“Rural Romania” is an unmissable tourist chapter where you’ll discover the most interesting traditions, beautiful landscapes, and, most importantly, the best food. Romanian gastronomy is rich, shaped by the many people who have left their mark on the country and its culinary creations. Let’s explore rural Romania through some of its most beloved culinary festivals:
Sarmale Festival
As the country’s first gastronomic festival, its purpose is to encourage originality and inventiveness in the kitchen. How? At the Sarmale Festival, renowned chefs gather to compete in making the most delicious and unique stuffed cabbage rolls. Imagine, for instance, a house built out of sarmale! Alongside the traditional dishes, visitors can enjoy folk shows that showcase the local culture. The nearby salt mine in Praid also hosts classical music concerts and other interesting activities to help visitors discover the beauty of the region.
When? The third weekend in September
Where? Praid, Harghita County
Cabbage Festival
During this event, talented cooks prepare various cabbage-based dishes that will leave your mouth watering. And that’s not all: the vegetables are also used to create impressive sculptures. The festival also includes traditional product fairs, folk performances, and excursions to help visitors familiarize themselves with the region.
When? Early October (1 day)
Where? Moșna, Sibiu County
Trout Festival
This is the only festival in Europe dedicated to trout, first organized in 1993. The main attraction is the culinary event, where large dishes are prepared. For instance, in one year, they cooked 50 kg of trout, 40 kg of cornmeal polenta, and made a decorative cob of 1,000 smoked trout. Organizers ensure no one leaves the festival hungry. Besides the rich menu, the festival also includes fishing contests, traditional dress parades, wine tastings, folk shows, and more to make you fall in love with Romania.
When? August (dates not fixed)
Where? Ciocănești, Suceava County
Fig Festival
This unique festival in Europe promotes local fig products and the area’s multi-ethnic character. Though it lasts only one day, the organizers manage to pack numerous activities into the event. There are competitions for the best fig jam, brandy, and other fig-based treats. Parades of traditional costumes, fishing contests, and Romanian and Serbian performances make the experience unforgettable.
When? Last Sunday of August
Where? Svinița, Mehedinți County
Pleșcoi Sausage Festival
This festival promotes local traditional products, with the Pleşcoi sausages as the stars. These sausages are made from animals raised in an ecologically special environment. Here, you’ll have the chance to see how mutton is cooked in cauldrons and taste dishes like cheeses, breads, and must. Folk performances, sausage-eating contests, and other fun activities are also organized.
When? First week of October (2 days, dates not fixed)
Where? Berca, Buzău County
Potato Week
Held in the storybook setting of Brukenthal Palace, the location was chosen because over two centuries ago, the palace’s baron planted the first potatoes in Transylvania, promoting their cultivation and improving local life. During Potato Week, you can enjoy dishes like cream soups, stuffed potatoes, potato dumplings, potato pancakes, and more.
When? Mid-October (dates not fixed)
Where? Avrig, Sibiu
Cheese and Brandy Festival
This festival gives tourists a chance to savor traditional products from Mărginimea Sibiului, prepared from recipes handed down through generations. Staples include cheeses, mutton stew, shepherd’s bulz, and pastrami. The Cheese and Brandy Festival lets visitors get to know local traditions, taste authentic dishes, and even learn some dance moves from folk ensembles that enliven the atmosphere with their songs and dances.
When? Late August (2 days; dates not fixed)
Where? Rășinari, Sibiu County
Zaibăr and Leek Festival
Let’s clarify two terms: zaibăr is a strong, aromatic red wine specific to Oltenia, and leek is known as “praz” regionally. At this festival, you’ll enjoy a traditional feast of pastrami with polenta, Oltenian sausages, mititei, roasted pumpkin, and of course, zaibăr. There are contests for “best leek recipe,” folk shows, and the “Zaibăr Caravan” – a decorated wagon with various local products.
When? Mid-October (3 days; dates not fixed)
Where? Băilești, Dolj County
