The Visivanka March, dedicated to the traditional Ukrainian costume, brought together the Ukrainian community and Ukrainian refugees in the Republic of Moldova. The event highlighted the cultural significance of the traditional Ukrainian shirt, considered a symbol of identity, courage, and resistance of the Ukrainian people, reports IPN.

Present at the event, Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu stated that visivanka has become a true calling card of the Ukrainian people and a globally recognized symbol of dignity and freedom. According to him, the tradition began in 2006, thanks to the students of the University of Chernivtsi, a city he described as one with a special culture and history.

The Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Moldova, Paun Rohovei, stated that the vyshyvanka is not just a traditional costume, but a story about culture, about love for the homeland, values, freedom, and democracy. According to the diplomat, these values represent the foundation from which Ukraine is moving towards the future.

At the same time, Dmitri Lecartev, the leader of the Ukrainian community in Moldova and the president of the National Congress of Ukrainians in Moldova, pointed out that for Ukrainians, the vyshyvanka is more than a national symbol, being tied to identity, memory, and the spiritual connection between generations. According to him, after the war began, the vyshyvanka became a symbol of unity, freedom, and national courage for millions of Ukrainians. He emphasized that diversity does not separate, but enriches society and makes people stronger.

The Visivanka March is organized by the National Congress of Ukrainians as part of the 13th edition of the Ukrainian Shirt Day. According to the 2024 census, there are 118 thousand ethnic Ukrainians living in Moldova, and 128 thousand Ukrainians have refugee status.