The 13th edition of the Haferland Week Festival opened Thursday in the village of Archita, in Vanatori commune, Mures County, with a concert by the traditional Saxon brass band Jugendblaskapelle Kronstadt, followed by traditional Saxon dances - performed by the Youth Organization of the Democratic Forum of Germans in Transylvania.

The official opening took place on the esplanade of the fortified church in Archita.

Michael Schmidt, president of the M&V Schmidt Foundation, emphasized that the event - launched in 2013 - aims to preserve and promote Saxon traditions and customs to Romania's majority population.

'We held the first edition of the festival in 2013, and here we are now at the 13th edition, an event that attracts an increasing number of visitors each year, and for me, it has always been important for the Romanian majority to learn about Saxon traditions, customs, and culture. This growing attendance proves the event's impact, with people coming from all over the country to take part. This year, we're hosting over 50 events, and the organizing team has planned a wide range of activities so everyone can find something they enjoy,' said Michael Schmidt.

Caroline Fernolend, president of the Mihai Eminescu Trust Foundation, praised the beauty of Archita, the traditional host of the festival's opening day.

'It's already a tradition to meet here in Archita for the first day of Haferland Festival. I see many familiar faces, but also some new ones. What brings me the most joy is seeing the restored barn roofs. For me and the Mihai Eminescu Trust, these barns define Archita. I once again urge all Archita locals to preserve these wonderful structures - our ancestors built them with great effort, and it would be a shame to lose them,' said Fernolend.

Over the course of four days, the Haferland Week Festival will take place across ten villages in the Haferland (Oat Country) region: Archita, Saschiz, Homorod, Rupea, Crit, Roades, Mesendorf, Cloasterf, Bunesti, and Viscri.

Haferland Week offers visitors a window into the rural Saxon culture of Transylvania, which still endures in villages between Sibiu, Brasov, and Sighisoara. The region has retained its rural charm and draws thousands of tourists each year who come to explore and stay in traditional Saxon homes.

This year's theme is 'Neighboring Traditions.'

The 2025 edition is held under the High Patronage of the President of the Romanian Senate and under the patronage of Mr.Thorsten Frei, Head of the Federal Chancellery and Minister for Special Affairs in the Government of Germany. .

Since its founding, Haferland Week has attracted over 50,000 visitors, including Saxons who emigrated to Germany, Austria, and North America, members of the Saxon community in Romania, and Romanians drawn to the beauty of southern Transylvania's Saxon villages. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Petronius Craiu; EN - writing by: Simona Iacob)