In Bran-Moieciu area, the shepherd?s practices are sacred traditions for the local people. With the Romania ?s entrance in the EU, the authorities and the sheep breeders? representatives fight to maintain the shepherds? customs and keep their products on the market. Nicolae Clinciu, the mayor of Moieciu, invites the European citizens to attend the ancient rituals of the Romanian shepherds. ?We have the biggest pasturages in Europe , fresh air and countless of flocks, guarded by the herdsmen, just like thousands of years ago. Tourists also can taste delicious and natural products?.
Shepherd Ritual
On springtime, the flocks climb the mountain to spend the summer. In autumn, the shepherds bring them back in the villages, where they are took over by their owners, marking the end of the pastoral year. The entire village, along with the increasing number of tourists, assist the ritual of dealing the ovine products and the payment trade between shepherds and owners. A folkloric show and a fair of artisans, came from all over the country, usually accompany the event.
Powerful spiritual Call
Another local feast, celebrated today only at Fundata village, both a religious and pastoral event, is ?Nedeea muntilor?. Gathering the inhabitants of Bran, Moieciu and Fundata, it attracts an impressive number of foreign and Romanian tourists as well. The feast remains a wonderful occasion to display the popular clothes, celebrate the tradition and taste the products of the shepherds? gastronomy. More than an economic necessity, it is an exhibition of the powerful spiritual call to meet and have a good time together, singing, dancing and admire the simple beauty of the homespun clothes.
