In 2026, Eco Maramureș invites you to discover the region’s authentic traditions and culture through a series of charming annual events. From craft fairs and folk festivals to interactive workshops and traditional celebrations, each moment becomes an opportunity to feel the living spirit of Maramureș. Join the locals at vibrant events full of color and good cheer, discover customs preserved through time, and enjoy the area’s distinctive hospitality. Plan your journey and join us to create unforgettable memories in the heart of Maramureș!
Easter Fair at Casa din Vale
Date: April 11, 2026
Location: Breb
Organizer: Cultural Association Casa din Vale
Description:
In the heart of Breb village, the Easter Fair becomes a celebration and an opportunity to encounter authentic craftsmanship and traditional local delicacies. In a rustic setting, rich in history and charm, local artisans proudly display their creations, offering visitors a wide range of handmade products. From traditional garments, carefully embroidered, to decorations that bring warmth and color into any home, and hand-crafted pottery, each item bears the mark of skills passed down from generation to generation.
For those passionate about authentic flavors, the fair is a true feast for the senses: jams and syrups prepared from old recipes, honey products with unmistakable aromas, and other local delicacies, all made with care and respect for tradition. The Easter Fair in Breb is not only an opportunity to buy unique souvenirs, but also an open invitation to anyone who wishes to experience the authenticity of Maramureș, discover the stories behind each object, and feel the warmth of a welcoming community.
Easter Monday Dance
Date: April 13, 2026
Location: Sat-Șugatag
Organizer: Ocna Șugatag Town Hall
Description:
On the second day of Easter, Sat-Șugatag comes alive with the village’s traditional dance gathering, where locals and visitors come together to celebrate through music, folk dances, and good cheer. The atmosphere is full of energy, while the sound of the fiddle and the joyful shouts echo throughout the village, bringing together entire generations in a circle of joy and tradition.
Joc pe Cosău
Date: April 14, 2026
Location: Sârbi
Organizer: The Town Hall of Budești and the Maramureș County Council
Description:
In the heart of Maramureș, the village of Sârbi transforms into a vibrant stage of authentic traditions on the third day of Easter, hosting an exceptional folk festival. Artistic groups from the counties of Maramureș, Bihor, and Cluj come together to deliver an impressive spectacle of music, dance, and traditional attire, bringing back the festive spirit of olden times.
The event opens with a grand parade of folk costumes, turning the village streets into a lively, colorful display of heritage, where every outfit tells a story passed down through generations. In this village, which has preserved its wooden houses, traditional crafts, and historic installations, visitors are invited to experience a truly authentic celebration by joining the locals in the traditional dance of the holiday.
The lively sounds of the cetera (traditional fiddle) and zongora (folk guitar) fill the air, while the horă and învârtita dances bring people together in an infectious rhythm. The atmosphere is brimming with joy and hospitality as villagers welcome guests with traditional food, fine drinks, and stories of their beloved village. This festival is more than just an event—it is a magical journey through the culture and soul of Maramureș, a celebration that is truly worth experiencing!
Tânjaua Hotenarilor
Date: May 10, 2026
Location: Hoteni
Organizer: The Town Hall of Ocna Șugatag
Description:
A unique agrarian tradition, proudly preserved since 1870, celebrating the first farmer to start plowing! In Hoteni, this authentic festival brings the entire community together in a vibrant spectacle of color, music, and ancient customs.
Dressed in festive attire, villagers accompany the honored farmer in a grand procession, alongside young men carrying 12 tânjele (wooden yokes) decorated with birch branches, ribbons, and embroidered towels. The final destination? Valea Dărasca, where the ritual of splashing water on the honoree’s face is accompanied by traditional shouts and blessings for a prosperous year and bountiful harvests.
But watch out! The honored farmer attempts to escape, running toward the river, yet is quickly pursued and brought back by vigilant villagers. This spectacular scene is enriched with folk music and lively dances, making this ancient custom a captivating experience for tourists eager to immerse themselves in the authenticity of Maramureș!
Învârtita Vălenarilor
Date: May 31, 2026
Location: Văleni
Organizer: The Town Hall of Călinești
Description:
Învârtita Vălenarilor is a lively and authentic folk festival that transforms the village of Văleni, in Călinești Commune, into a spectacular display of music, dance, and tradition. On the stage in the village center, dance ensembles showcase their skill, while folk singers fill the hearts of everyone with the joy of Maramureș melodies.
Villagers welcome guests with warm hospitality, setting up generous tables in their household courtyards, offering traditional dishes, honey products, and the irresistible aromas of home-cooked meals prepared in the old-fashioned way. This vibrant scene is further enhanced by the charm of the season, when lush green hills and blooming orchards provide a fairytale-like backdrop for an unforgettable and truly authentic experience.
