Sighisoara's Medieval Festival could prove a disappointment for tourists that have already made reservations for the event. At the last moment, the festival was shortened to just three days instead of ten, from July 20 to 22, which means the festival is already over.

The authorities decided to shorten the festival, which usually provides a major boost to local trade, to simplify the organization of the referendum to impeach suspended president Traian Basescu, set for July 29. In its long version, the Sighisoara festival should have expanded over the referendum week-end.

Despite calls to hold a full length festival, the local authorities from Sighisoara declared themselves powerless. The festival normally runs for around two weeks, rather than three days. Tourists have had to cancel reservations and hotel owners need to refund cancellations.

Ioana Toader, ioana.toader@romania-insider.com