Sunwaves says the festival’s departure from Romania after nearly two decades is out of its control as the organizers look to Spain and beyond for future editions.
The 35th edition of Sunwaves is in full swing, but the festival announced earlier this week that this will be the last edition in Mamaia Nord, Romania. After 18 incredible years on the Black Sea coast, the beloved festival is officially moving locations. Last year, Sunwaves 33 was hosted for the first time in Roquetas de Mar, Spain, and later this year, Sunwaves 36 will return to that space from September 4-8.
The decision to move from Romania wasn’t made lightly. In an emotional Instagram post, the Sunwaves team shared that they made this announcement with a heavy heart, “Unfortunately, things are the way that they are, and it’s out of our control. Our love for our country and our local audience will always be part of [Sunwaves].” While specific reasons were not detailed, attendees have often pointed to increased logistical difficulties, particularly citing an intense police presence during recent editions.
Sunwaves has been the staple of Romania’s vibrant minimal techno and house music scene, with two yearly editions since it began in 2007. It quickly grew from a regional favorite into an internationally respected event, drawing thousands of attendees eager to experience a unique festival culture that goes on five days straight.
The lineup for this final Romanian edition showcases the festival’s deep roots and international reputation, with performances by iconic artists such as Seth Troxler, Marco Carola, Ricardo Villalobos, SIT, Sonja Moonear, Loco Dice, Rhadoo, and Raresh. Attendees are currently in the midst of the bittersweet event, experiencing legendary marathon sets that have become a hallmark of Sunwaves’ identity—it’s common for someone like Joseph Capriati or Marco Carola to play 15 hours straight during the festival.
While the festival bids farewell to its birthplace, we can still expect the familiar spirit and dedication to dance music culture at upcoming editions in Spain and other international locations. However, Sunwaves’ legacy in Romania has left an indelible mark on dance culture worldwide.
