At the beginning of 2013, on January 2, took placed the first edition of the Festival of Customs and Traditions for New Year’s Eve from Targu Neamt. The event was organized by Targu Neamt Town Hall and Ion Creanga Culture’s House. At the festival participated over 20 bands from the entire county.

Thousands of people watched the parade of traditional costumes on the route from Central restaurant and Culture’s House and enjoyed the costumes representing bears, goats, rams and other animals.

The band performed in front of a jury presided by Gheorghe Tiugea, the director of Culture’s House and professors Gheorghita Smau and Elena Ionita, together with mayor Daniel Vasilica Harpa as gues member. The first prize was won by the band “Asa-I datina la noi” from Timisesti, the second award was won by the band “Capra batrana din Raucestii de Jos” and the third price went to “Banda Arnautilor” from Targu Neamt.

The special awards of the festival went to the following bands: “Datina Strabuna” from Ciohorani-Iasi, “Poienita” from Vorona-Botosani, “Mostenitorii” from Oglinzi, “Incheierea Pacii” from Nemtisor-Vanatori Neamt, “Uratorii” from Bistea-Petricani and “Banda de Arnauti” from Humulesti.

The purpose of the festival is to become an event that exhibits traditional costumes and traditions specific to the end of the year.