July 24–26, 2026
Văratec & Agapia | Neamț County | Romania

Three days close to nature and close to God, shaping an authentic Romanian experience.

From July 24 to 26, 2026, the village of Văratec, in Agapia, Neamț County, will host the first edition of the AGAPE Festival.

Designed for visitors from all over the country, the festival brings together faith, tradition, and the hospitality unique to this region in a picturesque natural setting, creating an atmosphere of joy, inner peace, and genuine human connection.

Among the highlights of this first edition are the presence of Father Pimen Vlad from Mount Athos and a special recital by Paula Hriscu, featuring traditional Romanian religious hymns and folk music.

The festival takes place at the Văratec Forest District, beneath the shade of the famous Silver Forest, where visitors will enjoy spiritual conferences, authentic meetings with local people, nature walks, a countryside picnic with local delicacies, a fair featuring craftsmen and local producers from Neamț County, educational workshops for all ages, and many other memorable activities.

Admission is free.

Festival Programme

Day 1 – Friday, July 24, 2026

AGAPE Picnic – Silver Forest, Văratec

5:00 PM – Blessing of the meal and gathering with remarkable members of the Agapia community

6:30 PM – A Dialogue for the Soul with Archimandrite Galaction Dominte, Botoș Hermitage

8:00 PM – Classical guitar recital by “Strings of Light” (Strune de Lumină)

Day 2 – Saturday, July 25, 2026

Văratec Forest District

1:00 PM – Creative workshops for children and adults

3:00 PM – Prayer of blessing followed by a concert of sacred music

4:00 PM – Conference: “Contemporary Challenges”, presented by Father Pimen Vlad

7:00–8:00 PM – Paula Hriscu in recital, performing traditional Romanian religious hymns (pricesne) and folk music

Local artisans’ and producers’ fair – Open throughout the day

Day 3 – Sunday, July 26, 2026

9:00 AM – Participation in the Divine Liturgy at Văratec Monastery, followed by a visit to the monastery museum

11:30 AM – Sunday Agape meal

12:30 PM – Spiritual gathering and book launch:
“Three Days in Paradise – Yes, I Was Contemporary with the Saints!”
Author: Father Neculai Cojocariu
In the presence of Father Sofian Costea and Father Iustinian Cojocariu (Văratec Parish)

1:45 PM – Guided walk along The Queen’s Trail in Văratec, concluding with a prayer of thanksgiving.

“We live in a world where time seems to pass without us, and I believe we all need moments that allow us to rediscover what truly matters and what genuinely nourishes our lives. Here, beneath the forests of Neamț, in the fragrant spiritual atmosphere of its monasteries and on the blessed lands of Văratec, I have witnessed how the soul finds healing and the body regains strength. We warmly invite you to experience even more than words can describe at the AGAPE Festival. We hope this event will become a cherished tradition, bringing us together every summer to share days filled with peace, joy, nature, and closeness to God.”

— Camelia Căpitanu
Journalist, producer of Romania’s Grandparents (Trinitas TV)
Co-founder and organizer of the AGAPE Festival

 About the AGAPE Festival

The name AGAPE comes from Ancient Greek and represents the highest form of love—selfless, unconditional love for one’s neighbour.

This profound meaning lies at the heart of the festival itself: a celebration of sharing the gifts we have received from God, reflected in nature, tradition, and faith.

The festival’s logo also incorporates meaningful symbols, including the oak leaf, the Cross, and a stylised bird. The oak leaf, the festival’s central emblem, represents steadfastness, wisdom, and the enduring strength of the Romanian people in facing life’s challenges.

Together, these symbols form the identity of the AGAPE Festival and express the values upon which it is built.

The AGAPE Festival is dedicated to education, culture, and spirituality, offering a programme that celebrates and promotes the rich heritage of the Agapia region and Neamț County.

Visitors are invited to discover some of the area’s most treasured landmarks, including the Silver Forest (Pădurea de Argint) and the Copper Forest (Codrii de Aramă) nature reserves, local crafts and traditions, the wisdom of village life, and the historic monasteries that continue to offer peace, hope, and spiritual renewal.

We warmly invite you to follow the AGAPE Festival on Facebook for the latest news and programme updates.

Contact

Camelia Căpitanu
Initiator & Co-founder, AGAPE Festival
+40 754 451 462

Simona Adiaconiței
Co-founder & Social Media Specialist
+40 748 995 088

Viorela Chiper
Project Coordinator
+40 741 195 664

Larisa Alui-Gheorghe
Human Resources Specialist
+40 754 778 783