The National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History, in collaboration with the Culture Department of the Ungheni Rayon Council, organized the exhibition "Carnival of Time: Masks and Stories". The event brought to the fore traditional masks, handmade by members of handicraft centers: "Ca la noi" from the village of Petresti, "Tarancuta" from Floritoaia Veche, "Albinuta" and "Regina Maria" from the city of Ungheni, IPN reports.

At the opening of the exhibition, the Masks of Masks from Măcărești offered an authentic show, with the play of the goat, the horse and the crane, evoking the popular winter theater.

The masks on display, from the simplest to the most intricately elaborated, carry a deep symbolism, having been used throughout the ages to ward off evil spirits and mark the passage into a new year.

"These pieces, once indispensable in our winter traditions, are in danger of disappearing. Through such initiatives, we aim to preserve traditions and pass them on to the younger generation", said museum director Petru Vicol.

The exhibition marks the museum's last cultural event of the year. "We have always encouraged collaboration with local cultural and educational institutions in order to research, preserve and promote the traditions inherited from our ancestors. It is important to involve young people in safeguarding intangible heritage", emphasized Petru Vicol.

The event offers visitors not only a glimpse into the symbolism and folk art, but also a chance to better understand the role of these customs in the life of Moldovan villages. The exhibition remains open to the public until the end of January 2025 and is a call to preserve authentic values.

During the winter holidays, the National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History will be open even on December 31, from 10:00 to 14:00. On January 1, 7 and 8, 2025 the museum will be closed.