The “Boteitul Oilor” (Sheep Blessing) festival in Negrilești, Vrancea, is an ancestral pastoral celebration with a history of over 500 years, marking the departure of sheep flocks to the mountains (transhumance) on the feast day of Saints Constantine and Helena. “Boteitul Oilor” is recognized as one of the oldest pastoral traditions in Romania and plays an essential role in promoting cultural tourism and preserving the area’s intangible heritage.

The Vrancea County Council, through the Vrancea Cultural Center, in partnership with the Negrilești Town Hall and Local Council, is organizing the 21st edition of the traditional “Boteitul Oilor” festival on May 21, 2026, starting at 11:00 AM.

This emblematic event marks the beginning of the pastoral season and represents a landmark moment for our community, keeping alive the customs passed down from generation to generation. The “boteit” ritual symbolizes the blessing of the flocks before their departure to the mountains, ensuring the animals’ health and the prosperity of the sheepfolds throughout the summer.

The event program will include:

“We invite you to witness a unique ritual that brings together faith, emotion, and the identity of the Romanian village. It is a special opportunity for visitors to discover the local hospitality, authentic traditional costumes, and the spirit of our mountains,” stated Mrs. Nausica Mircea, manager of the Vrancea Cultural Center.

Throughout the day, participants will also be able to visit local producers’ stands, where they will find traditional products specific to the pastoral area.

We warmly invite you to join us in celebrating the continuity of our traditions!