"Chestnut Festival " started at Mr. Cristian Anghel- the mayor of Baia Mare municipality initiative, the first edition was in 1993 within which unfolded the traditional "Expo Flora" which was then at the 9th edition.

- The idea of this festival was that of giving Baia Mare's citizens three days of fun, relaxation and joy, offering them different events: cultural, artistic and sports etc. The choosing of the days for this festival was important, it had to be representative for our festival as it is known that this place is reach with comestible chestnuts. The presence of the comestible chestnut was firs mentioned in a report on 24th of September 1642 in which it is said:"...for your appetite we sent a gift of chestnuts as many times before for which the ruler thanks us in writing". The quote is about Baia-Mare's secretary who sent chestnuts to the prince Rakiczi the first. The comestible chestnut is original from Asia (Mediterranean tree) which adapted itself in Europe, Baia Mare is the most Northup place where the chestnut tree lives. The biggest chestnut trees can be found on the hills of Tautii de Sus where they can reach highs of over 20 meters and are over 500 years old.

- In 1993 started the goods exhibit traditionally called "RIVULUS DOMINARUM", exhibition created by Maramures Trade and Industries Room.
- In the first three editions of Chestnut Festival the main attraction was "EXPO FLORA" this was shyly pulsed by street commerce bear, grilled minced meat rolls, craftsmanship and others) and cultural events which year by year get bigger.

- As time passed merchants started to like this festival and this was also due to the fact that there were no taxes received for the place where they set their stands or tents the only condition was that of reducing their prices because they would get big earnings here.

- Excepting 1994 when Chestnut Festival was placed near The Syndicates House of Culture, Municipality Park, Summer Theatre, the place where the festival unfolds is "Dacia"" Sports Room, Mara Hotel, Youth House.

- The organizers of Chestnut Festival try to bring something new every year in order to attract people: pop, rock and folk music concerts, vernishings, book releases, folklore spectacles, sport competitions etc.

You can find more information about The Chestnut Festival on: www.castanet.ro