„Nu vă uitați că-s micuț” Festival
Date: May 31 – June 1, 2026
Location: Budești
Organizer: The Town Hall of Budești and the Maramureș County Council
Description:
Local folk ensembles of children and young performers delight the audience with traditional music and dances. Participants from villages across the destination—and beyond—gather dressed in authentic folk costumes, creating a spectacular display of rhythm and color.
The purpose of the event is both to celebrate and educate, offering an excellent opportunity for locals and visitors alike to experience the vibrant cultural essence of Eco Maramureș.
The Craftsmen’s Fair
Date: May 31 – June 1, 2026
Location: Budești
Organizer: The Town Hall of Budești and the Maramureș County Council
Description:
On this special occasion, visitors will have the chance to explore an authentic craftsmen’s fair, where tradition and the mastery of local artisans come to life. Skilled craftsmen will proudly showcase their meticulously crafted creations, ranging from traditional textiles and hand-carved wooden objects to decorative pieces and jewelry inspired by folk costumes.
TIFF Film Caravan
Date: July 11–12, 2026
Location: Breb
Organizer: TIFF Caravan and Cultural Association Casa din Vale
Description:
A well-established festival that brings together the traditions, music, and authentic flavors of Maramureș returns this year to the courtyard of the historic ‘old’ church in Breb for its 6th edition. Set in a place rich in history and spirituality, the festival becomes a true celebration of local culture, where soloists and folk ensembles from Breb and other villages in Maramureș captivate audiences with authentic rhythms and lively dances.
Master craftsmen proudly display their creations, from handwoven textiles and intricately carved wooden objects to traditional jewelry, offering visitors the chance to discover and take home a unique souvenir. To complete the experience, the village socăcice (traditional cooks) tempt guests with home-cooked delicacies: the famous ‘brozbuțe’ (Breb-style stuffed cabbage rolls), fluffy doughnuts, golden-brown pies, and other traditional treats that bring back the flavors of childhood.
This is an event where tradition comes to life, and every moment becomes an unforgettable memory!
Wandering Among Traditions
Date: July 12, 2026
Location: Breb
Organizer: Romanian Orthodox Parish of Breb, Coconii din Breb, The Town Hall of Ocna Șugatag
Description:
A well-established festival that brings together the traditions, music, and authentic flavors of Maramureș returns this year to the courtyard of the historic ‘old’ church in Breb. Set in a place rich in history and spirituality, the festival becomes a true celebration of local culture, where soloists and folk ensembles from Breb and other villages in Maramureș captivate audiences with authentic rhythms and lively dances.
Master craftsmen proudly display their creations, from handwoven textiles and intricately carved wooden objects to traditional jewelry, offering visitors the chance to discover and take home a unique souvenir. To complete the experience, the village socăcice (traditional cooks) tempt guests with home-cooked delicacies: the famous ‘brozbuțe’ (Breb-style stuffed cabbage rolls), fluffy doughnuts, golden-brown pies, and other traditional treats that bring back the flavors of childhood.
This is an event where tradition comes to life, and every moment becomes an unforgettable memory!
Pottery Camp
Date: July 13–18, 2026
Location: Baia Sprie
Organizer: Casa Olarului – Baia Sprie
Description:
A practical camp where participants learn how to shape clay, work on the potter’s wheel, and create ceramic objects under the guidance of master potter Daniel Leș. In addition to pottery, participants also discover the beauty of Baia Sprie and its surroundings through relaxing outdoor activities and hikes.
Creative Gathering in Breb
Date: July 18–20, 2026
Location: Breb – Camping Babou
Organizer: Camping Babou Breb
Description:
Camping Babou invites you to a few days of creativity and authentic encounters in the village of Breb. The event brings together neighbors, friends, and guests in a relaxed atmosphere where music, art, and ideas come to life spontaneously. Participants are encouraged to bring instruments, colors, and inspiration for jam sessions, drawing and painting sessions, or informal workshops. Evenings continue with stories, socializing, and campfires under the Maramureș sky. It is an opportunity to create together, build friendships, and enjoy a few days of artistic freedom in the middle of nature. Everyone who loves art, in any form, is welcome.
Mogoșa Everesting
Date: August 1, 2026
Location: Mogoșa
Organizer: Maramureș Mountain Running Sports Club Association
Description:
An extreme sporting event held annually in Baia Sprie, bringing together runners and lovers of outdoor movement. Participants climb toward Mogoșa Peak enough times to accumulate 8,848 meters of elevation gain, the equivalent of Mount Everest’s height.
