The ‘Legends of Gorj’ festival, organized in the ‘Land of the Stags’ (Tărâmul Cerbilor) in Turceni, Gorj County, concluded on Sunday, July 12, after three days of artistic and cultural events that attracted thousands of visitors. The event marked a success for promoting local traditions and heritage, bringing together crafts, sculpture, theater, and major concerts.
The events debuted in the first two days with a large-scale traditional hora dance, in which hundreds of participants in folk costumes took part, and continued on Saturday, July 11, with a drone show at the end of the evening. According to the organizers, the folklore elements reaffirmed the symbolic connection between past and present, under the cultural imprint of Constantin Brâncuși.
Sunday, July 12, began at 4:00 PM and included the award ceremony for the 15 sculptors participating in the International Wood Carving Competition, under the ‘Wood Essences’ section. The works created during the competition remained permanently exhibited in an open-air gallery within the complex. Starting at 7:00 PM, the program continued with the ‘Village Ritual’ event, a section dedicated to craft workshops, traditional gastronomy, and themed fairs.
The artistic program of the final evening was opened at 8:00 PM by actor Horațiu Mălăele, who performed the recital ‘I am a blind man’ (‘Sunt un orb’). The musical agenda was completed by concerts performed by Damian Drăghici & Brothers Taraf, starting at 9:00 PM, and the band Subcarpați, starting at 10:00 PM, the latter closing this year’s edition with a fusion of Romanian folklore and modern influences.
Throughout the festival, public access to the site located on county road DJ673 (Calapăru – Turceni) was free, based on a QR code obtained through online registration. The venue was open daily between 4:00 PM and 12:00 AM, and participants also had accommodation options in the campsite or in the cottages within the ‘Land of the Stags’.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the Legends of Gorj festival take place?
The festival took place in the ‘Land of the Stags’ (Tărâmul Cerbilor) in Turceni, Gorj County, Romania.
Who performed on the final evening of the festival?
The final evening featured a recital by actor Horațiu Mălăele, followed by concerts from Damian Drăghici & Brothers and the band Subcarpați.
Was there an entry fee for the festival?
No, public access to the festival was free, requiring only a QR code obtained through online registration.