Cenaclul Flacăra (Romanian for "The Flame Literary Circle") was a cultural and artistic movement in the Socialist Republic of Romania led by poet Adrian Păunescu.
[2] Though similar events were later held throughout the country, "Festivalul Primăverii" marked an important part in the development of Păunescu's career, demonstrating his abilities as an able propagandist to the Communist Party leadership.
[2] While the chanting of pro-government, pro-personality cult slogans and other superficially propaganda like activities continued to play a prominent part of events, the music, poetry and other art featured was relatively unrestricted and had little direct outside censorship, when compared to outlets available at the time.
Part of the stand collapsed during the show, and panicked spectators attempted to run, causing a stampede which killed at least 5 people (some reports suggested many more, possibly closer to 100)[5] and wounded several more.
In a panel discussion broadcast during the evening program for Romanian television station OTV on 20 May 2010, Adrian Păunescu, Radu Pietreanu [ro], and Axinte first publicly mentioned a possible relaunch of Cenaclul Flacăra, and reunion of most of the original artists, later that year.
[12] Original recordings and covers of the songs continue to get play on national networks, and be referenced in the media, with references often describing Cenaclul Flacăra as "the Romanian Woodstock"[5]