Moldova celebrates diversity with Ethnic Festival
The 22nd Ethnic Festival is underway in Chisinau, Moldova, with the theme "Unity in Diversity." The event is taking place in Stefan cel Mare Park, where visitors can discover traditional costumes, dances, and exhibits, as well as sample ethnic cuisine.
The festival is designed to promote unity and understanding among Moldova's diverse population, said Ludmila Burlaca, head of the Agency for Interethnic Relations.
"We need to show everyone that we live in unity in diversity, that democratic values and principles, tolerance, non-discrimination, and many others are the main things we should strive for," Burlaca said. "This festival is meant to unite people, to show that we are a state that loves its homeland, in which we speak Romanian, but also preserve the languages spoken on the territory of the Republic of Moldova. The Ethnic Festival is always organised on the third Sunday of September."
According to statistical data, there are 90 ethnic groups registered in Moldova, and 40 ethno-cultural organisations are participating in the festival. According to Burlaca, the largest ethnic communities in the country are Ukrainian, Bulgarian, and Gagauz.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
