Holidays celebrated in Dumbravita
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Dumbravita commune is situated on DN1 highway, between Codlea and Fagaras. It belongs to the historical region ?Tara Barsei?. The place has become very famous due to its eutrophic marsh located at 6 km further away. It is a protected area of European interest. The reed and bird species, as well as the Quaternary flora from here are to be appreciated; there are also several species of rare plants such as the checkered daffodil, the marsh trefoil, the water cresses, the all-heal, the globe-flower or the cotton grass. The place is also known as the Mountain Delta and scientists are very interested in it.
Cultural events
Old customs and traditions are still preserved in the village. There is a famous folk group with a rich repertoire of songs and dances. Among the yearly events, we mention: the biannual Animal Fair (on April 14th and on September 14th) the Days of Dumbravita (around Saint Mary?s Day on August 15th), the Evening Sitting and the Christmas Tree Lifting ceremonies. Besides the calendar customs, there are also customs which concern the most important live events: birth, initiation, marriage and death, included among the death rituals and ceremonies. After the winter holidays, life in the village takes a peaceful course.
Customs and Traditions
?Each event is important for the life of the village, because it brings forward ancestral traditions, folk costumes and a remarkable repertoire of traditional dances, carefully prepared by choreographers. Each custom has been preserved for hundreds of years in its authentic form. On the occasion of the Days of Dumbravita, a real folk costume parade is organized where the locals gather in the center of the commune in a round dance and then the cortege heads towards a specially arranged outdoor stage. Another event that is worth mentioning is the Christmas Tree Lifting which goes like that: the boys divide in two ?groups of men?, one going up the hill and another down the hill. They go into the forest to search for the fir tree at least a week before Christmas. They have to carefully choose the fir tree which has to be straight, high and evenly branched. It has to be the most beautiful tree in the forest. Then ceremonies follow the lifting of the Christmas tree,? says Mr. Zachiu Popa, Mayor of Dumbravita.
Tourist Village
?We are planning to make this village a place for tourists. We might say it is already, but there are still a lot of things to do. The folk group Dumbravita is already performing on national and international stages. The Evening Sitting custom has been recreated, after a period of inexistence, with its three specific elements: the rite, the work and the dance. He who wishes to visit us during the winter holidays will enjoy a wide range of events: Christmas Day and New Year?s Eve in the locals` houses, the ritual of sacrificing and preparing the pig, carol singing and traditions, outdoor recreation with sleights drawn by horses and a lot of fun,? says Mr. Zachiu Popa, Mayor of Dumbravita, with regards to turning into account the cultural and natural heritage of the place.