BUCHAREST, Sept. 2 -- The Golden Stag Festival, the largest music festival in Romania, ended late Sunday in Brasov of central Romania, with Albania's Inis Neziri winning the Grand Trophy of 25,000 euros.
The festival, also one of the most famous international music festivals in Central and Eastern Europe, was resumed in the Brasov Council Square after a nine-year break, as part of the events financed by the central government and dedicated to the Greater Union Centennial of Romania.
The first Golden Stag Festival was held in 1968. There have been 17 editions before the 2018 edition, as the festival has been put on pause and resumed several times over the years.
"The organisation went very well...I find that both the Brasov residents and the tourists were pleased by this event, that has unfolded in very good conditions...We are certain that in the future we shall have better and better results," the Brasov County Council's President Adrian Vestea was quoted as saying by official Agerpres news agency.
"I hope this event is a new beginning...I believe we did a good job together," said the Mayor of Brasov George Scripcaru, who hoped that the festival will take place in the years to come.
Eighteen contestants from 15 countries competed in the five-day festival that has two main components: an international contest and guest performances by both Romanian and foreign stars.