The longest weekend is about to begin. 21st of June, the summer solstice, marks the longest sunniest day this year, and in Romania this precedes the Sanziene or Dragaica night, when skies open up and magic floats around. A special time of year to be out and enjoy the summer vibes. This weekend some events highlight the meaning of this special day.
Make sure to check both sections of the article and discover the best events to attend over the following days: the first section is highlighting festivals and ongoing events happening throughout the weekend and the second one is showing independent events for each day.
Pick and choose your favorite combination and most importantly: enjoy the weekend!
Main events happening all through the weekend:
IFF & IEsc
Wondering what these letters stand for? IFF stands for the International Folklore Festival and IEsc stands for the traditional Romanian blouse - festival. Both of them are taking place over this weekend in Izvor Park, 10 AM to 10 PM - free entrance.
The city hall is organizing a series of events on the longest summer weekend celebrating folk culture, with the focus on Romanian folklore. The traditional costume is worn by many locals during this weekend as a tradition for the Sanziene - midsummer celebration.
The events are showcasing parade of popular costumes, traditional music and dance shows, craft fair and demonstrations, gourmet areas, creative workshops and reinterpreted folklore concerts.
Om Fest
Om (Human) Fest is back with the second edition, taking place 20-23 June, at J'ai Bistrot, Point and Mercato Comunale - free entrance.
The aim is to promote the benefits of multiculturalism and this year's focus is Iran. The events will unveil Iranian traditions through different cultural activities, encouraging both refugees and migrants to share their skills and talents with more people. Through non-formal education, art and gastronomy, culture can build bridges and bring people closer to each other.
FRIDAY: workshops start at 16.00 at Mercato Comunale, at 20.00 a jazz concert is scheduled
SATURDAY: 12.00 food and drinks will be prepared at J'ai Bistrot, in Iranian style. At 19.00 the movie: Capernaum - Chaos and hope will be screened at Point
SUNDAY: 10.00 - 16.00 J'ai Bistrot will serve traditional Iranian food pot and many surprises
For more details check out the Facebook event
Veg Fest
The first vegan festival in Romania takes place at Casa Universitarilor this weekend, Friday to Sunday from 14.00 to 21.00
Discover a great variaty of vegan products from over 40 local and international producers. Conferences, workshops and concerts, fresh food and hammock area are waiting for their guests. See the schedule here.
At the festival, you can find the right products (food, cosmetics, cleaning, etc.) in the fair area, and local NGOs will help you get involved and discover what you could do to adopt a healthier lifestyle and reduce the consumption of animal products
TICKETS: Adults: 10 lei (for all three days of the festival) Students and children (including furry kids): free entry
Independent events for Friday, Saturday and Sunday:
FRIDAY - 21 June
19.00 - 21.00 Good-bye Lenin at Goethe Institut (click here to see the address)
German comedy movie about life in East Germany before and after the fall of the Berlin wall. Free entrance - Pavilion 32 room
21.00 - 05.00 Sanziene, the midsummer celebration at Sensio Living (click here to see the address)
Celebrate midsummer in a white shirt or traditional Romanian blouse, by the lake, partying through superstitions. Only by reservation: +40 731 313 174
SATURDAY - 22 June
17.00 - 20.30 Bucharest Pride at Victory Avenue (click here to see the address)
LGBTQIA+ persons and Communities, Families, Friends, NGO’s, Diplomatic Missions in Romania, Civil Society, Companies, are a growing community supporting the same causes: equality and solidarity for human rights. It’s been 15 years since celebrating LGBTQIA+ rights!
21.00 - White Party on the Tennis Court - King Michael the 1st Park (click here to see the address)
Party on the tennis court, Music & Emotions by Mihai Leonte, Entry fee: 25 lei - buy tickets here Important note: Heels are not allowed. Dress code: Mandatory white. No white outfit = No entry!
SUNDAY - 23 June
14.00 - 22.00 Daytime VINYL PARTY at Atelier Pinion (click here to see the address)
Add fresh coffee beans from BOB Coffee Lab, tasty beers by Hop Hooligans, a little bit of Vlad Dudu & MIKI's vinyl collection - pet friendly, child friendly environment. Free entrance
18.30 - 21.30 Il Trovatore by Giuseppe Verdi at The National Opera (click here to see the address)
The premiere of Verdi's Il Trovatore with the participation of the Orchestra and Choir of the National Opera of Bucharest. Tickets from 40 lei up to 135 lei, get them here
As usual, don't forget the number one suggestion is to go on a cultural tour / fun experience powered by Bucharest Vibes, find all of them here.
Enjoy the great times ahead of you this weekend!
Until next week,
xoxo