Romanian Weekend at The Wharf Returns for Its Fourth Year: A Vibrant Showcase of Romanian Traditions in America
- RCI USA
- 1 day ago
- 7 min read
About the Festival
Back for its fourth dazzling edition, Romanian Weekend at The Wharf has firmly established itself as a beloved tradition and a crown jewel of Romania’s cultural diplomacy in the United States. This vibrant, multi-dimensional celebration—conceived, curated, and produced by the Embassy of Romania to the United States and the Romanian Cultural Institute in New York, in partnership with numerous donors and collaborators—transforms the nation’s capital waterfront into a dynamic showcase of Romanian creativity, flavor, and flair, drawing thousands to revel in its music, cuisine, customs, and artisanal excellence.
This year, the spotlight shines on the Banat region and the city of Timișoara—the largest city in western Romania and a flourishing hub of diversity, innovation, and artistic vitality. With its Central European charm and unstoppable energy, Timișoara promises to elevate this three-day celebration with a uniquely vibrant spirit.
Launched in 2022 as a joint initiative of the Embassy of Romania and the Romanian Cultural Institute in New York, Romanian Weekend at The Wharf has, in just four years, redefined Romania’s public and cultural diplomacy in the U.S. Monumental in scale and ingeniously programmed, this lively, participatory festival has grown each year, becoming not only a milestone of Romanian cultural presence in America but also one of Washington, D.C.’s most anticipated summer events.
With three days of non-stop music and dance, live concerts, traditional craft demonstrations, Romanian cuisine, wine tastings, temporary exhibitions, and interactive cultural activities, the festival takes over The Wharf—Washington’s iconic riverside esplanade—offering a feast for the senses and an ideal setting for cultural discovery and Romanian-American friendship.
Romanian Weekend at The Wharf is initiated, co-organized, and co-financed by the Embassy of Romania to the United States and the Romanian Cultural Institute in New York, with the generous support of the Timisoara City Hall, as well as numerous sponsors, partners, and friends on both sides of the Atlantic.
Meet the Artists & Craftsmen
Folk Music and Dances from Banat with “Timișul” Ensemble
Founded in 1968 under the auspices of the Timișoara Municipal Cultural Center, the “Timișul” Ensemble stands as a premier institution in Romanian folk culture. Rooted in the Banat region, it preserves and showcases Romania’s rich traditions through over 20 choreographic suites, folk songs, seasonal rituals, and carnival performances. The ensemble's vibrant live orchestra, once led by maestros like Lazăr Pomorișaț and Laza Cnejevici, is now under the direction of Nicolae Baniciu and Deian Galetin, a renowned accordionist. “Timișul” has graced stages worldwide, including in France, Italy, the United States, South Korea, and China, serving as a cultural ambassador for Romania. Its collaborations with legendary Romanian artists such as Petrică Moise, Ana Pacatiuș, and Nicoleta Voica further cement its status. Beyond performances, “Timișul” nurtures future generations through five age-based collectives, ensuring the continuity of Romanian folk traditions. More HERE.
“ROots” – A fusion of Romanian folklore and modern beats with David Ciente, Maria Chivu & Grupul Jianca
David Ciente is a renowned Romanian composer, producer, and instrumentalist whose foundation in classical music and passion for digital sound production have positioned him as a key figure in Romania’s new wave of pop and electronic music. A graduate of the Art High School in Oradea, Ciente has worked with international stars such as Inna, Ava Max, Alicia Keys, Adam Lambert, and Selena Gomez, with his music reaching tens of millions of listeners. In his home country, his long-standing collaboration with Irina Rimes has shaped a distinct poetic pop aesthetic. In his latest project, Ciente embarks on an innovative musical journey titled ROots, alongside traditional singer Maria Chivu and Grupul Jianca, creating a compelling fusion of ancient Romanian folklore and cutting-edge electronic production.
Maria Chivu, a respected voice in the preservation of southern Romanian folk traditions, brings over two decades of dedication to the authentic transmission of ancestral songs. Known for her archaic, unaltered vocal style, Chivu represents a vital link to the ritualistic and lyrical richness of Oltenian heritage. She is joined by Grupul Jianca, a vocal-instrumental ensemble from Gorj devoted to reviving doine, ballads, and traditional shouts. Together, they offer an immersive experience rooted in genuine rural soundscapes, interpreted with fidelity and emotional depth, while embracing cross-disciplinary collaborations.
Their meeting point with David Ciente marks a bold and respectful artistic experiment. By blending modal harmonies, authentic voices, traditional instruments, and contemporary sound design, this collaboration reclaims the relevance of Romanian sonic heritage in today’s cultural circuits. ROots does not archive tradition—it revitalizes it, inviting both folk purists and modern audiences into a shared artistic space that is accessible, evocative, and culturally resonant. Accompanying the project on tour are Eric Ciente (tour manager) and Andrei Florea (sound engineer), ensuring that every performance is delivered with both technical finesse and emotional impact.
Romanian Holiday Traditions and Customs with The “Bucovina” Dance Group from Atlanta
Founded in 2011 in Atlanta, the “Bucovina” Dance Group brings the spirit of Romanian folklore to life across the U.S. Formed by former members of Suceava’s renowned “Ciprian Porumbescu” ensemble, they showcase authentic dances and vibrant costumes from regions like Bucovina, Transylvania, and Maramureș. Their performances are a heartfelt tribute to Romanian heritage, connecting generations through rhythm and tradition. From Moldova, musicians Vasile Chiruță and Alexandra Angheleanu infuse every stage and classroom with their passion for music. As performers and educators, they inspire with every note, blending cultural pride with artistic excellence. More HERE.
