Winter traditions celebrated at national festival in Moldova

The authentic beauty of winter traditions—through carols, ancient customs, and traditional costumes—was brought to the forefront at the National Festival-Competition of Winter Traditions and Customs “Caroling from Village to Village”, held in the village of Sofia, Drochia district.

The event brought together folk ensembles and groups of carolers from across the Republic of Moldova, along with guests from Romania, CE Report quotes MOLDPRES.

“We are happy to promote our traditions and identity values together. We hope to remain reliable partners for such festivals in the future, because you are our brothers who are currently waiting for the light at the end of the tunnel,” said Constantin Brăteanu, representative of the Valea Uței ensemble from Suceava, Romania.

The festival aimed to promote the repertoire specific to winter holidays and to safeguard the tradition of male group caroling, a national identity element included on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. At the same time, it contributed to the project “Development of Cultural-Rural Tourism through Research and Promotion of the Folklore of the Republic of Moldova.”

“The village of Sofia dressed in festive attire and hosted 12 artistic groups from across the country, bringing winter traditions closer to their roots. The event also featured exhibitions by more than 17 folk artisans and three museums from the district. We also welcomed guests from Romania, Suceava County. Drochia remains a hospitable district and a promoter of traditions, and the presence of three male caroling groups here makes us proud—especially since male group caroling is included on the UNESCO Heritage List,” Cristina Țurcanu, head of the Drochia Department of Culture and Tourism, told MOLDPRES.

The event highlighted folk craftsmen, artistic ensembles, promoters of intangible cultural heritage, and the traditional cuisine of northern Moldova.

“We brought to this festival delicacies found only in the north of the country: the famous beetroot and walnut pie, stuffed cabbage rolls, and pastries. We are glad such events are organized because they help us preserve traditions and customs, especially when we share them with guests from across the Prut River,” representatives of the social canteen in the village of Sofia told.

During the festival, the best artistic groups were awarded. The Grand Prize went to a collective from Rezina. Drochia district won first prize in the “mixed groups” category, awarded to the Busuiocul Folk Ensemble from the town of Drochia, led by artistic director Galina Pavalenco. In the “male groups” category, the Buciumul Men’s Group earned second place under artistic director Alexei Pânzari, while a special mention was awarded to the Balada Men’s Group from the village of Pelenia, led by Ghenadie Antonovici.

The festival was organized by the National Center for the Conservation and Promotion of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Chișinău, in partnership with the National Tourism Office, the Drochia District Council, and the Sofia Village Hall.