însoirii

Însoirii is a term used in Romanian to denote elegant evening gatherings that mix conversation, art, and social exchange. The word derives from the French soirée and has been adapted with a Romanian plural suffix, signaling recurring or collective events. Insoirii are typically designed as intimate forums where guests engage in discussion, performances, and informal critique, rather than as formal public performances.

Practices at an însoirii commonly include readings of poetry or prose, short musical performances, and occasional theatrical sketches. Guests may present small works, discuss literary or philosophical topics, and exchange ideas over refreshments. Hosts often curate the guest list to foster lively dialogue and a balance between creators, patrons, and enthusiasts. Attire tends to be smart or semi-formal, reflecting the event’s conversational and cultural character.

Variants of însoirii can be literary, musical, or mixed in nature. They have historically taken place in private homes, artist studios, or modest cultural venues, functioning as informal salons where artists and supporters could network, collaborate, and gain inspiration. The practice flourished in late 19th- and early 20th-century Romanian urban centers and was influenced by wider European salon traditions. Political and social changes in the 20th century affected their frequency and form, though some circles preserved the format during periods of restriction.

Today, the term may be used nostalgically or descriptively to describe private, culture-focused evening gatherings. Related concepts include the salon and the soirée, which share the emphasis on dialogue, art, and community.