Ivan Patzaichin memorial caravan to depart from Tulcea

A memorial event will be held in Tulcea this Saturday to honor the late Olympic champion Ivan Patzaichin, marking five years since his passing on September 5. The commemoration is scheduled to begin at 9:00 AM at the Ivan Patzaichin Memorial Ensemble on the Danube quay.

The ceremony will include a siren honor, a moment of silence, reflections, and a musical tribute. Following the ceremony, approximately 100 participants will depart at 9:30 AM in a water caravan consisting of kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. The route travels from Tulcea to Patzaichin’s native village, Mila 23.

Organizers from the Ivan Patzaichin - Mila 23 Association noted that while the annual Ivan Patzaichin Festival has been suspended for the year due to national challenges, this caravan serves as a dedicated tribute to his legacy and his love for the Danube Delta. The route has also been recognized as the first accredited ecotourism trail by the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Administration, known as ‘Ivan’s Delta’.