Workshops 2025

We are hosting various interesting and fun workshops at the festival. Here is a selection.

Succulents in a Jar by Dorina Buian

The “Succulents in a Jar” workshop offers a creative and hands-on gardening experience. Scheduled for a relaxing Saturday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, this event is designed to bring the community together through fun and learning.

The workshop accommodates up to eight participants at a time, welcoming those as young as 10 years old, with younger children allowed if accompanied by an adult.

During the 30-minute to one-hour session, attendees learn to care for and creatively arrange succulents in jars, taking home their miniature gardens as a memento. While the workshop is free, donations are accepted to cover material costs, supporting the continuation of these community events.

This chapter highlights the spirit of community and creativity, illustrating how such activities connect people to nature and each other in meaningful ways.

Birdwatching Walk

Discover Wildlife with @hartibaciunaturetours and Joe England.
Join Joe England from Hartibaciu Nature Tours for an easy 3 hour walk exploring the wonders of the bird world in and around Hosman. Learn how to identify different species and why this area is special for birds. We hope to find a number of the iconic birds that make this landscape unique: eagles, owls and bee-eaters! No special equipment necessary.
The workshop will be held in English.

Tracking Workshop

Joe England from Hartibaciu Nature Tours will be holding a 3 hour walk close to the village, uncovering the stories of animals from the tracks and signs they leave behind. An interactive, in-depth workshop with a competitive twist…think nature meets crime scene investigation. Reengage those instincts that all humans have, to discover and understand the environment in a way that would have meant life or death. In todays world, our survival does not depend on these skills, however a deeper understanding of the natural world leads to a deeper enjoyment and appreciation of it.

Transylvanian Saxon Leather Art – Design your own bracelets

In our workshop, you will learn the basics of Transylvanian Saxon leatherworking – an artistic craft with a long history.
Under the expert guidance of @boghianuwe and his son Thomas, we will create our own leather works, such as bracelets, decorated with traditional patterns and techniques.

What can you expect?
– Introduction to the history and symbolism of Transylvanian Saxon leather art
– Practical instructions for working and decorating leather
– Production of a personalised bracelet to take home
– Creative exchange in a pleasant atmosphere
Who is it for:
The workshop is aimed at anyone who enjoys designing & crafting – no previous experience is required.

Paint a 3D model of the Holzmengen fortified church

IImmerse yourself in the history of Transylvania – in a creative and innovative way!
In this special workshop, you have the opportunity to discover Holzmengen Fortified Church in a completely new way: by painting your 3D-printed model of the castle! Using brushes and paint, you will bring the digitally recorded cultural heritage to life.
Radu and Raluca are passionate about preserving Transylvanian fortified churches. Their goal: to capture them as they exist today – using state-of-the-art technology, including drone flights, 3D image processing and 3D printing. They make the resulting models accessible online via QR codes – and now you can touch and paint them too!
This workshop combines the past and the future and invites you to become part of preserving our cultural heritage.
Participation is free of charge, but a donation for the association Europäisches Jugendbegegnungszentrum Kirchenburg Holzmengen e.V. (EJBZ) is requested.

Zumba Workshop with Raul Oltean

If you like to have fun while working out, we have the perfect class for you! With a variety of upbeat and catchy songs playing in the background, combined with dynamic dance choreography, this class is a natural endorphin booster in a full-body workout!
Also, participating in Zumba classes can significantly boost your self-confidence: improving your dance moves and physical health in a fun, informal setting can make you feel more comfortable with your body.

All Aboard the Mocănița!

Step back in time and embrace the beauty of nature with a ride on the historic Mocănița narrow-gauge railway! Lovingly restored by dedicated volunteers from Asociatia Prietenii Mocanitei, this charming train journey departs from the Hosman train station and offers an unforgettable experience through the picturesque Hârtibaciu Valley.
Route: Departing from Hosman train station, the Mocănița will take you on a scenic adventure, showcasing breathtaking views of the Carpathian Mountains and the serene landscapes of the Hârtibaciu Valley, before returning to the same station.
Schedule: 23rd August: 10:00 & 17:00, 24th August: 10:00 & 17:00
Tickets are limited, so make sure to reserve yours in advance. Purchase your tickets here. Don’t miss out on this chance to experience a living piece of history and enjoy the natural beauty of one of Romania’s most enchanting regions.

Treasure hunt: Quest Through the Citadel 

Everyday, from 10 AM to 18 PM you will have the change to engage in a treasure hunt, which promises to be an exciting adventure for participants. This unique treasure hunt invites attendees to explore the fortified church and uncover captivating stories and legends tied to the association’s history. The activity is designed to be completed at your own pace, typically taking around 30 to 45 minutes.

Participants will receive challenge sheets from the information point, detailing various tasks and clues to follow. These sheets are integral to the treasure hunt, guiding individuals through a series of thought-provoking and entertaining challenges.

This interactive experience not only highlights the cultural heritage of the area but also fosters a deeper connection between the participants and the local community.

After you have filled in your sheets, please leave them at the Info point. We will extract a winner, that will receive a double invitation for next year.

Tour of the Fortified Church

Join us on an immersive tour of the Fortified Church of Hosman, where history comes alive through captivating stories and rich cultural insights. Our tour guide will ensure everyone enjoys the experience. Lasting approximately 15-20 minutes, the tour covers five key stations, including the church’s origins, the unique elements of its fortifications, and the story of the Transylvanian Saxons.

Learn about the site’s transformation over time, discover the symbolism behind the church’s architecture, and gain insight into the lives of the Saxons, both past and present. Suitable for all ages, this engaging tour invites you to step back in time and explore one of Transylvania’s hidden gems.