The 22nd edition of the Festival of Ethnic Groups “Unity through Diversity” will take place in the Public Garden of Chisinau “Ștefan cel Mare și Sfânt” on September 17. Contacted by IPN for details, Dmitri Moruz, director general of the Agency of Interethnic Relations, said that about 20 ethnic yards will be set up at the festival. These will present the specific features and values of ethnic communities that live in the Republic of Moldova. The ethnic groups or ethnic and cultural organizations will be able to exhibit what they are proud of at those yards.

Dmitri Moruz noted that the festival is staged to promote intercultural dialogue, to break particular stereotypes about ethnic groups, to show the image of a multiethnic country. By this festival, the organizers aim to show to a larger audience that the Republic of Moldova is proud of the ethnic minorities that live on its territory.

On September 17, the visitors could see an exhibition and fair of handicrafts and masterclasses in the gastronomic area. The festival will include performances of traditional music and dance which will feature over 20 ensembles of ethnic groups. The children will enjoy a recreational program with animators at the Children’s Town.

The event will start at 10am with the laying of flowers to the monument to Ruler Stephan the Great and Holy in central Chisinau and a parade of national costumes, which will be followed by a visit to the Big House – a symbol of the national culture. The festival will be officially opened at 10:30am.

The festival will also be held in districts. In Râșcani, the event will take place on September 17, in Taraclia – on September 23, in Edineț – on September 24.