Fesztival Celebrates Transylvanian Region
The second annual Fesztival, a celebration of Transylvanian, Hungarian and Romanian cultures, explodes into life at BUUF on Saturday, September 30 from noon to 6pm.
This great event includes food, music, arts and crafts, cultural displays,
cooking demonstrations, folk dance lessons and even a short play based on
Transylvanian legends.
The renowned Jómóka Hungarian Táncház Band from Salt Lake City will be featured, playing traditional village dance music from Hungary and Transylvania on violin, kontra viola, bass and numerous folk instruments.
BUUF long has been partnered with the centuries-old Unitarian church in Mészkõ, Romania, and in the last few years several Boise UUs have made repeat visits to the Transylvanian region.
"Transylvania is a fascinating, beautiful place with remarkable people," says Fesztival co-organizer Gwyn Reid, who has traveled to the village of Mészkõ three times.
"Unfortunately, the area is much misunderstood, thanks in part to the infamous Dracula story. We hope our celebration will bring the culture into proper focus and give Idahoans a good look at the true nature of a wonderful part of the world."
Fesztival will include Hungarian music, dance and other entertainment, displays on the history of Transylvania and demonstrations of chimney bread making. The celebration features a wide range of ethnic foods, many prepared with recipes from Mészkõ.
New on this year's menu is the delicious palacsinta (Transylvanian style crepes).
Among the authentic arts and crafts will be handmade embroidery, lace work, and pottery. One new feature this year will be demonstrations of the traditional Easter egg dyeing from the region.
"It's a great opportunity," says Reid, "to eat, drink and be merry—but, more importantly, to learn about a rich and fascinating culture that is thousands of miles away. Last year we had a number of visitors from Transylvania, Hungary, Romania, and other countries in Eastern Europe hoping to meet others from the region. This year we're incorporating a visitor book, so people can find and meet each other more easily."
Admission to the Transylvanian Fesztival is free. Food, drink and craft items will be for sale.
