Sântilia – Nedeia Mocănească of the Voineștenians

Sântilia – Nedeia Mocănească a Voineștenilor

A traditional Romanian pastoral festival held annually in Valea Zânelor, Voinești-Covasna, around the feast of Saint Elijah (Sfântul Ilie, July 20). It recalls the old custom when young shepherds descended from the mountains to choose future brides, and today presents a staged traditional Voinești wedding (nuntă tradițională), shepherd contests (trânta ciobănească, ridicarea pietroiului), folk music and dance performances, craft fairs, and traditional food such as bulz copt pe jar, berbec la proțap, and plăcinte cu urdă. The festival began in its current scenic format in 1968 and is organized by Asociația Cultural-Creștină „Justinian Teculescu" with support from the County Sheep Breeders Association, Covasna Town Hall, Covasna County Council, the National Museum of the Eastern Carpathians, and the Casa Orășenească de Cultură Covasna.