Ia Day Celebrated Worldwide

The Romanian Cultural Institute (ICR) marked the Universal Day of the Romanian Folk Blouse—Ia Day—with a series of international events highlighting the iconic blouse's cultural significance. Celebrated annually on June 24, Ia Day honors the embroidered garment as a symbol of heritage, identity, and intercultural dialogue, CE Report quotes Agerpres

This year’s celebrations included exhibitions, workshops, screenings, and performances hosted by ICR branches across the globe:

• Paris: A cultural event at Behague Palace featured embroidery workshops, expert talks, a sewing bee, and a documentary screening.

• Tokyo: Ia Day joined the European “Rendez-vous aux jardins” festival with a textile art workshop.

• Chisinau: A traditional costume exhibit runs June 27–July 20, alongside a multidisciplinary event on June 29.

• Beijing: The Heritage exhibition (June 24–August 24) showcases 17 hand-sewn Romanian shirts and traditional artifacts from Făgăraș.

• Budapest & Szeged: Events under the banner Sânziene – Saint John’s Eve include exhibitions and folk dance performances.

• Stockholm: An exhibition opened June 12 featuring blouses from Bishop Macarie’s birthplace in northern Romania.

• Istanbul: An intercultural event on June 14 displayed folk blouses from Vrancea County made by local artisans.

• Vienna: The exhibit Behind a Folk Shirt tells personal stories through textiles and costumes from Oaș Country.

• Madrid: A June 20 event included a costume parade, traditional music, and dance.

• Lisbon: A June 21 show featured performances by the Transylvania Ensemble and an exhibition by artist Eugenia Hanganu.

Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2022, the Romanian ie continues to inspire through its artistic embroidery and deep-rooted cultural symbolism.