Learned by doing over centuries and often connected to faith, customs, which deeply penetrated the collective consciousness, are still observed today in Neamţ villages. Customs have been strongly preserved owing to their value that stood the test of time, and have been accepted by the entire community. Many foreign travellers and Romanian scholars highlighted the rich variety of folk music and dance in the area. Dimitrie Cantemir noted, “Moldavians have over a hundred various dances and some so exquisite that the dancers seem not to touch the ground but they appear to fly.”

Winter holidays traditions form the longest, richest and merriest folk festival. They represent the living archive of the inhabitants’ spirituality, better preserved in Moldova and especially in the villages of Neamţ County. Winter traditions in this area include a rich and varied repertoire, which impresses by message, folk costumes, and music.

Carols are a must on Christmas festivals – carols and religious theme dramas are performed by groups of children or youth. The New Year is greeted with the “Pluguşorul”, the small bottomless barrel covered with skin, cattle or sheep bells, and even with an ox-driven plough. Then, the village sky is filled with sounds of “sorcova” and spectacular mask dances – she-goat, stag, bear, young horsemen dance, and the outlaws’ drama.