On 20 June 2026, in Petriș, Salbek Castle will host the third edition of the Sărbătoarea Sânzienelor la Salbek, an event dedicated to traditions, cultural heritage, and the meeting point between community, craftsmanship, and singing.
Conceived as an annual celebration of light, nature, and the memory of the place, Sărbătoarea Sânzienelor la Salbek brings together friends and lovers of heritage to welcome the fairies of Romanian folklore and to carry forward the beauty of a celebration that keeps alive the bond between people, nature, and tradition.
This year’s edition brings together numerous cultural and artistic moments, including: the exhibition “Negru pe Alb. Cămașa pădurencei mature” (Black on White. The Shirt of a Mature Woman from the Pădureni Region), presented by the Museum of Textiles / Textile Heritage Preservation Association, a musical performance by Doina Lavric Parghel, and the unveiling of the works “The Chest of Memory”, “Constellation”, and “The Spirit of the Oak”. The latter represent collaborations among professors and students from the University of Art and Design in Cluj-Napoca, the Faculty of Arts and Design of the West University of Timișoara, and the National University of Arts Bucharest, respectively.
The programme also includes the exhibitions “Sânzienele la Salbek, signed by Valentina Vidrașcu, and “Sânzienele, nunta soarelui cu luna” (Sânzienele, the Wedding of the Sun and the Moon), created by students of the National University of Arts Bucharest under the guidance of Sergiu Chihaia. Towards evening, the event will conclude with a rite of passage – “Sânziene printre flăcări și zmei”, presented by Călător în Evul Mediu and Umbre și Flăcări.
At the same time, in the castle park, guests will be able to enjoy the video “Sânzienele, sărbătoare și veșmânt” (Sânzienele, Celebration and Garment), created by Dr. Iulia Gorneanu, a wreath-weaving workshop, and signed copies of the book “Sub cerul uneori deschis – Poveștile castelului Salbek” (Under the Sometimes Open Sky – The Stories of Salbek Castle), by Alexandru Potcoavă, as well as “Textile din ținutul pădurenilor” (Textiles from the Land of the Pădureni), by Florica Zaharia and Rusalin Ișfănoni.
An important symbolic thread of this edition is the legend of the Sun and the Moon. In Romanian imagination, the Sun and the Moon are living beings, bearers of meaning and cosmic rhythm. Their wedding is prevented, and their separation gives rise to the alternation of day and night. The myth speaks of an impossible love, sacrificed so that the world may preserve its order, measure, and balance.
As every year, Sărbătoarea Sânzienelor la Salbek will also include a traditional meal. The 2026 edition, however, carries an additional significance: the celebration takes place in the context of Banat being recognised as European Region of Gastronomy 2028, a distinction that highlights the culinary richness, diversity, and hospitality of this region. In this spirit, the meal becomes part of the place’s living heritage.
Access to the event is by invitation only.
Contact:
+40 757 999 966
An event made possible thanks to the support of its sponsors and partners:
Sponsors: Nepi Rockcastle, MedLife, Linde Gaz, Aqua Carpatica, Chateau Valvis, Garanti BBVA
Partners: National Institute of Heritage, Petriș Town Hall, University of Art and Design in Cluj-Napoca, National University of Arts Bucharest, Faculty of Arts and Design of the West University of Timișoara, Museum of Textiles, SENS Publishing House, European Region of Gastronomy – Banat
