Before the spring fetes, when thematic matinées are staged in kindergartens and schools, the parents are looking for carnival costumes for their children. Either it is about parts of birds, fairytale heroes, flowers or insects, each parent is trying to find the most suitable costume. Some prefer to place orders to sew costumes, but most of the parents choose to rent these.

Vera Popa, manager of a costume rental company that has worked for over 20 years, has told IPN that the parents started to look for costumes at the beginning of February. “Among the most popular costumes are those of snowdrops, bees, fairies, butterflies and also of such flowers as narcissuses, dandelions and lilies of the valley. The symbol of spring Martsishor is also in demand. We have red and white costumes, including national costumes,” stated the manager.

When the costume is chosen, this is reserved for a payment of 30% of the hire charge. The costume can be taken on the eve of the matinée, when the rest of the rental is paid. The client also leaves a money pledge that is collected when the costume is brought back.

Rentals range from 50 and 500 lei, depending on the complexity and exclusiveness of the model and quality of the fabric and also on the number of accessories. The price is doubled if the client wants to keep the costume. The manager said such situations are not often, but some of the children like the costume so much that they do not want this to be taken back and the parents can purchase it. Their company also receives orders to sew costumes. Such services are usually used by Moldovans who are abroad.

The adults can also find carnival costumes that are rented for thematic parties and for filming. The hire charges range from 200 to 700 lei.