If you ever wished for a fast track marriage with a virgin blonde listen to this: your chance comes up every year on July 20th.

So, how many chances did you lose over the years? Don’t worry, the next one is getting near. All you have to do is pack your tracking boots, a sleeping bag and a small tent and head to Mt. Gaina (Hen Mountain), where, at 1,486m, Cupid is waiting for you.

The venue is called “The Girls’ Fair” and it’s the one and only spot where boys meet girls and … soon get married in Romania.

Hey, but where’s this Gaina Mountain? Well, it’s in the middle of nowhere but you can go there for an adventure if you reach Campina first. This is a town that you can go to by car or train. If you go by car, print out the this map.

If you go by train, then, after you get down at Campina station  (in Alba prefecture) and take a bus towards the Gaina Mountain from there. How? Just say “Muntele Gaina” or show them a written note and you’ll get on the right bus. Now, do not expect people around you to wear their Sunday clothes because most of them are boarding the bus to or from work.

So, you’re in the bus already. Enjoy your ride. The last station should be Vidra de Sus. After you get down follow everybody else, because everybody is going to the “Girls’ Fair”. Once you got there find a good camping spot and camp there. If you don’t have your own tent, stay calm because it’s customary that the Army is setting up tents for tourists so just list down your name.

Once you have a base, you can enjoy yourself and go greet the girls (if you’re a man) or wait for the boys to come and greet you (if you’re a woman). But be careful. Love is in the air and it is said that affairs started on that mountain tend to last forever.

Things to take care of

1. If it rains you get to appreciate the boots you brought up there.

2. Do not camp next to the stage. Bands will sing all night long. Worst, if it’s election year some hot shot politiciansfrom Bucharest will be there to lie to the people with borring speaches.

3. For locals this is the biggest event around the year and for some in their entire lives. They tend to give free drinks to everyone, but what they drink is a rectified brandy 55% alcohol or stronger, called horinca or palinca. Choose your future wife/husband before and not after drinking that brandy! It’s just wise.

Where to stay?

Find here a hotel or a pension in Alba County if you want to transform your Girls Fair trip into a longer one. Book now for a honey moon in the area otherwise you have to stick to your tent.

What to enjoy?

The night sky! Because there is no light around and you’re on the top of an unpolluted mountain, the stars are just ALL there. And beautiful.

And ofcourse, Romanian traditional food and drinks.  

What to buy from here?

Craftsmen from around Romania (and beyond) are offering their hand made objects at discount prices. Better to buy there than in Bucharest or other big cities.

Other events and festivals in Romania