site.bta24th Ethnocultural Festival to Take Place in Taraclia, Moldova on Sept. 20

The 24th edition of the ethnocultural festival titled Unity Through Diversity will take place on September 20 in Taraclia — the cultural heart of the Bulgarian community in Moldova. The event will bring together artisans, artists, and creative groups from various regions of Moldova, Transnistria, Ukraine, Romania, and Bulgaria.

The festival will open with a festive parade featuring flags, signs, and traditional costumes representing villages, ethnic communities, and institutions. Around 30 ethnic pavilions and themed zones will be set up in the town’s central square. These cultural spaces will showcase the everyday life and traditions of various peoples, while artisan stalls will offer handcrafted items — ranging from textiles and ceramics to natural cosmetics and handmade jewelry.

A bustling market and the “Alley of Local Flavors” food zone will feature traditional dishes, local products, baked goods, and street food.

For art lovers, there will be creative workshops on painting, modeling, and decorating. In the literary zone, amateur authors will read their works in their native languages, accompanied by Russian translations. Throughout the day, the stage will host performances by folklore, vocal, and dance ensembles — nearly 600 participants in total, including 400 children and 28 groups from Moldova, Romania, Bulgaria, and Ukraine.

According to the District Department for Economic and Investment Development, this year’s program includes 50 artisans and local producers, along with several new participants. For the first time, the Taraclia branch of the “Angel Kanchev” University of Ruse (Bulgaria) will take part in the festival with its own activity area.

The festival is cultural and educational, not competitive in nature. Its main goal, according to organizers, is to preserve and promote ethnocultural heritage, strengthen ties between communities, and create a space for communication, experience sharing, and creative expression.

The festival is organized by the Taraclia District Council, with strategic partners including the Ministry of Culture of Moldova, the Agency for Interethnic Relations, and the Delegation of the European Union to Moldova. The event is also supported by the Association for the Development of the Bulgarian Community in Moldova and local entrepreneurs, the District Council added.

The “Covoare Ungheni” carpet factory announced that part of the proceeds from sales will be donated to the “Rodolyubie” Bulgarian Folklore Ensemble from Taraclia.