Living Romanian Traditions: The Bear Festival and Capra of Oituz

Every year, I return home for the winter holidays to be with my family. This time, I chose to spend more time within the places and communities where tradition is still lived, not performed. On December 26th, I travelled to Comănești, where the Bear Festival unfolds each year as a powerful and ancestral ritual.

I wanted to document these events more intensely and to be closer to the people who carry this tradition forward — to feel the rhythm, the energy, and the emotion that surround it. Beyond spectacle, the festival reveals a deep connection between generations, a living expression of Romanian cultural identity that continues to exist through presence, participation, and continuity.

Ursii Din Comanesti -Sipoteni

The Magic of the Bear Festival

The Bear Festival is a unique tradition in Romania. It symbolises purification and renewal as the New Year approaches. Participants dress up in elaborate bear costumes. They dance and perform choreographed routines accompanied by drums and flutes. This creates a vibrant and energetic atmosphere that fills the air with excitement.

Ursii Din Comanesti -Sipotesti

This event reflects the unity of the community, showcasing a deep connection with ancient

customs and beliefs. It is a true celebration of folk culture. The girls from the village actively participate as drummers, singers, or dancers. They wear traditional costumes, keeping the spirit of this tradition alive. Documenting this event was an opportunity to capture the energy and special moments that are part of our cultural heritage.

Ursii Din Comanesti - Sipoteni

Children play a crucial role in this Bear Festival, as they are taught from an early age to carry the tradition forward. From childhood, they learn the steps, the rhythm, and the meaning of the ritual, growing up alongside it. Through their involvement, the tradition does not remain just a memory, but a living heritage passed down from generation to generation.

Documenting the Experience

I began documenting every step of the preparation. I captured the bear skins being carefully removed from boxes and draped over shoulders. The rhythmic beats of the drums filled the air, and the strong scent of traditional costumes enveloped the atmosphere. The energy was palpable, and every act of dressing felt like a tribute to the age-old traditions.

Ursii Din Comanesti -Sipoteni

Soon, the entire group (Ursii Din Comanesti -ŞIPOTESTI)-gathered, and the ritual began to take form. I felt that each frame I captured was a piece of a cultural puzzle. It expressed the unity of the community and its deep connection to the past. Every detail, from the expressions on their faces to the dancers' movements, was imbued with meaning. It was an unforgettable day, and I felt privileged to document a living tradition full of energy and significance.

Ursii Din Comanesti - Sipoteni

As I arrived in Comanesti and Asau, I was greeted by familiarity. I reconnected with old friends and current ones. The atmosphere was warm and vibrant. I documented the festival, capturing authentic moments of a tradition that brings the community together. Each photograph became a window into the history and customs of the place—a story told through the dances and elaborate bear costumes.

By the end of the festival, I returned home with remarkable images. Each one captured the essence of a vibrant ritual.

Exploring Comanesti’s Festivities

I didn’t have much time to rest. On December 30th, I headed to Comanesti for another event. I was eager to discover and document new moments. I planned to photograph the stories hidden behind the tradition, continuing a journey filled with unforgettable moments.

Ursul Lui Gavrila -Asau

On December 30th, I hurried to Comanesti. This parade was much larger and unfolded in a charged atmosphere full of energy. All the bear groups gathered, and the event was awe-inspiring. I had the chance to photograph many more key moments compared to the previous days.

One aspect that fascinated me was the presence of little bear cubs. Their parents encouraged them to wear traditional costumes and continue keeping this ancient tradition alive. The festival in Comănești represents a strong link between generations. Through my photographs, I captured the most vibrant moments of this ritual.

Ursii Din Asau - Leurda

Capra Oituz: A Celebration of Identity

After I finished in Comanesti, I documented an event of profound significance for my native village—Oituz – Capra Oituz. This tradition spans three days, from December 31st to January 2nd. It marks the celebration of the end of one year and the arrival of the new one.

On December 31, I started documenting in Oituz. Festivities began with vibrant anticipation as the entire village came alive with music, laughter, and echoes of ancient rituals. Growing up immersed in this tradition, I witnessed how the village unites for this celebration. People dance, sing, and proudly carry on ancient customs that define us.

With every step and every song, the rhythm of rural life intertwines with the energy of the

holiday, uniting people and connecting them to their land and ancestors. The Capra Oituz celebration is more than just an event; it is a living expression of identity and community.

Documenting this event was more than just taking photographs. It was a journey into the

heart of our traditions. I had the opportunity to capture the fleeting moments that define village life. Each dancer, singer, and goat mask tells a story about community—a rhythm that spans generations and the deep connection between people and their customs. The photographs preserved these memories, emphasising the importance of preserving traditions in a rapidly changing world.

The Boys

The Night of Spartul Caprei

The second night, January 2nd, is the most special moment—Spartul Caprei. On this night, young men carry torches, symbolising the expulsion of evil spirits. The ritual, with its flames illuminating the cold winter night, brings the community a sense of protection and unity. It is a profound tradition rooted in ancient beliefs. The light from the torches not only drives away darkness but also renews the villagers' spirits for the coming year.

Documenting Spartul Caprei was an unforgettable experience. I captured the intensity of the flames and the deep connection between people and their cultural heritage.

The Dance

In conclusion, documenting these three events in Comanesti, Asau, and Oituz was a pleasure. Each celebration felt unique yet shared the same vibrant energy, deep traditions, and strong community. From the lively streets of Asău to the spirited gatherings in Comănești and the heartfelt festivities in Oituz, every moment I captured was a testament to the enduring beauty of our heritage. Through my lens, I had the honor of preserving memories that connect us to our roots and to one another.