Third issue of National Costume Day to be held in more settlements of Moldova

Chisinau, 20 June /MOLDPRES/ – The third issue of the National Day of Folk Costume will take place on Sunday, 24 June, at 11:00 – 16:00, at the Palace of Republic and on its territory.

Thus, will be carried out cultural activities in about 45 localities in 14 districts of Moldova, including ATU Gagauzia, which will highlight regional and local models of national costume, richness of embroidery ornaments and styles, as well as handicraft fairs and traditional cuisine. The event was organised in 19 localities of Moldova at previous issue.

At a press conference today, the Minister of Education, Culture and Research, Monica Babuc, has said that this year, the National Day of Folk Costume coincides with World Day of Iei. The official has urged public, both native and foreign, to participate in this beautiful celebration, where traditional costume will be presented in all its aspects.

"The national garment represents one of most important forms of culture of a people, a symbolic recapitulation of its history, from origins until present. This rich material and spiritual heritage could do nothing but influence us, becoming an inexhaustible source for artists. The sewn and woven signs on each of its pieces hide stories and legends, which we invite you to discover together at the National Day of Folk Costume," specified Monica Babuc.

According to official, this year issue will have three priority components: heritage costume, guest costume, modern costume inspired by traditional costume.

At his turn, director of the National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History, Petru Vicol, has said that the institution he is leading will present a collection of 16 costumes from all over Moldova. "These costumes have been the basis for museum collection since 1889," told Vicol. In this context, the director of Casa Cristea, Maria Cristea, has mentioned that she will come to this holiday with a collection of costumes created for 25 years. "We will be with our masters and organise master classes," said Maria Cristea.

The event is organised by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Research (MECC). The purpose of celebration is to capitalise authentic Romanian folk costume and cohabiting ethnic groups, know costume components and its symbols, promote techniques of making the costume popular at national and international levels. This year holiday will be organised and carried out with support of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, Moldova Competitiveness Programme supported by USAID Moldova and Government of Sweden and Romanian Cultural Institute Mihai Eminescu in Chisinau.

The event budget is MDL 416 thousand, out of which MECC has stipulated MDL 216 thousand and partners – MDL 200 thousand. The first issue of the National Day of Folk Costume took place in 2016.

(Reporter N. Roibu, editor A. Raileanu)