The Days of Brasov - edition 2011 which took place in the period April 28th - May 1st, was celebrated with great pomp by the locals. This feast fell on the same day as the Sunday of Thomas. Seven groups of the "Junii" (young men) marched through the Old Brasov Fortress starting their procession in the Schei neighbourhood. This event brought to light an historical fact according to which the Romanians from Schei were not allowed to enter the Fortress unless a young man succeeded to get inside, circle three times the old City Hall building and hang the flag there. The young man managed to do so, but he was shot afterwards.
The Itinerary of Juni
Because of this, Junii strictly follow each year the itinerary formerly made by this young man: The Unification Square, Brancoveanu Street, G. Baritiu Street, Muresenilor Street, Eroilor Boulevard, Republicii Street, City Hall Square, Apollonia Hirscher Street, Poarta Schei Street, Prundului Street, Unirii Square, and finally Pietrele lui Solomon. Here, at their last stop, they serve festive meals and have a great time.
There are seven distinct groups of Juni: the Young Juni, the Old Juni, the Curcani Juni, the Dorobanti Juni, the Brasovecheni Juni, the Albiori Juni and the Rosiori Juni. They all march dressed in special costumes, the bailiff standing ahead with the group's flag in his hand followed by the horse mounted Juni. It is a unique, impressive and attractive show which gathers a lot of tourists from all over the world.
Back to the Middle Age
The Medieval Festival was organized in the Fortress on the occasion of the Days of Brasov. Many knight orders took part in this event: the Knights of Tara Barsei Fortresses, the Order of the Knights of Medias, the Order of the Dragons of Transylvania, the Paladins of Terra Medies and the Crown's Guardians. A Middle Age parade was organized which included the siege of the Fortress, presentation of weapons, interactive workshops engaging the audience in weapon handling, archery, spear-throwing, armoury, dances and medieval music concerts.
The Flowers and Handcrafts Fair
The tourist potential of the city and the area inside the Old Brasov Fortress have been turned to account. A Flowers Fair, as well as the Handcrafts Fair was organized in the City Hall Square. Other events consisted of theatre plays at the Theatre Sica Alexandrescu, concerts at the Opera House of Brasov and exhibitions at the First Romanian School Museum, the Art Museum of Brasov, the Urban Civilisation Museum Brasov and Museum "Casa Muresenilor".
