#RetrospectiveCoolturală. 2025, a year of grace for events in Craiova and Dolj

Even in 2025, the offer of cultural events in Craiova and Dolj did not fall behind other years; on the contrary, new places were highlighted in the community, and existing festivals gained even more scope. We present you a summary of the most important events that took place in 2025, within the county borders, and we invite you to remember the magical moments we experienced together.

The Easter Fair in Craiova once again took possession of the "Nicolae Romanescu" Park, transformed into a magical realm. Concerts, workshops, competitions returned after decades at the Craiova Hippodrome, culinary delights and many other surprises were made for visitors, who rediscovered Craiova in all its beauty.

The Brabova Traditional Music Festival debuted this year in the commune of the same name, at the foot of the Izvoranu-Geblescu Tower, a historical monument and semi-fortified construction, highlighted by the Dolj County Council and the Oltenia Museum and transformed into a museum section. Lovers of authentic Romanian music were able to enjoy the authentic Dolj experience here, with traditional bread, outstanding fiddlers, selected dishes and crafts in a unique setting, witness to our history.

Pedală în Bănie brought together, once again, in June, sports and nature lovers, unleashing new MTB, E-Bike and running experiences. At this edition, participants and visitors also had the opportunity to enjoy concerts and new experiences in nature, in the hilly area of the Podari commune, celebrating the Dolj landscape through movement and care for the environment.

This year, IntenCity brought to its stages artists such as J Balvin, Bebe Rexha, G-Eazy, Timmy Trumpet, Paris Hilton, Tyga, Foster The People, Puya, BUG Mafia, Şatra B.E.N.Z., CTC, Cojo and Ian. The end of June was incendiary in Craiova, and IntenCity was another opportunity for tourists to get to know us better and have fun in our own way.

Film in the Village – or what happens when good people join hands to build something beautiful – returned to the Cernătești commune, at the stadium and at Cernăteștilor Tower, for another edition of art brought closer to the people. The three-day festival that has been taking place in Cernătești for three years is living proof that a place can be reborn through ideas, work, but also through the local support always found here.

Puppets Occupy Street festival, already established nationally and internationally, means workshops, concerts, performances and shows, but also the much-loved parades of giant puppets at the beginning and end of the event. It shows us, year after year, how magic returns to Craiova, to remind adults to become children again, and to create a colorful and fascinating universe for the little ones.

The InstaCraiova youth festival was hosted, in 2025, by the Museum of the Romanian Book and Exile, an occasion on which the courtyard of the unique institution in the world became an interactive space, for relaxation, socializing, workshops, exhibitions and, in short, experiences. From photography to music, from handicrafts to the healthy promotion of creativity, InstaCraiova remains, after each year, a fresh and current festival.

The start of the Tour of Romania cycling race was given, this year, from the courtyard of the Craiova Art Museum, thus highlighting, once again, the cultural and historical heritage of our city. Also, marking an important point on the route, the Gumball 3000 phenomenon also passed through Craiova, with supercars, hundreds of horsepower, music and international stars.

The "Maria Tănase" Festival celebrated its 28th edition with a folkloric regalia, intended to carry forward the legacy of the master bird of Romanian music. Established artists, as well as performers just starting out, took to the stage of the "Marin Sorescu" National Theater and delighted the audience that filled the hall, night after night, at this festival that dates back to 1969.

The Craiova Half Marathon, the first community fundraising event in Craiova, once again brought together good people from the city and the county to help. Composed of several races in which runners sign up and whose costs go to the causes they support, the Craiova Half Marathon demonstrated, once again in 2025, its role in the community: that of a social bond for a greater good.

The Evenings at the Palace concert suite, a series of special concerts hosted by the sumptuous courtyard of the Art Museum and organized in partnership with the Oltenia Philharmonic, brought symphonic music to the „Jean Mihail” Palace. By placing it in the context of one of the most impressive buildings in Craiova, music lovers truly had a complete experience of art.

Last but not least, we cannot forget the Craiova Christmas Market, which is still ongoing and which you can enjoy until January 4, 2026. A few days ago, it won 1st place in the Best Christmas Market competitions 2026, organized by Best European Destinations, which reconfirms the work of an entire community to transform Craiova into the most beautiful story, year after year.

We can't wait to see what 2026 has in store for us! #DiscoverDolj&Craiova

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