What happened in Romania that made Armin van Buuren the icon of a living legend?

When it comes to electronic music festivals, few names spark awe quite like Untold Festival in Romania. And among the artists who have graced its stage, Armin van Buuren stands tall—not just as a performer but as a phenomenon. Over the years, his appearances at Untold have earned him not only thunderous applause but a rare title bestowed by fans: a living successor to the spirit of trance music.

The Birth of a Festival: Untold 2015

The story begins in 2015, when Cluj-Napoca was named the European Youth Capital. To celebrate this milestone, a new music festival was born: Untold. From its inception, the festival aimed high. The first edition brought together titans of EDM like Armin van Buuren, Avicii, and David Guetta.

• Attendance: Over 240,000

• Revenue: €20 million in just four days

• Impact: Established Romania as a major player on the international festival circuit

From day one, Armin’s presence was pivotal. His emotionally charged trance sets resonated deeply with a new generation of Eastern European fans hungry for authenticity and unity through music.

Rapid Growth & Global Attention (2016–2019)

Untold didn’t stop growing. By 2019, during its fifth edition, it shattered records:

• Attendance: 370,000+ (a new high)

• Stages: Multiple immersive environments

• Artists: A-list acts including Martin Garrix, Afrojack, Steve Aoki, and more

Why Did Untold Succeed So Quickly?

• Strategic Timing: Mid-August slot, avoiding major clashes with other global festivals

• Rich Culture: Romania’s folklore-inspired aesthetics gave it a unique flavor

• Emotional Performances: Especially from artists like Armin, who went beyond just playing music

It became clear: Untold was not just a festival; it was an experience, a cultural landmark.

The Untold Environment: Music Meets Mythology

One of the festival’s most defining features is its thematic immersion. The grounds of Cluj Arena are transformed into fantasy landscapes:

• The Forest: Enchanted and tribal

• The Citadel: Medieval and mysterious

• The River: Flowing, fluid stages with water themes

• The Mountain: Majestic and spiritual

These environments bring to life elements of Romanian legends, merging the old with the new, and allowing attendees to feel like they are part of something magical and eternal.

The Lineups That Shaped an Era

From 2015 to 2025, Untold has featured a lineup comparable to Coachella or Tomorrowland:

Early Years (2015–2017)

• Armin van Buuren

• Martin Garrix

• Afrojack

• Tiësto

The 10th Anniversary (2025)

A celebration like no other, the 2025 edition (Aug 7–10) features a record-breaking lineup:

• Post Malone

• Martin Garrix

• Armin van Buuren

• Steve Angello

• FISHER

• Alan Walker

• Becky Hill

• Anyma

• …and dozens more

This mega-lineup symbolizes a decade of evolution, but also celebrates Armin’s consistency as the festival’s spiritual heart.

Armin van Buuren: The Untold King

No artist is more synonymous with Untold Festival than Armin van Buuren. His marathon sets, emotional crowd interactions, and spiritual presence have etched his name into the DNA of the festival.

The Marathon Sets

• 2018: A jaw-dropping 7-hour set from 2:00 AM to after 9:00 AM. Fans described it as “the sunrise of their soul.”

• 2019: He broke his own record with an 8-hour set, arguably one of the longest continuous headline DJ sets in festival history.

• 2023: A 5-hour sunrise performance, closing the main stage and ending at 8:00 AM. It was less about endurance and more about a deeply emotional crescendo that left fans in tears.

Emotional Connectivity

Armin doesn’t just play music—he creates spiritual ceremonies. In several sets, he has:

• Played the Romanian national anthem as a sign of respect

• Invited fans onstage to share the spotlight

• Spoken in Romanian, breaking the barrier between performer and crowd

He often refers to Romania as his second home. And judging by the reaction of the fans, that feeling is mutual.

Social Media Explosions: The “Living Successor” Narrative

In the days following each of his legendary sets, social media platforms light up with hashtags like:

• #ArminUntold

• #ArminForever

• #TranceIsAlive

• #UntoldReligion

Comments from Fans:

“I waited 8 hours to see him. Worth every second. A master of emotion.”

“Not a concert. Not a set. A spiritual journey.”

“He is trance. And Untold is his church.”

Such praise has led fans and influencers to label him as a “living successor” to the origins of trance music, echoing the spiritual legacy of acts like Paul van Dyk and Ferry Corsten.

Fan Testimonials & Cultural Impact

Despite some small sound complaints in 2023, fan feedback has remained overwhelmingly positive.

“I’ve been to Tomorrowland and Ultra, but Untold felt more like home. Armin was the soul of it.”

“The way he interacts with the crowd, you don’t just hear the music—you feel it.”

The festival has galvanized a new generation of music lovers in Romania and across Eastern Europe. Armin, through his humility and passion, has become a beacon of unity in a region often divided by politics and history.

Legacy Beyond the Stage

Armin’s influence extends beyond Untold:

• He regularly supports local Romanian artists on his radio show, A State of Trance

• Collaborates with Eastern European vocalists

• Helps promote Romania as a tourist and cultural destination

His connection isn’t performative; it’s rooted in mutual respect and shared energy.

Why Armin + Untold = Magic

Let’s break down the synergy:

Together, they represent more than a booking or a headliner slot—they symbolize a perfect artistic partnership.

The Legend Lives On

What happened in Romania was more than a few standout performances. It was a cultural phenomenon built on years of trust, love, and resonance.

Armin van Buuren didn’t just perform at Untold—he became part of its soul. And Untold, in return, gave him a stage not just to play, but to transform lives.

In a world overflowing with commercialized festivals and fleeting hype, the bond between Armin and Untold is a reminder of what music is supposed to be: connection, magic, emotion, and memory.

For fans, Armin will always be more than a DJ. In the heart of Romania, he is a living successor, a musical prophet, and a beloved legend.

And the story is still being written.