The first edition of “DOR de Chisinau” Festival - an event meant to celebrate the Diaspora Days, which is annually held at the end of the third week of August - will take place on August 17. Contacted by IPN for details, Anastasia Foiu, communication specialist of the General Division of Culture and Cultural Heritage, said that the festival highlights the cultural richness and strong connections of the Moldovan diaspora and brings together the diaspora community from all over the world to strengthen ties and share experiences.
Starting at 04:00 p.m., exhibitions of art and folk costumes, meetings with writers and fairs of craftsmen and artisans will be mounted on Eugen Doga pedestrian street. There will be staged creative workshops for plaiting flower crowns, creating traditional jewelry, painting ethno-symbols and embroidery. The program also includes masterclasses in pottery, leather processing, hat making, drawing on ceramics and glass, creating dolls woven from vegetable fibers. Children will have the opportunity to participate in art and sports activities, games and competitions, to admire a soap bubble show. Also, the gastronomic area “Casa Mare” and photo areas will be set up.
The event will be officially opened at 04:30 p.m. A performance of folk songs will follow. Between 05:40 p.m. and 06:00 p.m., folk outfits from different regions of Moldova will be presented with explanations of the motifs. Between 06:00 p.m and 09:00 p.m., recitals will be given by artists Doinița Sulac, Gabriel Nebunu, Olga Verbițchi, Marej, Dara. The evening will culminate with a program of Balkan songs performed by Valentin Uzun & Tharmis.
“For all those who miss home, this festival is more than a cultural event – it is an emotional journey to the roots, the authentic taste of food made only at home, seeing the familiar faces of loved ones and rediscovering the natural beauties and treasures of Moldova,” said Anastasia Foiu.
At the end of the festival, all participants will be invited to a diaspora round dance, a symbol of unity.