Meet the last opincar from Banat. Discover the story of traditional Romanian peasant shoes
Ciprian Mert is a traditional craftsman and educator from Sintești, Timiș County, in Western Romania. He began crafting opinci—traditional Romanian peasant shoes—in 2000, inspired by the need to replace worn footwear used by his local călușari dance group. What started as a necessity soon turned into a passion and vocation. Over time, he refined his technique by learning from the few remaining elderly artisans across the country and by studying old opinci he collected. Beyond producing custom orders for folk artists and cultural enthusiasts, Mert has participated in numerous national and international folk festivals and fairs in countries such as the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, and Italy. He is also dedicated to teaching the craft to younger generations, and in 2019 one of his students won first place at Romania’s National Folk Craft Olympiad. In addition to opinci, Ciprian creates handcrafted leather accessories and wood-carved objects, promoting traditional Romanian craftsmanship through his Facebook page, MertCrafts. He co-founded a family museum in 2011, where he exhibits and demonstrates the art of opincărie. Passionate about heritage, Ciprian is ensuring the transmission of these traditions within his community—and proudly, to his two young sons.
Explore the traditional art of glass iconography guided by a master iconographer
Alin Pater is a Romanian artist born in Arad on April 22, 1986, with a lifelong passion for sacred art, particularly iconography. He began studying painting at an early age under Professor Corneliu Artimon. He later graduated from the “Sabin Drăgoi” Art High School and pursued both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Restoration and Conservation at the Faculty of Arts and Design, University of the West in Timișoara, under the mentorship of Professor Doina Mihăilescu. Following his academic training, Pater deepened his experience in sacred art through apprenticeships on church mural projects, eventually becoming an officially certified Church Painter by the Romanian Patriarchate’s Commission for Church Painting. His work includes collaborations on churches both in Romania and abroad, as well as numerous group exhibitions and two solo shows. In 2024, he began painting the interior of the “Protection of the Mother of God” Monastery Church in Băița, Hunedoara. A dedicated iconographer, Pater has a particular devotion to glass icon painting, which he has studied since childhood. His artistic mission is to elevate the perception of glass icons from traditional craft to recognized art form.
Macramé Magic: Create with Knots and Threads
After spending time abroad, Daniela Epure returned to Romania, embracing her roots and settling in the countryside. Her passion for macrame stems from a desire to give new life to traditional lacework, transforming outdated doilies into modern, bohemian, and rustic home decor. Over time, her creations expanded to include curtains, chandeliers, shelves, clothing, and accessories. Through her craft, she has built confidence, connected with like-minded individuals, and redefined the role of macrame in contemporary design. Daniela is a graduate of the Faculty of Fine Arts in Timișoara and the founder of MOZ.ART.FIR S.R.L.
Visit Timișoara: Free City. Free Spirit. From the Heart of Europe to The Wharf
Timișoara, a cosmopolitan, vibrant city in western Romania, is celebrated for its rich cultural heritage, diverse architecture, and dynamic arts scene. Often referred to as “Little Vienna,” this former imperial city boasts a remarkable collection of over 900 classified heritage buildings, showcasing architectural styles ranging from Baroque and Art Nouveau to Secessionist designs, in and around the largest pedestrian only area in the country’s most walkable city. Its multicultural influences are evident in its three state theaters performing in Romanian, Hungarian, and German, all housed within the iconic Palace of Culture. Designated as a European Capital of Culture in 2023, Timișoara has solidified its status as a hub for cultural diversity and innovation. Visit Timișoara, the official tourism board, is part of the fourth edition of the Romanian Weekend at The Wharf, the largest Romanian cultural festival in the United States, where it showcases Timișoara’s unique blend of history, culture, and innovation to the American public. Washingtonians will have the opportunity to explore Timișoara’s offerings, from its lively festivals and culinary delights to its status as a major center for education and research. The city’s presence at the festival underscores its appeal as a premier urban destination and its commitment to fostering international connections. Beyond attracting tourists to the city where the anti-communist revolution started in Romania, Visit Timișoara focuses on encouraging investment, retaining and attracting a highly skilled workforce, and positioning the city, one of the biggest in Romania, as a center of excellence in research and innovation, a dynamic urban center ripe with opportunities.
Threads of Tradition: The Elegance and Heritage of Banat Folk Costumes
At the Romanian Weekend at The Wharf 2025, visitors are invited to explore a captivating exhibition of traditional Banat folk costumes, set up by the Timișoara House of Culture, which offers a window into the rich cultural tapestry of the Banat region, highlighting the artistry, symbolism, and multicultural influences that define its traditional attire. The exhibition features authentic garments from various Banat subregions, each reflecting the area’s diverse ethnic influences. These costumes not only showcase the aesthetic beauty of traditional Banat attire but also serve as tangible expressions of the region’s history, community identity, and artistic expression. Banat’s folk costumes are renowned for their elegance and intricate craftsmanship. Predominantly featuring floral and geometric motifs, these garments often incorporate colors such as black, red, burgundy, gold, and dark blue. The embroidery is typically symmetrical, with common motifs including sunflowers, roses, peacocks, grapevines, and wheat ears. Notably, the costumes from the Lugoj area are distinguished by their lavish use of gold and silver threads, a technique traditionally reserved for nobility and clergy, now adapted into folk dress to signify social status and artistic expression. Visitors to the Romanian Weekend at The Wharf are encouraged to explore this unique display and experience the enduring legacy of Banat’s folk costumes—a testament to the region’s rich history and cultural vitality.