“Pintea Year” will be eventful (PHOTOS)

One of the most enigmatic figures of Maramures region, hero and famous fighter for justice is Grigor Pintea, popularly nicknamed the Brave and the Giant. He is know and respected in Vynogradiv and Khust districts where Grigor lived when he was young. He left a significant mark in the history of the region. He was the leader of opryshko (haiduk) gang, took part in the kuruc uprising, according to the legend, destroyed Khust Castle. Numerous legends tell of his life, supernatural strength, great courage and honesty.

There is a tourist route dedicated to him – "Pintea’s Way: from Ukraine to Romania", which was dicussed at the round table in the village of Velyatino (Khust district). According to the legend, the village was founded by none other than Pintea, the Giant.

His name is also associated with the village of Novoselytsia (Vynogradiv district), where he found a refuge from the persecution of the Austrian government. There is a place there called Pintea’s pit, where you can see traces of the opryshok. They say that he hid his ax in the iconostasis of the local Assumption Church (monument of the XVII century), and when it is found, Pintea will come back.

In Romania, Mircea Moldovan made a film about Pintea, there are several monuments and books dedicated to him, his personal items, including the mail, are kept in museums. Such a huge heritage and many attractions associated with him must be very interesting to tourists. That is why, at the round table, they decided on further steps for the promotion of the route, in particular organization of festivals, including the "Pintea Fest" to be held on the last weekend of August. In general, the "Pintea Year" should be quite eventful.