Getodava – Dacian & Roman Battles

Getodava Festival (Festivalul Istoric Getodava) is a historical reenactment festival held at the Geto-Dava Theme Park in Poiana village, Iași County, Romania.
The site features a full-scale replica of a Getic hillfort, serving as the stage for reenactments centered on the history of the Getae people and their interactions with the Roman world. The festival highlights Iron Age material culture, commemorating the ancient traditions and fortification techniques specific to this region.

Google Maps location of the main event activities can be found here.

The Getodava aims to show how the Geto-Dacians lived, fought, and worked using replica tools and ancient methods. The program features reenactment groups and craftspeople who replicate the military and social environment characteristic of that historical era.
The festival’s most popular attractions include:

• Combat reenactments: Staged military engagements between Getic and Roman forces illustrating ancient infantry tactics.

• Historical encampments: Reconstructed military and civilian shelters depicting daily life in a Dacian settlement.

• Craft demonstrations: Hands-on displays of iron forging, traditional pottery, woodworking, and weaving techniques.

• Fire performances: Evening displays utilizing ancient-style equipment to recreate historical ceremonial traditions.

• Skill workshops: Practical sessions focused on ancient domestic and survival technologies for participants.

Opening Day (Afternoon): The festival begins in Iași’s Union Square with an official parade, where all participating reenactment groups gather to present themselves to the public. Following this launch, the event shifts to the Geto-Dava Theme Park in Poiana.

Main Days (Saturday & Sunday): Activities shift to the Geto-Dava Theme Park in Poiana, with the program unfolding within the hillfort from morning through evening:

• Mid-Morning to Afternoon: Focuses on educational workshops, ancient craft demonstrations (blacksmithing, pottery), and food displays.

• Afternoon to Evening: Features the climactic moments, specifically the historical battle reenactments and traditional music performances. Throughout both days, the living history camps remain active, allowing visitors to move freely through the settlement and interact with reenactors and craftsmen.

The Getodava Festival was launched in 2019 by the Geto-Dacii din Moldova Association. The organisers wanted to help people discover the history of the Geto-Dacians (the ancient ancestors of today's Romanians) through a more vivid and engaging experience than traditional history books could provide. The first edition took place near the Cucuteni Archaeological Museum, bringing together historical reenactments, ancient crafts, military camps, and educational activities inspired by the Getic and Roman periods.

As the festival grew, its programme expanded, attracting more reenactment groups from Romania and abroad. At the same time, the organisers realised that temporary venues could no longer support their vision. This led to the creation of the Geto-Dava Theme Park in Poiana village, where a full-scale reconstructed Getic hillfort now provides a permanent home for the festival and a setting designed specifically for its historical activities.

With each edition, the Getodava Festival reaffirms its commitment to preserving Geto-Dacian heritage. Its growth reflects the organisers' enduring dedication to keep alive this ancient chapter of Romanian history.

Access & Ticketing: Admission to the Getodava Festival is free of charge, as the association hosts the event as an open cultural initiative.

On-Site Access & Logistics:

• Arrival: It is recommended to arrive during the morning (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM) to explore the hillfort and participate in workshops before the main battle reenactments begin in the afternoon.

• Parking: Parking is available along the roadside adjacent to the festival site. During peak hours, the queue of parked vehicles can extend for several hundred meters; visitors should plan for potential delays when arriving and departing.

• Site Conditions: As the site is a work-in-progress theme park, visitor infrastructure is limited. Visitors are advised to wear footwear suitable for uneven, natural terrain. They are also advised to bring sunscreen as it can be very hot in the afternoon, and mosquito repellent for more comfortable evenings.