Traditions and Story Behind the Răvășitul Oilor Festival

The ‘Răvășitul Oilor’ FestivalFestival in Bran is one of Romania’s oldest pastoral traditions, deeply woven into the rhythm of village life. It marks the end of transhumance, the seasonal migration when shepherds took their flocks to high mountain pastures during the summer.

In early autumn, the sheep descended back to the valley. At the old Bran customs point, each shepherd received his sheep and his share of the cheese produced over the summer. What began as a practical division of livestock and dairy turned into a joyful village celebration.

The traditions live on today:

• Honoring shepherd dogs, the loyal guardians of the flocks;

• Folk dances in authentic costumes, bringing villagers and visitors together in the rhythm of ancestral songs;

• Craft fairs, with local artisans showcasing textiles, wooden objects, and handmade treasures.

  
  

  

  Răvășitul Oilor Festival in Bran - shepherds with sheep, shepherd dogs, folk dances, and craft stalls at the foot of Bran Castle

The ‘Răvășitul Oilor’ Festival is more than folklore - it is a living link between past and present, a way for the Bran community to preserve identity and share it proudly with the world.