A Bigger and Bolder “Romanian Weekend at The Wharf” Returns to Washington, D.C., July 7-9

Launched in 2022 as a joint initiative of the Embassy of Romania to the United States and the Romanian Cultural Institute in New York, “The Romanian Weekend at The Wharf” is the biggest Romanian cultural and public diplomacy program in the United States. A three-day event, bringing together Romanian, Romanian-American and American artists at The Wharf, the popular Washington esplanade by the Potomac, this kaleidoscopic feast of mind and soul celebrates the Romanian-American friendship and showcases the creativity and diversity of Romanian talent on both sides of the Atlantic. The festival-like programing, catering to all tastes and ages, highlights the many facets of Romanian culture old and new, including folk music and dances, jazz and hip-hop, traditional crafts demonstrations, literary performances, culinary presentations, wine tasting, and many more.

The event is organized by the Romanian Embassy and the Romanian Cultural Institute in New York with the support of the Maramureș County Council. A big thank you to our sponsors: Banca Transilvania, BCR, CEC Bank, Dedeman, Kaufland, EximBank, One, Hidroelectrica, Lidl, and EMag.

PROGRAM - Free admission

All events are taking place on the Distric Pier of The Wharf (101 District Square SW, Washington, D.C., 20024)

ON STAGE:

Friday, July 7, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

5:00 PM / Folk music and dances from Maramureș County with “Transylvania” Ensemble

6:30 PM / Ethno-jazz concert with Four Corners

7:30 PM / Traditional Romanian music with a modern twist with Ana Everling & Taraf de Chicago

Saturday, July 8, 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM

12:00 PM / Folk music and dances from Maramureș County with “Transylvania” Ensemble

1:30 PM / Opening remarks by H.E. Mr. Andrei Muraru, Ambassador of Romania to the U.S., Mr. Ionel Bogdan, President of Maramureș County Council and Mr. Dorian Branea, Director of the Romanian Cultural Institute in New York

2:00 PM / Romanian traditional dances with “Carpathia” Folk Dance Ensemble

2:45 PM / Spoken word performances with Bucharest Inside the Beltway

3:00 PM / Folk music and dances from Maramureș County with “Transylvania” Ensemble

4:00 PM / Romanian folk music with Andreea Rebăltescu-Coca

4:30 PM / Folk music and dances from Maramureș County with “Transylvania” Ensemble

5:30 PM / Spoken word performances with Bucharest Inside the Beltway

6:00 PM / Traditional Romanian music with a modern twist with Ana Everling & Taraf de Chicago

7:00 PM / Ethno-jazz concert with Four Corners

Sunday, July 9, 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM

12:00 PM / Folk music and dances from Maramureș County with “Transylvania” Ensemble

1:30 PM / Romanian traditional dances with “Carpathia” Folk Dance Ensemble

2:30 PM / Spoken word performances with Bucharest Inside the Beltway

3:00 PM / Folk music and dances from Maramureș County with “Transylvania” Ensemble

4:00 PM / Romanian folk music with Andreea Rebăltescu-Coca

4:30 PM / Folk music and dances from Maramureș County with “Transylvania” Ensemble

5:30 PM / Spoken word performances with Bucharest Inside the Beltway

6:00 PM / Ethno-jazz concert with Four Corners

7:00 PM / Traditional Romanian music with a modern twist with Ana Everling & Taraf de Chicago

IN THE TENTS:

Friday, July 7, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Saturday, July 8 & Sunday, July 9, 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Dancing at the Barn. Join the round dance! Dance workshops

The Potter's House. Spin the potter's wheel! Pottery demonstrations

Our Story Carved in Wood. Wood carving demonstrations

Folk Costumes. Does tradition fit you? Folk costumes exhibition and souvenirs

Maramureș Photo Booth. Let time freeze and say cheese! Photo opportunity

Visit Maramureș! Gateway to Romanian traditions! Learn more about Romania & plan a visit

The Taste of Romania. Europe's map in one bite! A selection of Romanian foods

The Joy of Romanian Wines. Drinkable happiness! A selection of gorgeous wines to try and buy.

Romanian Literature in America. A showcase of recent books by Romanian and Romanian-American authors & spoken word performances curated and managed by Bucharest Inside the Beltway

The Drawing Hut. Children young and old explore Romania in pencil and color

Via Transilvanica. The Road that Unites

Dedicated website: https://www.romanianfestivaldc.com 

Poster photo by Sorin Onișor