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Sheep herding: tradition, gastronomy and atmosphere in Bran
The Sheep Herding Festival in Bran is the largest celebration of this Transylvanian village, drawing more and more tourists, both Romanian and foreign, year after year. The event is deeply connected to the ancient tradition of autumn transhumance, when shepherds return from the mountains with their flocks. It’s the time when shepherds return the sheep to their owners, along with products made during their time in the mountain pastures, such as dairy, smoked meats, and more.
At the Sheep Herding Market, locals from Bran and surrounding areas display and sell their homemade delights. Grills are fired up for pastrami and sausages, large pots of polenta are prepared, rounds of “bulz” (cornmeal cheese balls) are crisped to perfection, and the smell of steaming sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls) fills the air. The market stalls are brimming with a variety of cheeses, from brânză de burduf and telemea to aged, smoked, or fresh cheeses, as well as pickles, jams, and other local delicacies.
Tradition and history – what was the sheep in the old days?
In the past, shepherds would gather sheep and goats from villagers in March to take them to the mountains, and in September, they would return them to their owners along with the goods owed to them, such as dairy products or meat from their animals, and receive payment for grazing.
Both the gathering and the returning were called sheep herding (the herding of the sheep). The autumn herding was the most significant, as it marked the return of the animals for winter and the distribution of products from the sheepfold. It was a kind of harvest fair where villagers sold surplus food, animals, and household goods: carts, baskets, sacks, tools, cooking pots, towels, and more.
Such an important celebration for the community could not be complete without pastrami, smoked meat, and sausages grilled on the spot, large pots of polenta, stews, and stuffed cabbage, homemade delights, grape juice, wine, plum brandy, music, and traditional dances.
Present – What is the sheep herding today?
The tradition of organizing a fair and a local celebration to mark the return of the herds to the village is still preserved in many communities across the country. Some fairs focus solely on selling food and traditional crafts, while others also feature sheep and shepherd dogs.
Just like in the past, the celebration is filled with flowing wine, must, plum brandy, liqueurs, juices, and syrups. Grills sizzle with pastrami, sausages, kebabs, and all kinds of meats, while cauldrons steam with polenta, stew, stuffed cabbage rolls, and other local dishes, often made from recipes passed down through generations. The local band plays lively music, and people dance until they wear down the grass beneath their feet, creating an atmosphere of joy.
Tourists watch in awe, take photos, savor the flavors, buy goodies to take home, and move from stall to stall, laughing at the jokes of the locals. They ask the shepherds and housewives for recipes, learn about how much plum brandy was made, and hear stories of life up in the mountains. Both children and adults stay long into the evening, reluctant to leave.

Fun in Bran – When does sheep herding take place?
The Sheep Flocking event takes place alongside the Cheese and Bacon Festival in Bran. Both events are held annually for three days (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) in the second half of September.
The Sheep Flocking tradition in Bran dates back much further, with the 2024 edition marking the 52nd official one. Of course, the tradition itself is much older, and this number only refers to the officially recorded editions. The Cheese and Bacon Festival is more recent, with the 2024 edition being the 17th.
In 2024, the celebration will take place from September 20 to 24.
Why participate in the Bran Sheep Herding Festival 2024?
Here are the first 7 reasons that come to mind:
- It’s an authentic Transylvanian celebration from the Bran area, a significant event for the entire Bârsa Country;
- A unique gastronomic feast. Only during these three days of the year can you indulge in so many delights from the pantries, courtyards, cellars, and shepherds’ huts of the local villagers;
- Unmissable activities. Besides food and traditional crafts, you can see the most beautiful farm animals in the region: horses, sheep, dogs, and more. You can also take part in various workshops, demonstrations, and competitions;
- Surprises. The festival gets more beautiful each year, with organizers always introducing something new. Here’s what it was like in 2022 and 2023. The program for this year is still to be announced but will be available online at the beginning of September;
- The charm of the location. The celebration usually takes place on the Queen’s Heart Plateau, at the foot of Bran Castle. The view is stunning no matter which way you look;
- Socialize and make new friends. The locals are friendly and talkative, and so are the tourists. It will be easy to strike up a conversation or even form a friendship with the shepherd whose cheese you loved, the housewife who impressed you with her recipe, or the craftsman whose creations enchanted you. Or with the American couple who learned the local dance or the group of Dutch students;
- Explore the beauty of Bran and its surroundings. You could stay in the area for the entire September 20-22 weekend. This way, you can enjoy all the festival events and activities you want, while also visiting Bran Castle, the National Bran Museum, the Brănean Village Museum, the Medieval Customs House, and dozens of other attractions in the Bran-Moeciu-Fundata area. Alternatively, spend a day in Brașov, hike up Tâmpa, visit the Council Square, and discover what’s new in the city.
Discover traditional gastronomy
The most beloved specialties from the Bran and Făgăraș areas that you can taste and/or buy at sheep herding include:
- Brânza de burduf (a traditional cheese wrapped in its own casing or pine bark);
- Urda, sheep’s cheese, and telemea (a type of brined cheese);
- Smoked cheese and smoked cashew cheese;
- Sheep’s pastrami;
- Sausages (fresh or smoked, with dozens of varieties to choose from);
- Meat specialties – local farmers bring something new to try every time;
- Fresh grape must;
- Homemade cakes, tarts, and other desserts;
- Wines, palinka (plum brandy), and țuică (a traditional Romanian spirit);
- Jams, vegetable spreads, pickles, wild mushrooms, and other preserves in jars.
Where will you stay? Choose Transylvanian Inn for an authentic spiritual experience!
If you’re planning to attend the sheep herding and the Cheese and Pastrami Festival in Bran, but prefer a peaceful location away from the noise and crowds, we recommend staying at Transylvanian Inn. The rooms are spacious, comfortable, and elegantly decorated, each featuring a terrace or balcony with stunning views of Bran Castle, Râșnov Fortress, the Bucegi Mountains, and Piatra Craiului.
Transylvanian Inn Villa is located in a quiet and charming area of Predeluț village, just 2.3 km from Bran Castle. It’s a 25-minute walk to the festival, and the route is very pleasant.
The property boasts a spacious garden with a pond, a campfire area, pavilions, and shaded spots. On the top floor of the building, there’s a library with windows all around, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. The restaurant with a terrace is highly praised by visitors for its exceptional dishes, which you can enjoy indoors or outdoors.
To make a reservation, visit https://transylvanianinn.ro/.