The Run of the Lole Festival, or Fuga Lolelor 2025 in Romania

On the last Sunday of January, Agnita in Sibiu County hosts the unique "Fuga Lolelor" (The Run of the Lole), a legendary tradition with deep cultural roots. Participants don masks, furs, rugs, and other unconventional attire and crack horsewhips to chase away winter and evil spirits from the town symbolically. This vibrant event highlights the region's rich folklore and is a testament to its enduring cultural heritage.

Lolelor Parade

Historically, the lelele served as protectors of the town's coffers, and today they ceremonially lead the parade alongside the head of the cobblers' guild. The procession features guilds of tailors, furriers, and dogears, each showcasing their crafts and unique cultural characters. Local artisans, including blacksmiths and carpenters, also join, demonstrating traditional trades. The event concludes with the Transylvanian anthem, after which the lole runs through the streets, cracking whips and clanging pipes to banish evil spirits. As a playful reward, if you recognize a lole, you might receive a doughnut—a sweet treat symbolizing courage in encountering these masked figures

History of the Festival

The "Fuga Lolelor" tradition dates back to the 17th century, rooted in the history of the Transylvanian Saxons. According to legend, during a Turkish offensive, a brave young woman named Ursula, the daughter of a fur trapper, devised a clever plan to protect her town. She donned animal furs, a frightening mask, and bells, armed herself with a horsewhip, and leaped out at the invaders, creating terrifying sounds. Mistaking her for a devil, the Turks fled in panic. This act of courage inspired an annual celebration in Agnita. The name "lole" derives from the German "lallen," meaning babble or mumble, echoing the sounds emanating from behind the masks.