For three days, the Uranus Garden vibrated under the rhythms and emotions of the 11th edition of Balkanik Festivalfueled by OSCAR Downstreama unique event that brings together not only exceptional musicians from around the world, but also communities, cultures and stories that remind us that we are part of a larger, diverse and magical universe.
With an impressive line-up that included sound names such as Ciocârlia marching band from Romania, Shantel & Bucovina Club Soundsystem from Germany, Father Zula from Turkey and Medz Bazar Collective from Armenia and France, the festival offered an experience that crossed geographical and cultural boundaries, teleporting the audience on a musical journey full of emotion and energy.
Photo credit: Milută Flueraș
Balkanik Festival is a project co-financed by Bucharest City Hall through ARCUB within the “Bucharest 565. Urban Connections” 2024 Program.
“Balkanik is not just a music festival. It is a celebration of diversity, traditions and encounters between people. This year, we witnessed a perfect late summer, where Balkan, Eastern European and Oriental rhythms harmoniously entwined in the fresh autumn air, in a garden full of history and magic.” Ligia Keșişiandirector artistic.
Ciocârlia marching bandthe iconic group from Zece Prăjini, set the tone for the party with a brass band show that brought the crowd to its feet from the first night. The audience responded with a wave of energy, and the explosive atmosphere was preserved until the end of the festival. Bands like Father Zulawith their psychedelic “Oriental Dub”, and Shantelwith its well-known cosmopolitan mixes, provided unforgettable moments, transporting the audience from the shores of the Bosphorus to the heart of the Balkans.
Three days of art, tradition and cultural inclusion – in addition to live concerts, visitors could explore a craft fair, exhibitions and a variety of international cuisines. Uranus Garden, a space with a special historical charge, hosted dozens of activities designed to reflect the eclectic and welcoming character of the festival.
Photo credit: Milută Flueraș
“I returned home, to Uranus Garden, the place where the Balkanik story began. Here, art meets history, and music becomes the common language of diversity,” he added Ligia Keșişian.
Beyond expectations and for the international community – this year’s edition attracted not only the local audience, but also a significant number of tourists who came especially for this event from distant corners of the world. Balkanik Festival has become, over the years, a destination for lovers of quality music, authentic experiences and cross-cultural connections.
“Balkanik Festival is not so much about geography, but rather about soul, feeling and vision,” said Shantel.
“It was a spectacular edition. I really felt how music can unite us and bring diverse communities together. The atmosphere at Balkanik Festival is magical and we hope that this tradition will continue in the years to come,” said one of the festival participants.
Balkanik Festival – More than an event, a cultural movement: Since its first edition, Balkanik Festival has encouraged inclusion and openness to other cultures, being a space of dialogue and understanding of different cultures through art. The festival is not only a platform for international artists, but also a meeting point for diverse communities who, year after year, return to celebrate together the beauty of diversity.
Subscriptions for the 2025 edition The first 300 super early bird tickets for the 12th edition of Balkanik Festival, scheduled for September 5-7, 2025 are now available on LiveTickets and I will be able toat the price of 100 lei, and the organizers promise an experience at least as captivating.
Balkanik Festival – Home of World Music #11 is organized by Asociația Culturală Metropolis, fueled by OSCAR Downstream as main partner; project co-financed by the National Cultural Fund Administration*; Balkanik Festival is a project co-financed by Bucharest City Hall through ARCUB within the “Bucharest 565. Urban Connections” 2024 Program.**; sponsored by BRD Groupe Société Générale, Pop Cola, with the support of the Union of Armenians in Romania, the Armenian Cultural Center in Bucharest, the Romanian Cultural Institute, the French Romanian Institute, the Polish Institute, Epson – technical partner, co-financed by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage of Poland; mobility partner: Pegas bicycles; Hospitality partner: Hotel Minerva
Media partners: Radio Guerrilla, Pro TV, Cărtureşti, Aici a stat, Happ, Haute Culture, Infomusic, IQads, Scena9, Nine O’Clock, Observator Cultural, Revista Golan, spotmedia.ro, Trăieste muzica, Balkan Utopia, Ziarul Metropolis, Zile and Nights, Munteanu Recommend.
The project does not necessarily represent the position of the National Cultural Fund Administration. AFCN is not responsible for the content of the project or how the results of the project may be used. These are entirely the responsibility of the beneficiary of the funding.
Source: www.iqads.ro
