Halchiu, formerly called Heltie, Heltia (Hältsdref, Haljtsdref in the Saxon dialect, Heldsdorf, Heldesdorf, Heltesdorf in German, Höltövény, Heltevény in Hungarian) is a town situated in the County of Brasov, being part of the historical region Tara Barsei. The holidays and traditions celebrated throughout the year are intended to revive the historical part of Halchiu, its former days and to promote them at national and international level. The Fall Fair has now become a tradition being celebrated each autumn to mark "The Days of Halchiu". This year, at its 13th edition, the event gathered famous folk dance and music groups from the county and children from the local elementary school, with the stage surrounded by chestnut trees. Halchiu celebrated for two days and the organizers offered a wide range of events.
A Folk Costumes Parade
All the reunited folk groups marched from the town center in a procession with the Mayor ahead, as a parade of folk costumes including Romanian, Hungarian and German people. During the procession, the parade has been accompanied by "Slapnicar Albert" brass band. The folk groups presented local folk costumes. The public could admire the Romanian, Hungarian and German folk costumes. The kindergarten and elementary school children paraded in costumes symbolizing autumn much to the delight of the public.
The Show Agenda
The first day?s agenda included the performance of TACT Theatre Group from Sighisoara in the play "In Poenitza", band "Orizont 2000", band "Activ" and the vocal artist Aurel Moldoveanu. The show ended with a beautiful fireworks show. The next day, after the parade of folk costumes, the kindergarten and elementary school children from Halchiu and Satu Nou, "Floare de Castan" folk group from Halchiu, folk music artist Robert Tarnaveanu, folk groups "Magura Codlei" and "Plaiurile Dumbravitei", band "Ardeal"with Elena as vocal artist, "Plaiurile Transilvaniei" Orchestra and the group of vocal artists "Tara Barsei" and "Orizont 2000" band, performed on stage.
An Invitation to Halchiu
"By promoting the tourist potential of Halchiu town we intend to share its old traditions and customs with its visitors. We are inviting all tourists who want to spend an unforgettable winter holiday on Christmas and New Year's Eve to Halchiu. We offer a wide range of activities: local households, traditional cuisine, horse-drawn sleigh rides, camp fire, carol singing, winter sports and many other recreational activities," said Mr. Iona Garbacea, Mayor of Halchiu.
