Exhibitions, fairs and folklore in Cimișlia, within the "Miorița - Laie, Laie, Bucălaie" Festival
Pastoral traditions and local crafts were showcased in Cimișlia during the International Festival "Miorița - Laie, Laie, Bucălaie." This event gathered dozens of farmers, craftsmen, and enthusiasts of traditional culture, who displayed over 80 purebred sheep and goats, along with local products and folk creations. The festival promotes pastoral values and supports agricultural communities through various exhibitions, fairs, competitions, and an extensive folklore program.
I met Ion Leuntean at the festival. He raises three breeds of sheep imported from foreign countries: England, France, and South Africa.
"They are very expensive animals. For example, a Suffolk ram at 1.5 years old costs between 1,300 and 1,400 euros; a small lamb is around 500 euros. Some sheep have acclimatized very well here in Moldova, and we are experimenting to determine which breed is the best suited for our country," says Ion Leuntean.
Visitors also had the chance to learn about a rare species of sheep known as Karakul.
"Currently, the Karakul breed is on the verge of extinction. There are only a few farms that still raise Karakul sheep, and they are conducting research and studies on them. It's not easy, as there is a limited labor force, and not everyone is interested in this profession," explains sheep breeder Vitalie Cocieru.
"The Karakul breed is unique in the world. It is a beautiful sheep, known for its skin that we take great pride in. These skins produce the exclusive coats that can only be made from them," adds Mihai Gunea, another sheep breeder.
Breeders from various countries also participate in the event, adding an international dimension to the festival.
“We have several Moldovan breeds in Austria, including several traditional ones. They adapt well to the mountainous environment and conditions there,” says Josef Stockl, the head of the Austrian Federal Sheep and Goat Association.
The organizers have also prepared surprises for the participants.
"Every visitor should leave with a surprise. Today, we have prepared 20 buckets of cheese and 20 kg of cavarma. In the first raffle, we will be giving away a kid, and in the second raffle, a ram. Tomorrow, we will have the same prizes. Additionally, there is a separate contest for sheep and goat breeders, where we have scales to determine the heaviest, largest, most beautiful animal, and the one with the longest ears, evaluated separately by breed," says Pavel Prisăcaru, president of the Sheep and Goat Federation.
The festival is now in its ninth edition and will take place on Sunday, October 26.
