The ethnic communities of Moldova presented the culture and traditions of their native countries in the 16th Festival of Ethnic Groups on September 24. In the morning, representatives of ethnic communities, accompanied by President Igor Dodon, laid flowers at the monument to ruler Stephan the Great, took part in the opening of the Festival and then amused themselves with music, dance and traditional dishes in the central park of Chisinau, IPN reports.
In the opening of the event, President Dodon said the Republic of Moldova is a country where the representatives of nationalities coexist in peace and harmony. “This is our biggest accomplishment as a state, when different nationalities feel as if they are at home, in their families. The Russians, Ukrainians, Belarusians, Gagauz people and the other ethnic groups are near us in good times and in bad times and this makes us stronger,” he stated.
Director general of the Interethnic Relations Bureau Oleg Babenko said the Festival of Ethnic Groups is an emblem for the Republic of Moldova. The event is one of the most valuable achievements of the state policy in the field of interethnic relations. “The Festival contributes to stimulating the intercultural dialogue and continuing the European integration project in the Republic of Moldova. The Festival makes us more tolerant and more united so that we combine forces to build our tomorrow,” stated Oleg Babenko.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Vladimir Vitiuc said that only by strengthening the relations between ethnic groups, regardless of the spoken language and origins, and stimulating their contribution to developing the state, the noble goal of ensuring prosperity and a decent future for children in Moldova can be achieved.
In this connection, acting mayor general of Chisinau municipality Nistor Grozavu said the Festival shows that we are so different, but simultaneously so united when we are together.
The 16th Festival of Ethnic Groups was also called “Unity through Diversity”, as the previous years. It brought together about 75 ethnic and cultural organizations that represented 30 ethnic communities.
