Cultural festivals held in Orăștie and Ploiești

The third edition of the ‘Dacul Vesel’ International Epigram Festival took place in Orăștie on September 18-19, 2026. The event focused on humor, music, and art, featuring competitions in epigrams, parodies, and humorous literature. Participants joined from Romania, the Republic of Moldova, and Canada. Among the featured works was the book ‘Râs cu lacrimi’ by David Valentin, a collection of humorous sonnets.

In Ploiești, the Artown NOW festival began on September 18 and is scheduled to run until October 4, 2026. Organized by Asociația buchARTest and co-financed by the National Cultural Fund Administration, the festival aims to revitalize public spaces through contemporary urban art. This year, the event utilizes the Uzuc industrial ruins as a cultural hub, offering workshops, curated tours, and community meals.

The festival has also drawn political attention following the colorful redecoration of a statue of ‘Dl Goe’ by artist Corina Monea (OCU). The use of a vibrant palette, including rainbow colors, sparked debate among some political figures regarding the artistic intent and symbolism of the work.