Halchiu ? The Transylvanian Saxons return home
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In Halchiu commune, Brasov County, summer is dedicated to emotional meetings, such as: ?the Transylvanian Saxons? Meeting? from Germany, born in these lands and the ?Days of Halchiu ? the Autumn Fair?. The two events are dedicated to the community members, aiming at promoting the culture of the Romanian people in town, with German ethnic influences, generally to promote the customs and traditions of the inhabitants who lived together for ages on these lands.
Transylvanian Saxons? Season
?Summer is the season of the Transylvanian Saxons, when those who left return home, to the lands where they were born. The moment is very touching and people are happy, talk to each other and tell stories. The Town Hall and the Local Council get involved in organizing the ?Meeting of the Transylvanian Saxons? event, they are welcomed, a festive meal is prepared, the Evangelical Church also participates and a celebration is organized at the Cultural Centre. These meetings are very touching, with music and joy and Saxon dancing groups. The specific gastronomy is obviously part of this event in the meeting of the Transylvanian Saxons, as well as the walks through the village, in the childhood places?, told us Mr. Ioan Garbacea, Mayor of Halchiu.
The biggest altar, in Halchiu
The representative of the Evangelical Church of Romania announced that from April to October 2017, more than 700,000 tourists shall visit 52 fortified churches of the Transylvanian Saxons. The Unitarian fortified church Darjiu (HG) adds to the existing circuit from 2016, an UNESCO site, as well as the Evangelical Church of Halchiu, from Brasov County, hosting the biggest medieval polyptic altar in a rural church.
Days of Halchiu
The Days of Halchiu are celebrated this year in September and it is intended to be an autumn fair, combined with songs, dancing and joy, with folklore groups, singers and instrumentalists. The event starts with a parade of the traditional costumes initiated in front of the Town Hall and ending on the platform between the chestnuts. The Romanian traditional customs are carried on by the folklore group ?Floare de castan? of Halchiu, who has a diversified repertory with traditional dances gathered from the entire region. This folklore ensemble was awarded several prizes and it is appreciated all over the country. The German group presenting the traditional German costume and the Saxon authentic dances is also invited to attend the event.
