Romania's 'Festival of the ii' keeps ancient blouse-making tradition alive

In Cezieni, Olt County, Romania, a unique tradition thrives, celebrating the intricate art of crafting traditional Romanian blouses and shirts. Every year, on the last Sunday of June, the village hosts the "Festival of the ii," a vibrant event where local women showcase the fruits of their year-long labor.

The festival is a significant cultural gathering, drawing back children and grandchildren who have moved away. They return to participate in the celebration, proudly wearing shirts sewn by their mothers or grandmothers. The main street of Cezieni transforms into an open-air exhibition, displaying a rich tapestry of "ii," shirts, Oltenian carpets, and traditional costumes.

This tradition, with roots tracing back to the interwar period, was revived over 20 years ago. Historically, village noblewomen rewarded girls for their finest handmade blouses. During the communist era, the tradition faded but was later revitalized, notably by Tudor Dănacu, who recognized its value. After 1990, Olga Alexandrina Filip, a recognized folk artisan, took on the crucial role of teaching and preserving the art of traditional embroidery, ensuring strict adherence to specific patterns, stitches, and colors characteristic of the Romanați region.

The "Festival of the ii" not only honors the artisans but also stimulates the local economy. Participants are rewarded for exhibiting their work, and the event fosters a sense of community pride. The handmade blouses are highly sought after, with some finding their way to buyers in Italy, a testament to the enduring appeal and quality of Romanian traditional craftsmanship.