The Celebration of Daffodils and Iris
|
|
The nature reserve "Dumbrava Vadului", famous as "Poiana Narciselor" (the Valley of Daffodils), lies in Sercaia commune, Vad village, less then 60 km distance from Brasov. Besides daffodils, iris and yellow peony also grow here and they are considered nature monuments. Apart from the specific fauna, roe deers, wild boars, foxes, rabbits, wild ducks and a few ant bears also live here making the reserve even more interesting.
The Festival of Daffodils
The Festival of Daffodils is organised in "Dumbrava Vadului" reserve each year on the eve of the Day of Saints Constantine and Helen. It is during this period that the blooming season of daffodils and iris flowers begins. On this occasion the Mayor of Sercaia and the Local Council take actions to organize this festival and provide adequate protection to the reserve.
"Because many tourists come to the Festival of Daffodils, we take guarding and protection measures for the reserve as regards flower picking interdiction and environmental protection. At the same time, we are well aware of the tourists' desire to enjoy the nature and therefore we organize a folk show, outside the reserve area, on an outdoor stage. Folk groups, singers and bands are invited to perform at this show," said Mr. Cristinel Paltin, Mayor of Sercaia commune.
The Queen of the Daffodils' Valley
"Dumbrava Vadului" is the only nature reserve of this type in Europe and it has a surface of 300 hectares. The interesting thing about it is that both iris and daffodils grow together, in high-humidity valleys. The iris flowers are blue-coloured, non-smelling, with lance-like leaf, but with a very beautiful look which makes it the queen of daffodils valleys.
The Wild Daffodils
The daffodils growing in Ardeal region are also called "coprine". They are protected by law and picking them is banned. Though it has been believed that they are on the brink of extinction, amazingly they proliferated offering a fairy sight. As a matter of fact, tourists who come to the Festival of Daffodils say that both iris and daffodils are a creation of God in a blessed place.
