Timișoara City Celebration 2026 continues the accessibility initiative launched by the Center for Projects in 2023, as part of the Timișoara – European Capital of Culture Program, and is implementing a series of measures designed to make the event more accessible to people with hearing impairments and those on the neurodiverse spectrum. After the opening and closing concerts of the European Capital of Culture year featured interpretation in Romanian Sign Language (LSR), and this practice was continued at the 2024 and 2025 editions of Timișoara Day, the organizers are carrying this commitment forward into the 2026 edition as well.
Thus, the concerts by Beth Hart and The Script, as well as highlights from the concerts by Irina Rimes and Alexandra Căpitănescu, will be interpreted in Romanian Sign Language, offering people with hearing impairments the opportunity to participate as fully as possible in the artistic experience.
“Access to culture is a right, and our responsibility as organizers of public events is to minimize, as much as possible, the barriers that may prevent some people from participating. Starting in 2023, we are building, step by step, an accessibility model that goes beyond one-off measures and is integral to how we approach organizing cultural events. We want Timișoara City Celebration to be an event where everyone feels welcome and can enjoy their own festival experience, regardless of their individual circumstances or needs. Inclusion isn’t just about access; it’s also about feeling that you belong to a cultural space that sees you, respects you, and includes you.”
The interpretation will be provided by Denis Blidariu, a Romanian Sign Language interpreter and human rights advocate. Raised in a family of people with hearing impairments, Denis naturally developed his skills in Romanian Sign Language and has dedicated his work to building bridges between communities. His expertise spans a wide range of cultural contexts—from movie theaters, theaters, festivals, and concerts to national and international conferences, where he can interpret directly from spoken English into Romanian Sign Language.
To supplement this initiative, a viewing platform dedicated to neurodiverse individuals will be set up near the main stage—a space that offers more comfortable conditions for attending concerts and a good view of the stage. In addition, an area dedicated to people with hearing impairments will be available, designed to ensure the best possible experience during concerts.
These accessibility measures complement the direction the Center for Projects Timișoara has taken in recent years to develop cultural events that are more open and inclusive, where participation is encouraged and facilitated for as many different audiences as possible. The central message of the 2026 edition of the “Timișoara City Celebration” event— “One City. A Thousand Ways to Experience It. Diversity”—reflects the variety of experiences the program will offer and invites each participant to discover their own way of exploring and celebrating Timișoara.
The “Timișoara City Celebration” event is funded by the Timișoara City Hall and coordinated and co-organized by the Center for Projects and the House of Culture.
Official bank: Banca Transilvania
Event insurer: Signal Iduna
Partners: Timișoreana, Continental Anvelope Romania, Aninoasa Tim, Profi, Inspiro, TSG Security, DIGI, New Pharma, Voluntim
Media Partners: Visit Timișoara – Destination Management Organization, Iulius Town, Radio România, West City Radio, Presspectiva
Communication and Urban Mobility Partner: TPT - Timișoara Public Transportation
