Transilvania Tattoo Expo returns in 2024, in Sibiu, reuniting some of the biggest tattoo artists from around the world. The 12th edition not only gives the passionates of body art an opportunity to get tattooed by their favorite artists, but also presents a new way of entertainment: a tattoo and dog parade!

Throughout the 12 editions, Transilvania Tattoo Expo has become an emblematic event for the tattoo community not only in Sibiu but in the whole country, attracting famous people from the international industry Some of the famous guests who graced the event over the years are: Mike Skiver, Carl Crace, Robert Hernandez, John Montgomery, Benjamin Moss, Takami Horikoshi and many more. These artists brought a diversity of techniques and styles to Sibiu, turning the convention into a real-life art show.

The atmosphere and surroundings

Right before entering The State Philharmonic of Sibiu, you are welcomed by some beautiful paintings. On a very big canvas to your left is a painting of two people covered in traditional tattoos and piercings wearing fantastical headgears. The artwork is rich in color and detail, with an emphasis on bold, contrasting hues, and complex patterns. The style seems to be a fusion of traditional and fantasy art, possibly inspired by indigenous cultures.

As you enter the tattooing space, all you can hear is the buzzing of the tattoo machines. There are at least a dozen booths where artists tattoo their clients. Every booth has a portfolio of the artists' work, and you can see what they are tattooing at that moment.

At first, you might be intimidated by the heavily tattooed people, but as you begin to talk to them, you learn that they are actually really kind and warm human beings.

The painting in front of the entrence, inspired by indigenous cultures. PICTURE: Carla Cruciatu. Image: Carla Cruciatu.

At the beginning of the day, people just tattoo or are being tattooed, but as the sun starts to go down, the fun begins!

The tattoo and dog parade

Saturday, at around 20:00 (8 P.M.), the "Show your tattoo, show your pup" parade begins. As people walk down the red carpet placed in front of The State Philharmonic's main entrance, they present their tattoos, and most importantly, their pups.

The final contest

A drawing from Sylvain Le Borgnes portofolio. PICTURE: Carla Cruciatu. Image: Carla Cruciatu.

At the end of the day, the most awaited moment of the convention begins: The tattoo contest!

As the jury enters the stage and is being presented, the dozens of spectators start cheering. As things settle down, the tattoo artists present, one by one, their work done throughout the day. The most stressful part for the jury is now, when they have to come to a conclusion and choose the best tattoo for each category, and the best of the day.