I chose to spend the winter holidays at home with my family every year. This time, I took my camera with me. On December 26th, I decided to go to Asu, where the Bear Festival takes place, to capture some images from an authentic tradition of our Romanian culture. The Bear Festival is a unique tradition in Romania, symbolizing purification and renewal for the New Year. Dressed in elaborate bear costumes, participants dance and perform choreographed dances accompanied by drums and flutes, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. This event, deeply rooted in Romanian traditions, reflects the unity of the community and the close connection with ancient customs and beliefs. It is a true celebration of folk culture, with the girls from the village actively participating as drummers, singers, or dancers, often wearing traditional costumes, thus keeping the spirit of this tradition alive. It was an opportunity to document an event full of energy and capture special moments that are part of our cultural heritage.
I woke up early on December 26th, filled with anticipation. I carefully prepared my gear - the 70-200mm lens and the 50mm f/1.4 - then jumped into a taxi, eager to reach my destination. The drive was exciting, knowing I was about to witness something unique. When I arrived, the boys were waiting for me at home, ready to begin the ritual.
I began documenting every step of the preparation: the bear skins carefully taken out of boxes and draped over shoulders, the rhythmic beats of the drums filling the air, and the strong scent of traditional costumes.
The atmosphere was alive with emotion and energy, and dressing each person felt like a tribute to ancient traditions.
Soon, the entire group gathered, and the ritual began to take form.
I felt that every frame captured was a piece of a cultural puzzle, telling a story about 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, a privilege to document a living tradition full of energy and significance.
As I arrived in Asau, I was greeted by familiarity. I met people I already knew, old friends and current ones, and the atmosphere was filled with warmth and energy. I began documenting the festival, capturing authentic moments of a tradition that brings the community together. Each photograph was a window into the history and customs of the place, a story told through the dances and elaborate bear costumes. By the end, I returned home with remarkable images, each capturing the essence of a vibrant ritual.
I didn't have much time to rest, as on December 30th, I headed to Comanesti for another event. I was eager to discover and document new moments, to photograph the stories hidden behind the tradition, continuing a journey that promised to be filled with unforgettable moments.
On December 30th, I hurried to Comanesti, where the parade was much larger and unfolded in a charged atmosphere full of energy. All the bear groups gathered here, and the event was awe-inspiring. I had the chance to photograph much more and capture more essential moments than the previous day. One aspect that particularly fascinated me was the presence of the little bear cubs, who are encouraged by their parents to wear traditional costumes and continue to keep this ancient tradition alive. The festival in Comănesti, which takes place every year on December 30th, represents a strong link between generations. Through my photographs, I captured
the most vibrant moments of this ritual.
After I finished in Comanesti on December 31, 2001, I had the privilege of documenting an event of profound significance for my native village, Oituz – Capra Oituz. This tradition spans three days, from December 31st to January 2nd, and marks the celebration of the end of one year and the arrival of the new one. On December 31, I started documenting in Oituz, where the festivities begin with vibrant anticipation as the entire village comes alive with music, laughter, and the echoes of ancient rituals.
Growing up immersed in this tradition, I witnessed how the village unites for this celebration, dancing, singing, and proudly carrying on ancient customs that define us. With every step and every song, the rhythm of rural life intertwines with the energy of this 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 a photographic record - it was a journey into the heart of our traditions, an 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 I took preserve these memories and convey the importance of preserving traditions in a rapidly changing world. It was an experience that taught me not just about documentary photography but also about the power of capturing the essence of a community that lives and breathes through its customs.
The second night, January 2nd, is the most special moment - Spartul Caprei. On this night, the young men carry torches, symbolizing the expulsion of evil spirits. This ritual, with the flames illuminating the cold winter night, brings the community a sense of protection and unity. It is a profound tradition rooted in ancient beliefs, where 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, capturing the intensity of the flames and the deep connection between people and their cultural
Documenting these three events in Asău, Comănești, and Oituz was a pleasure. Each celebration was unique yet shared the same vibrant energy, deep traditions, and a strong sense of community. From the lively streets of Asău to the spirited gatherings in Comănești and the heartfelt festivities in Oituz, every moment captured was a testament to the enduring beauty of our heritage. Through my lens, I had the honour of preserving these memories that connect us to our roots and one another.
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