Mikes Castle in Zabala to host cultural diversity Kuriozum Festival new edition

A new edition of the Kuriozum Festival, which celebrates cultural diversity, will take place from 15-17 August at Mikes Castle in Zabala, with the event set to open with a performance by renowned violinist Alexandru Tomescu.

Held during the Perseids meteor shower, the festival offers a unique combination of genres and artistic styles in a relaxed atmosphere amidst nature, according to a press release sent to AGERPRES by the organisers.

'Kuriozum is a distinctive cultural concept, designed to blend a series of contrasting artistic elements drawn from a complex cultural sphere. The festival is built around instrumental music and is based on the idea of cultural diversity. It brings a bold new approach to cultural events through the participation of musicians representative of multiple musical genres, such as classical music, authentic lautareasca [traditional folk music usually performed at social events], folk and film music. In addition to music, the event features other cultural elements such as theatre, gastronomy, culinary tastings, wine tastings, specialty coffee and craft beverages,' the press release reads.

Over the course of the three-day festival, attendees will also enjoy visual art exhibitions, fashion design showcases, musical instrument displays, horse riding, equestrian parades and demonstrations, as well as interactive activities for children.

According to the organisers, the festival aims to be a platform celebrating cultural diversity, where audiences and lovers of music and art 'can experience a unique blend of styles and share common interests and values,' experiences intended to remain memorable long after the event.

'It is a way of spending quality time, experimenting and sharing common concerns and values among people. The project aims to create a cultural democracy, through an environment that encourages creative expression and thinking, as well as a dialogue between arts, culture, and education, in harmony with both national and international dynamics in the long term,' said Damian Pal, founder of the 'Oamenii Inspira' Association and organiser of the festival, as quoted in the release.

The event will open on Friday, 15 August, at 7:00 PM, with Alexandru Tomescu performing on the Stradivarius Elder Voicu violin, accompanied by guitarist Dragos Ilie.

Notable names in the programme include Violoncellissimo Ensemble, Sárközy Lajos Collective Quartet, Gyimesek Hangjai - authentic music ensemble from the Ghimes Valley, Taraf de Akácfa ensemble from Hungary, Legendary violinist Gheorghe Anghel (Caliu), Dancer Stefan Orheanu, Actors Lari Giorgescu and Márdirosz Ágnes, designer Corina Boboc.

There will also be an equestrian show, led by Paulina von Hardenberg and Iulia Tat, as well as a guided tour of the spectacular Mikes Estate in Zabala.

Kuriozum evenings will end 'as among friends.' with artists and spectators gathering around the fire, and with an after-party hosted by Aylin Cadir - musical curator and actress at the National Theatre in Bucharest.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to attend astronomical observations, guided by Csere Mihály, during the spectacular meteor shower.

Access to the event begins at 12:00 PM each day, and entry is free for children under 14.