On Saturday, May 17, starting at 11:00 AM, a memorial service will be held at the Multicultural Cemetery in Sulina for Gheorghios Kontoguris, the only known pirate from Romanian territory. Following the memorial, Mahala Rai Banda will perform an artistic tribute to honor his memory and that of the personalities buried in the Sulina cemetery. This event is part of the Pirate Festival, now at its 8th edition, through which the organizers celebrate the cultural diversity of Sulina and the Danube Delta and pay homage to those who contributed to shaping the city’s cultural identity.
The increased number of tourists arriving in Sulina for the Pirate Festival has led to an extension of the voting ballots at the polling stations set up at “Jean Bart” Theoretical High School, located near the festival area. Consequently, tourists will be able to vote on supplementary lists between 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM, using their ID card or provisional identity document.
Expecting 2,000 Tourists at the Pirate Festival
The 8th edition of the Pirate Festival started on Thursday, May 15, with DJ Morden Flex, Corina Sîrghi & Toma Dimitriu Group, and Taraful Lăutăreștilor on stage. On Friday, the lineup continues with Loredana, Proconsul, Mihai Mărgineanu & Marius Preda, Cargo, and Gică Coadă.
On Saturday, the festival begins at 11:00 AM with the pirate’s memorial service and the honoring of figures who shaped Sulina’s history. Later that day, Lupii lui Calancea, White Mahala, Vița de Vie, and White Mahala will take the stage again.On Sunday, the final day of the festival, performances will be held by Ana Coman, Jurjak, ZMEI3, and the renowned international band Gipsy Kings by Diego Baliardo.
„This year, we have expanded the Pirate Festival to four days of celebration and good cheer. We have a line-up with over 16 artists and bands, ensuring spectacular shows and unforgettable experiences. Every year, we are amazed by the beauty of the Danube Delta and the town of Sulina, and each edition leaves us—and all those who celebrate with us for 8 years—with memories to cherish. This year, even more, there’s a special energy in the air, as we all feel the power of your votes,”, said Gelu Tușu, organizer of the Festival of Pirates.
Beyond the musical performances, which feature an eclectic mix of genres from rock and folk to jazz and lăutărească music, organizers have prepared numerous activities that celebrate the spirit of the Danube Delta and the multicultural identity of Sulina.
Who Was the Pirate Gheorghios Kontoguris?
Gheorghios Kontoguris, originally from Kefalonia, was the only known pirate in Romania. His legend persists to this day. He died on March 25, 1871, coinciding with Greece’s National Day, and his tombstone in the Multicultural Cemetery in Sulina forever bears the symbol of pirates: a skull with two crossed bones.
During the Crimean War (1853-1856), Sulina port was a hotspot for piracy activities, which were reported in international media of the time, such as Illustrated London News and La Presse.
The legends of Gheorghios Kontoguris and stories from the ports along the Danube remain to be uncovered and retold, keeping alive the memory of Romania’s only known pirate.
Tickets for the 2025 Pirate Festival are still available for purchase online through the LiveTickets platform and directly at the festival location.
Tickets for the 2025 Festival of Pirates can still be purchased both online via the LiveTickets platform and directly at the festival location.