Transylvania Permaculture Campfire 2025

The Transylvania Permaculture Campfire 2025 was something VERY special - a vibrant gathering marked by deep community involvement, beautiful workshops, and a strong connection between people, nature and traditional culture.

The event's journey began well before the official start date, using the Dragon Dreaming design method that actively involved volunteers in co-creating the festival. Soshi and Natalie finalized their Introduction to Permaculture design while engaging in the full cycle of DREAMING - PLANNING - DOING - CELEBRATING. Additional support came from Sher (our first European Solidarity Corps volunteer) and Michelle, who contributed to preparations and aided in collecting feedback - a vital part of the celebration process. The early arrivals were treated to a stunning Perseid meteor shower under clear, dark skies, adding natural magic to the pre-event atmosphere.

Just before the start, four extra helping hands, including returning volunteers Iamandi and Joanne, arrived and swiftly installed floorboards in the barn. They also formed the core kitchen team, earning praise for their excellent cooking over the open fire. The event blossomed thanks to countless dedicated helpers who took on various tasks, fostering a caring and loving environment that truly defined the Campfire’s special spirit. People care at its best!

Day 1 kicked off with the sight of a bright meteor at night, inspiring hope and wishes that turned out to come true. Clay plastering took a centre stage on Friday, led by Coline and Remy from Ermitaj Malin. They revitalized the barns’ exterior walls and showcased traditional agricultural tools, highlighting their cultural importance (thanks to Diego, see picture below, for his initiative). And this was just the cherry ontop of the session they had planned out on clay plastering. The evening's delight was a UV paints session by Andra, revealing their vibrant and captivating colors in a magical program enjoyed by all ages (including a hyped group of local kids). Gratitude to Andra and the Ermitaj team for embodying permaculture ethics in their collaborative work, sharing their experience and time so generously.

Saturday was a day full of explorations and movement. Mirela, a local expert on valley flora, guided a herbal walk that offered a refreshing perspective on the familiar land, inviting participants to see it anew through her eyes. The afternoon featured a contact improvisation workshop led by Amalia and Alin, engaging participants, including again some village children from the evening before, in playful and expressive movement.

The evening climaxed with a concert we will not forget for a long time, which was also enthusiastically attended by locals. It featured the return of Druidul Padurii (Ursu), who brought the haunting sounds of caval flutes that resonated through the Posaga Valley and deep into our hearts. The performance by Sounds of Om under the setting sun, with the silhouette of a dead volcano in the background, cast a spell on the audience! Joined by local flute builder Radu in a rare vocal appearance, the musical magic extended into a vibrant fire jam session. This evening truely felt like a tribe coming together—unique, colorful, and beautiful. Thanks to everyone co-creating these moments.

On Sunday, the Campfire delved into Permaculture & Offgrid living, emphasizing a future where traditional practices meet modern knowledge for a healthier, happier life. Andi led a tour explaining their community-sufficient lifestyle supported by permaculture design, showed the food forests, explained Dupa Gards solar energy system, and a local economy based on exchange rather than money. Ruxandra introduced participants to Anthotype, a creative sun-printing technique using natural ingredients (turmeric and baking soda), blending art with permaculture.

The cultural aspect remains strong with the NGO behind Dupa Gard, which focuses on preserving village traditions -  so attendees enjoyed traditional snacks like "cucurada," a wood-oven baked treat filled with local wild spinach and goat cheese, prepared by our dear friend an co-villager Cristina. For those who stayed till Monday, a hike led by aspiring guide Vali explored pristine natural surroundings, reaching a meadow with thatched barns and a herd of semi-wild horses, deepening the connection with the land even more.

The 2025 Transylvania Permaculture Campfire concluded as the biggest and most colourful gathering yet, filled with lasting memories and smiles. The Dupa Gard team extends heartfelt thanks to all participants and invites more people to dream, plan, and co-create the festival next year, continuing the vibrant tradition of this unique permaculture community celebration.

Extra thanks to Iamandi for contributing these artistic pictures to accompany the article. Me and Ioana will now focus on our upcoming Erasmus+ Youth Exchange "Positive Pathways into the Future" - and will be back with another blog end of the season, probably in October.

Thanks and gratitude to all visitors, contributors and supporters, see you soon!

© C5BOX - Framework