Chivalry and caravans: a summer journey through time
From the clashing swords of the Bistrița Citadel to the traveling players of the Shakespeare Caravan, we leave the capital behind to explore the vibrant festivals reviving Romania’s medieval and Renaissance spirit.
Vlad Palcu, 15.06.2025, 14:00
This Weekend Edition embraces the start of the summer festival season by diving into the heart of Romania’s historical reenactment scene.
Our journey starts in Bistrita, northern Transylvania, where the annual Medieval Fair transforms the local citadel into a living museum of jousting tournaments, ancient magical rituals, and traditional craftsmanship. Through an interview with Vlad Chetan of the Guardsmen of the Bistrita Citadel, we explore the dedication required to recreate the “Dark Ages” for a modern audience.
We then invite you to take to the road and the stage with the Shakespeare Caravan. This ambitious project, launched by the Marin Sorescu National Theatre of Craiova, brings the magic of the Bard to over 60 towns and villages across the country. We hear from the performers about the unique challenges of life on the road and the universal power of theater to connect diverse communities, proving that the classics are as relevant today as they were centuries ago.
