On Sunday, December 28, 2025, the 55th edition of the traditional Winter Customs and Traditions Festival “Steaua sus răsare” will take place, organized by the “Carmen Saeculare” Center for Culture and Arts in Neamț County.

This year’s festival brings together numerous folk groups, performing alongside the host, “Floricică de la Munte” Folk Ensemble. The invited groups include:
“The Bears of Asău” (Bacău), “Tudoreanca” Winter Customs Ensemble (Tudora, Botoșani), “The Stag of Heleşteni” (Iași), “Răzeșii Cracăului” and “Năvala Urșilor” (Girov, Neamț), “Sumănarii” Ploughmen Procession (Trifești, Neamț), Răucești Winter Customs Procession (Neamț), “Buhaiul de fete de la Boiștea” (Petricani, Neamț), “The Arnăuți Folk Ensemble of Urecheni” (Neamț), “Străjerii Muntelui” Folk Ensemble (Farcașa, Neamț), “Codrii Stânișoarei” Folk Ensemble (Borca, Neamț), “Codrii Neamțului” Folk Ensemble and “Comorile Neamțului” Folk Ensemble.

The invited groups will proudly display their traditional costumes and dances specific to their regions of origin during the Parade of Romanian Winter Customs and Traditions, starting at 3:00 PM, along the route: Ștefan cel Mare Square – Culture House – History Museum – “Ceahlău” Grand Hotel – Ștefan cel Mare Square.

At 4:00 PM, the public is invited to enjoy the extraordinary concert of this edition, held on the stage set up in Ștefan cel Mare Square. The event will conclude with a special performance by the guest of honor, the renowned “Plăieșii” Ethno-Folkloric Ensemble from the Republic of Moldova.

A Festival with Deep Roots

The Winter Customs Procession made its debut under this name in December 1969. Over time, the event has evolved, and for the past ten editions it has been known as the Winter Customs and Traditions Festival “Steaua sus răsare”, a name inspired by the most important celebration of the season—the Nativity of Christ, observed between St. Nicholas’ Day (December 6) and St. John’s Day (January 7).

Despite changes in name, the essence of the festival has remained unchanged. Every December, Piatra-Neamț becomes a vibrant meeting place for groups from across the county, from all over Romania, and, in recent years, from Romanian communities abroad, especially from the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine, all coming together to celebrate the richness of Romanian winter traditions.

“PLĂIEȘII” Ethno-Folkloric Ensemble – Republic of Moldova

Founded on January 15, 1989, by Nicolae Gribincea in Chișinău, the ensemble evolved from a mixed youth group into a professional ethno-folkloric ensemble under the Culture Directorate of Chișinău Municipality. Plăieșii have won numerous national awards and performed internationally across Europe. In January 2024, the ensemble received the honorary title “Meritorious Artistic Collective” from the President of the Republic of Moldova, in recognition of its outstanding contribution to safeguarding national cultural heritage.

The Bears of Asău – Bacău County

The Bear Dance of Asău has ancient origins. In the 1960s, Gavrilă Nicodim introduced a unique rhythmic drumming style that became emblematic for the area. Today, the tradition is continued by his son, Daniel Nicodim, leading a group of over 60 performers. The Bears of Asău are among the most spectacular and respected bear processions in Romania.

“Tudoreanca” Winter Customs Ensemble – Tudora, Botoșani County

Established in 1929, the ensemble preserves ancient winter rituals such as the Ploughman’s Chant, Goat Dance, Little Horses Dance, and Bear Leader Dance. Rooted in agrarian and solar symbolism, the performances blend ritual, satire, and festive joy. The group is coordinated by Ioan Covrig and includes 30 members.

The Stag of Heleşteni – Iași County

Representing the Siret Valley folklore area, the Stag of Heleşteni symbolizes justice and purity in Romanian mythology. The ritual includes the Stag Dance and a traditional incantation, performed in colorful costumes and accompanied by musicians and masked characters.

“Răzeșii Cracăului” and “Năvala Urșilor”– Girov, Neamț County

Founded in 2016 through the unification of several caroling groups, the ensemble presents an original artistic scenario inspired by local oral history. Their repertoire includes the Goat Dance, Stag Dance, Little Horses Dance, Ploughman’s Chants, and the dramatic Bear Invasion.

“Sumănarii” Ploughmen Procession – Trifești, Neamț County

Founded in 1971, the group is renowned for its century-old wool coats (sumane), handmade and preserved as true heritage garments. Sumănarii have performed nationwide and internationally, showcasing the authenticity and craftsmanship of traditional winter customs.

“Buhaiul de fete de la Boiștea” – Petricani, Neamț County

Founded in 2022, this all-female group revitalizes an ancient tradition previously performed only by men. Through rhythmic drumming and chants, the group conveys wishes of prosperity and renewal for the New Year.

Răucești Winter Customs Ensemble – Neamț County

The village of Oglinzi preserves remarkably ancient ritual forms, especially the Goat Dance, performed in distinctive variations. The ensemble is coordinated by Professor Gheorghe Smău and is noted for its ritual masks and expressive choreography.

The Arnăuți Folk Ensemble of Urecheni – Neamț County

With a tradition spanning over a century, the Arnăuți reenact the historical Albanian mercenaries who served Romanian rulers. Their striking costumes, weapons, and dances evoke bravery, loyalty, and ceremonial discipline.

“Străjerii Muntelui” Folk Ensemble – Farcașa, Neamț County

Coming from the foothills of the Stânișoara Mountains, the ensemble preserves ancient caroling traditions and the Goat Dance, performed in authentic costumes that reflect the community’s spiritual and cultural identity.

“Codrii Stânișoarei” Folk Ensemble – Borca, Neamț County

Artistically coordinated by Dumitrela Petrescu and Marcela Bondar, the ensemble has received multiple national awards and regularly participates in cultural festivals and television productions.

“Floricică de la Munte” Folk Ensemble – Neamț County

Founded in 1971, the ensemble is one of Romania’s most important guardians of traditional folklore. With performances across Europe, Floricică de la Munte presents dances, music, and winter customs from all Romanian ethnographic regions.

“Codrii Neamțului” Folk Ensemble

Founded in 2010, the ensemble performs dances from all Romanian regions as well as international folk repertoires. It also runs a traditional dance school and frequently represents Romania at international festivals.

“Comorile Neamțului” Folk Ensemble

Established in 2008 by choreographer Anda Maria Acristinei, the ensemble brings together dancers aged 4 to 30, promoting the cultural heritage of Neamț County and Romania through national and international performances.