VIDEO | Mourning in the world of Romanian folklore: A great artist who received the title of ‘Living Human Treasure’ has died – Source news

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Petre Măsală, one of the most beloved gag makers in Romania and the oldest gag maker in the country, passed away at the age of 83. Known for his passion and devotion to the art of the gag, Petre Măsălă was the first resident of Argeș County to receive the title of Living Human Thesaurus.

His death leaves a deep sadness in the world of Romanian folklore, and his valuable legacy will remain alive through the gag that he performed with such skill and emotion.

“I, at my age, play better than those young people, sometimes. The world always asks me: Me, can you still do it? Yes, it seems easy to me and I will play as much as I can, as long as my legs will hold me, I will not let go of the gag…”, declared a few years ago, Petre Măsălă, according to arudu.ro.

In the summer of 2023, the Stolnici priest, known for his devotion to authentic folklore, kicked off the first “Caluș Festival – Pentecost in Pitesti”, with the unmistakable call of the Caluși. Performing with passion and captivating the eyes of all present, he brought the traditional art of the gag into the spotlight.

Petre Măsălă, the emblematic Argeşian clown, left this world in the morning of February 17, 2024. His life was painstakingly dedicated to the transmission of this art to new generations. With unwavering devotion, he fulfilled his noble mission, expressing his deep desire to perpetuate the tradition of the gag: “As long as I live, I want to carry on this beautiful cultural heritage.”

The story of Petre Masală

Nicknamed “Sbinghili”, Petre Măsală was born on October 2, 1940, in Hârsești commune, Argeș county. He learned the art of gag dancing from the wise men of the village, while accompanying them in the traditional celebration of Pentecost, admiring their dance through the doorbells of the houses. At the age of 15, in 1955, he was accepted into the troupe of the Stolnici clowns, although he already knew this dance from before. In those days, participation in such activities was only allowed after reaching this age. Since 1962, he has held the position of wataf of the Calușaris from Stolnici.

In 2020, it received recognition as a Living Human Treasure from the National Commission for the Rescue of Intangible Cultural Heritage, under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture.

In a gesture of deep gratitude towards their deceased, the people of Stolnici scheduled to support the “Hora village” in the evening of February 17, in tribute to his memory.

“May God forgive and rest in His Kingdom nea Petre, to whom our community owes eternal appreciation and eternal oblivion. Considering that the disappearance of this symbol of the gag tradition in our hearth mourns us these days, we inform you that HORA SATULUI, an event that should have taken place at the Stolnici Cultural Home, will no longer take place”, was the message sent by Stolnici City Hall.