The Fire of Sumedru in Bran - The Night When Stories Burn Bright

Every autumn, on the night between October 25th and 26th, Bran lights up in the glow of an ancient tradition known as The Fire of Sumedru. It is the night when locals and visitors gather around a great bonfire to mark the end of autumn and the coming of winter.

The flames rise high into the cold mountain air. Children run around laughing, young people leap over the glowing embers, and the elders watch quietly, remembering the days when stories and songs were shared by the fire. It is a moment of unity - when the fire becomes more than light and warmth. It becomes a symbol of renewal, protection, and hope for the seasons ahead.

The story says that The Fire of Sumedru honors Saint Demetrius, guardian of shepherds, who brings the cold and closes the warm season. When the fire dies down, it is believed that evil spirits fade away, and people step into winter with clean hearts. The ashes are sometimes kept as a sign of good fortune and abundance.

In Bran, this night has a magic of its own. The mountains, already frosted with the first touch of winter, surround the glowing fires, while laughter, music, and the scent of burning wood fill the valley. Travelers join the locals, discovering the soul of a place where traditions still live and breathe.

The Fire of Sumedru is not just a ritual - it’s a living story, told each year through flame and joy, reminding everyone that time moves forward, but the spirit of the community burns bright forever.