From a press release:
“The biggest Romanian cultural event in the U.S. is back for year three! The Romanian Weekend at The Wharf is an all-ages event showcasing the diverse culture of Romania. Exhibitions include traditional crafts demonstrations, musical and dance performances, food and wine tastings, exhibitions, and interactive activities. This three-day festival gives attendees the opportunity to truly immerse themselves in the world of Romania and discover aspects of this beautiful country they might not have known before.
Festival Location: 760 Maine Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024
Hours: Friday: 5pm – 9pm
Saturday: 12pm – 8pm
Sunday: 12pm – 7pm
About the Artists
Simion Bogdan-Mihai and The Silken Fiddlers Headline the Romanian Festival
The whiz kid of Romanian traditional music, Simion Bogdan-Mihai, began to study the elusive “cobza” – a medieval Eastern European lute – when he was only 15 years old. Since then, he has collaborated with artists from various musical genres and has never ceased to experiment with an age-old musical tradition, incorporating Ottoman, Jewish, Russian, Romani and Hungarian soundscapes, that was transmitted orally from generation to generation. In 2017, he formed a traditional fiddler band, Lăutarii de Mătase (The Silken Fiddlers), which soon has become one of the most sought-after and praised groups of this kind in Romania. In 2021, they released their first album, entitled “Valahia in Demol” (“Wallachia in D minor”), followed two years later, in 2023, by their second album, entitled “Drum pavat cu bolovani” (“Road paved with boulders”), which went on to become one of the best-selling albums of that year. Bogdan finds inspiration in three musical traditions: Romanian folk music, the fiddle music of the Roma musicians, and the interwar Romanian pop music (waltzes, tangos and cabaret songs). The Silken Fiddlers are Nelu Răducanu (cymbalom), Mandi Pană (violin), Cornel Neacșu (accordion), Robert Adam-Szoltan (double bass), Cristi Adam (viola-bratsch) and Vicenzo Deacu (acoustic piano).
Awesome “Transylvania” Ensemble in a D.C. Encore
The National Folk Ensemble “Transylvania”, based in Baia Mare, Maramureş County, was founded in 1959 with the specific aim to treasure and promote the immemorial folk traditions of Northwestern Romania, preserved from generation to generation to this day. The ensemble fulfills its mission through performances that offer authentic and spectacular displays of the richness of Maramureș region arts, crafts, and traditions. At the same time, “Transylvania”’s recitals offer the occasion to parade superb folk costumes and beautiful hand-made jewelry, made by artisans who pride themselves of preserving age-old techniques. The ensemble has represented Romania to international fairs and exhibitions for decades as a great ambassador of the fascinating world of the Romanian traditional village.
Vox Maris & Paula Hriscu Rock the Wharf
Vox Maris is a Chicago-based band formed 12 years ago by a group of Romanian-American musicians with fans all over the U.S. and beyond. Their debut single, entitled “Far from Home”, has become a sort of unofficial anthem of Romanians everywhere. Over the years, the group has collaborated with several musicians from the Romanian-American artistic community on various charity projects and cultural events. At “The Romanian Weekend at The Wharf” they will be fronted by Paula Hriscu, a folk performer known for her mesmerizing voice, her contagious vitality, and a distinctive sound that is proof of the lasting appeal of the folk music.
The Acrobatic “Dancers from Groși Village”
Documented since 1411, the Groși Village from Northern Transylvania is famous for a specific folk dance named the Dance at the Barn (Danț la șură). The spectacular dance, which was banned by the communist authorities for a long time but thankfully was revived after the fall of the dictatorship, is only performed on Sundays after church or during the holidays. The choreography is unique to the Groși Village and quite acrobatic: the girls are not just partners in the dance but they also have to support the boys as they, at one point, jump over their heads. Wow!
About the Crafts Demonstrations
Our Story Carved in Wood | Wood carving demonstrations
The land of Maramureș in Northwestern corner of Romania is blessed with majestic forests from immemorial times, and this extraordinary natural wealth has had a huge impact on the region’s culture and its craftsmanship. Craftsman Ioan Bârsan, who proudly carries forward the work of his father, Toader, keeps alive the tradition of working in wood and creates monumental works as well as household and decorative objects.
The Potter’s House | Spin the potter’s wheel! Pottery demonstrations
Potter Vasile Chira of Cărbunari village is a legendary name in traditions-rich Maramureș. His mentor, Liviu Sitar, first introduced him to pottery 20 years ago. Since then, this ancient craft has become a lifelong passion, and Vasile is now a master of the clay who keeps the tradition alive and thriving. He is always eager to share his vast knowledge with all those willing to give it a try.
Weave the Threads of Life | Traditional weaving and textiles from Northern Transylvania
Embellishing fabrics with stitches is a craft known since Antiquity. In Romania, this traditional sewing technique has recently made a big comeback. Măriora Dobrican, a renowned craftsman from Maramureș, Northern Transylvania, has revived the art of stitching in vegetal and geometric motifs, using a series of old sewing techniques, passed down from generation to generation, from mother to daughter. Mărioara ignited her passion decades ago as the result of a humble task: she had to make a traditional shirt for her husband. In the process, she had to learn the old techniques, one thing led to another…and the rest is history.
Special moment
Let’s celebrate the Universal Day of the Romanian Blouse!
The beautiful blouse, one of the world’s best-known women’s attires, is so famous that it has an international day named after it, celebrated every year on June 24. The date is also observed in Washington, D.C. as the Day of the Romanian Folk Costume. The splendid blouse is one of the stars of “The Romanian Weekend at The Wharf” as admirers (and wearers) of it from the U.S., Romania and the Republic of Moldova will gather on the festival’s stage on July 13 at 4:00 pm to read the Proclamation issued by the Mayor of Washington, D.C. in honor of the beloved Romanian garment. The Universal Day of the Romanian Blouse, a global event coordinated by the online community La Blouse Roumaine, is celebrated on six continents, in over 60 countries and 130 cities.”