Călăraşi on the Danube: Fountains, Customs and Sand Dunes

Landscape on the Danube

Călărași is located as a border settlement on the left bank of the Danube. The community belongs to the Romanați Plain, a lowland landscape characterised by sand dunes. In the Ascunsa area lies the Fântâna cu 32 de guri spring. It is considered one of the strongest springs in the Oltenian Plain. The Danube bank, sand dunes and spring area therefore shape the landscape in different forms: a watercourse, open plain and a distinctive spring site are among the community’s specific natural features. If you are planning to visit a spring, current opening hours or local visiting times can be checked in advance.

Buildings and Fountains

An important landmark in the village is the Cișmeaua Alba. Popa Stan Călărășanu built it in 1831 from the former draw well Fântâna Grecului. The church of “Sf. Nicolae” and “Adormirea Maicii Domnului” is also part of the local architectural history. Hagi Enuși had it built of brick between 1820 and 1833. The Maria Tănase Fountain was added in 1996 and was created in connection with one of the singer Maria Tănase’s last wishes. The buildings and fountains mentioned therefore range from the former draw well and a 19th-century brick building to a fountain from the late 20th century.

Traditional Customs

A green fir tree is used during the Hora de pomană for young people who have died. Apples, sweets and handkerchiefs decorate the tree; the ritual is repeated for three consecutive years. The ritual dance of the dead tradition is observed in Călărași (Săpata) on the first or second day of Easter. In addition, the Strigarea peste sat tradition is still practised today in some localities of Dolj County, including Călărași. The Hora de pomană is tied to the first or second days of Easter, whereas Strigarea peste sat is still practised today in some localities. If visiting around Easter, current dates and times should be checked in advance.

Annual Festivals

In honour of Saint Tryphon, residents gathered at the Cișmeaua Alba on 1 February according to the old calendar. Wine and food were part of this celebration, which was dedicated to the fertility of the vineyards. It continued at least until after the First World War. The community day of Călărași is associated with 21 May, the feast of Saints Constantine and Helena. A historically traditional date thus stands alongside a present-day community day. When planning a trip around a custom or public holiday, current dates and times should be checked in advance. For a community day with a fixed date, it is also advisable to check the current event times.

Road Connection

National road DN 54A crosses the administrative area of Călărași commune and connects Călărași with Corabia. If travelling via this connection, it is advisable to check current traffic information and transport times before setting off. Current route conditions should also be checked before departure.

Other destinations include Coţofenii Din Faţă, Afumați, Calafat, Craiova, Başcov, Vârtop, Podari and Pielești.

To the overarching travel overview: Dolj.