartoonist and satirist.
Given the title with intentional irony by Barbu after the
negative stereotypes heaped on the residents of Jiu Valley following the
miner strikes of the 1990's (and in sardonic response to the “Good Man
Festival” title of a festival in another Romanian city), this innovative and
high quality outdoor venue brings together a select group of talented and
well-known musicians and performers from around Romania. Barbu utilizes his
extensive and diverse network of friends and contacts (and the generous
efforts of his extended family) to offer a free cultural treat for friends
and visitors in a unique and intimate setting. Featured presentations have
included jazz, traditional Romanian music, classical, folk, rock, and even a
mixture of bluegrass/folk rock. More information is available through Ion's
website (www.ziua.net/barbu/) - JBG/3.23.05
“VAL-FEST – Lupeni” is an annual street festival and cultural event that
brings together a diverse collection of artists, musicians, performers from
throughout Romania to join local groups in Jiu Valley in creating a unique
ensemble and environment for a 2-3 day period during the fall. Organized by
Mihaita Lupu after his brother Florin Lupu (the co-founder and dynamic young
Executive Director of the Renaissance Initiative in Jiu Valley and the DEEP
Foundation) was tragically killed in an accident March of 2002, this
cultural and social event carries on the spirit of Florin and is a gift to
the community. This free event encourages the local community to get
involved and proactively work together to build the kind of cultural
environment that celebrates life, art, drama, music and creativity. – JBG/3.23.05
Customs
“Another traditional custom still preserved and practiced is "masuratul
oilor", the day during the year (which varies by community) when shepherds
move their herds of sheep up into the surrounding mountains for summer
grazing in the alpine fields (Morisoara, Candet, Vacaria).”
The “Shepherds’ Festival” in Banita (a small rural community on the outskirts
of Jiu Valley) is an annual event and celebration in the spring when the
shepherds in the region get together before driving their flocks of sheep up
into the mountains for grazing. Since they pool their sheep milk together to
make cheese and other products (more cost efficient), they need to determine
the percentage that each shepherd contributes of milk and should receive
back in cheese. In order
to achieve this, they hold a sheep milking contest, as well as have other
events unique to the shepherd community. Those people who are interested in
attending this fascinating event should contact the Mayor (Primar) of Banita
or inquire at the Primaria. - JBG/3.23.05
“International Day of the Child” in early June is celebrated by different
communities throughout Jiu Valley. Some communities feature musical and
talent events, other include sporting events and contests, etc. Check the
individual city sites for more details.
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Festivals
