A true story of community, where everyone is the main character
Once upon a time — or rather, last year — something began. A spark. A gathering. The very first Bioregional Festival took place, and with it, a call was heard: to reconnect with our land, our traditions, and each other.
On May 31st, 2025, the story continued.It was the first truly sunny day after a wave of the last freeze in Kalotaszeg. Make no mistake – this day was ordered to be like this. We, the team of ALPA, have been preparing for the Bioregional Festival 2.0 since the last one happened.
It is a day where people interested in our bioregion, people invested in agroecology, individual-groups-families-friends who support our work with ALPA gather – so we can celebrate each other, including our nature, our space, our culture, ourselves.
This year we chose to celebrate BIODIVERSITY of our bioregion!
We started with preparation where the team of ALPA, trusty volunteers (aka family members) came earlier to set up the scene! A very special thanks for Eva and Lucia from Dealu Negru because they truly made our space inviting and beautiful with the flower decoration they have provided!
With an opening from Zsófi and Lars, the day unfolded like a storybook. Cartson, the “jester” of this story, also made the opening special with a melody from Bach.
Soon after there was our BIRD PANEL PARADE! A moment of celebration for the birds of Kalotaszeg region. ALPA launched an initiative in which we will situate 3 big panels, among various tourist and bike paths with the hope that people can get inspired and admire our helpers, builders, or in other words birds.
Participants were then invited to dwell into the “mysterious” subject of how a farmer can work together with nature. Different groups were formed, had eye-opening sharings and discovered how cooperation, not control, is the key.
Soon after, the “quest” began, aka participating in workshops, deep conversation, and simply being together. We had a rich offering of workshops where everybody could try out their skills.
- Quilling workshop by Sallay Brigitta
- Closer to Home (film & discussion) – Borbála Láng
- Wood pattern carving by Dan Marcu
- Ecological Communication (Warm Data Workshop) by Robyn Marie Bors Veraart
- Ce este ALPA? (film & discussion) by Attila Miklos Szocs Boruss
- Wooden spoon carving by Radu Vădan
- Felting workshop by Oláh Csilla
- Traditional Morlăcană Crown making by Maria Pop & Alma Chelariu
As twilight approached, we gathered around for FIRETALKS — 2 minutes each to speak what’s dear. We heard stories of new festivals, soil course, collective initiatives, new NGOs, burning concerns about forests — voices rising into the evening like sparks.
And as any good journey demands — there was a feast. A legendary bogrács made by the one and only Dan Todea, followed by dancing, music, and bonfire joy with Sabin Mureșan.
Behind the scenes, our memory keepers Helga Tóth and Fetykó Gábor Áron captured it all — so that even those reading this can feel the pulse of the day.
One might say – great story – but who is the main character? Well, easy – everyone!
From elders to little ones, from nearby villages and even the city, around 90 people came and co-wrote this story. Together we made the community come alive – again.
