Tradition - Romanian Bear Parade Wards Off Evil Spirits

01.01.2023 - How would you ward off evil spirits at the New Year? Say a prayer? Find a portent of good luck? Well, if you said ‘pretend to be a giant bear with tassels crudely attached to its head,’ then you’re probably Romanian. This bizarre tradition is acted out in the town of Comanesti, and sees young people donning costumes and wandering through the streets, before engaging in an all-bear dance off that Disney is probably trying to steal. And they have to be fit – these costumes weigh 45 kilos each. We could bearly manage! RT