Fest-în-Vale
Date: August 14–16, 2026
Location: Breb
Organizer: Cultural Association Casa din Vale Breb
Description:
Fest-în-Vale is more than just a cultural event—it is a celebration of community, music, and generosity, hosted in a place with soul, Casa din Vale – Breb. Here, in the heart of authentic Maramureș, lovers of beauty, music, and tradition gather in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, where the spirit of rural life blends harmoniously with the desire to do good.
The event has a strong charitable component, offering participants the chance not only to enjoy unforgettable evenings but also to contribute to a noble cause. The stage will feature authentic local artists, renowned bands, and surprise guests, bringing a diverse mix of music—from traditional Maramureș music to jazz, blues, and other genres that enrich this vibrant cultural experience.
With surprises, joy, and positive energy, each evening will become an unforgettable experience, where music, community, and generosity come together to create cherished memories.
Mogoșa Race
Date: September 19, 2026
Location: Mogoșa
Organizer: Maramureș Mountain Running Sports Club Association
Description:
An annual mountain running race organized in Baia Sprie, featuring courses of different difficulty levels, including a Family Race. It is a sporting event dedicated both to experienced runners and beginners, taking place on spectacular trails in the Gutâi Mountains.
Nichita Stănescu Poetry Evening
Date: October 20, 2026
Location: Desești
Organizer: The Town Hall of Desești
Description:
For over 40 years, in autumn, the courtyard of poet Gheorghe Pârja’s parental home becomes a haven for Romanian poetry, echoing the verses of the great poet Nichita Stănescu. This event coincides with the feast day of the UNESCO church in Desești, also providing an occasion for other attractive cultural events during this period.
Christmas Fair
Date: December 5–6, 2026
Location: Ocna Șugatag
Organizer: The Town Hall of Ocna Șugatag
Description:
The Christmas Fair in the center of Ocna Șugatag is a festive event where visitors can explore a variety of traditional winter decorations and local delights: fluffy doughnuts, homemade pastries and sweets, traditional sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls), honey products from local beekeepers, sausages, and other seasonal delicacies.
Adding to the charm of the fair, live folk music and traditional dance performances bring the holiday spirit to life, featuring talented local singers and ensembles. More than just a place to shop, this fair is an open invitation to step into the world of living traditions and take home a precious memory from the heart of Maramureș.
Christmas Fair at Casa din Vale
Date: December 23–24, 2026
Location: Breb
Organizer: Cultural Association Casa din Vale Breb
Description:
In the heart of Breb, within the charming “cultural garden” of Casa din Vale, the Christmas Fair brings the magic of the holiday season closer to all who visit. In an authentic setting, adorned with traditional ornaments and warm lights, the fair gathers artisan and handmade products, perfect for those wishing to take home a piece of Maramureș.
Amidst the festively decorated wooden stalls, guests are welcomed by ceterași (folk fiddlers) and groups of children singing Christmas carols, keeping alive the spirit of ancient traditions. From handwoven textiles and intricately carved wooden decorations to natural cosmetics, honey, and traditional delicacies, the fair offers a diverse selection of locally crafted treasures, filled with soul and authenticity.
Whether you are looking for a special gift, a taste of authentic holiday treats, or simply want to immerse yourself in the warmth and charm of a Maramureș winter, this fair is the perfect place to experience the magic of Christmas in the heart of Maramureș.
Christmas Carol Festival “In the City of Bethlehem”, 5th Edition
Date: December 25, 2026
Location: Budești
Organizer: The Town Hall of Budești
Description:
In the heart of winter, amidst a festive atmosphere, the Carols Festival gathers the crystal-clear voices of carolers from across the region. Guests are invited to embrace the magic of Christmas, rediscover the beauty of traditions, and experience the joy of caroling, just as it was once done in the villages of Maramureș.
Christmas Traditions
Date: December 24-26, 2026
Location: all 12 villages of the communes Budești, Călinești, Desești, Ocna Șugatag
Organizer: winter traditions preserved and practiced by locals
Description:
In the villages of the Eco Maramureș destination and in the town of Baia Sprie, Christmas is welcomed with joy and respect for ancient traditions passed down from generation to generation. The celebration begins with attending church, where locals, dressed in traditional clothing, take part in the religious service. On Christmas Eve, groups of carol singers go from house to house, announcing the Birth of the Lord through authentic carols, accompanied by the sound of bells and traditional instruments. The housewives welcome the carol singers with sweet bread, walnuts, and apples, while the tables are richly set with dishes prepared from recipes inherited from ancestors. A special moment is the “Viflaim”, a traditional folk play with masks and costumes that presents to the villagers the biblical story of the Birth of Jesus. The whole community comes together in an atmosphere of true celebration, where old customs are faithfully preserved, offering visitors a unique and moving experience of Christmas in Maramureș.