site.btaPoet Dmitri Borimecicov: Taraclia's Major Olimpi Panov National Community Centre Plays Important Role in Bulgarian Culture's Revival

In the city of Taraclia, which is establishing itself as the centre of Bulgarianness in Moldova, the Major Olimpi Panov National Community Centre, set up as a cultural and dramatic centre, played an important role in the revival of Bulgarian culture, said journalist, poet and genealogist Dmitri Borimecicov here on Friday. He was a guest at the BTA Press Club in Taraclia on the occasion of the new issue of BTA's LIK magazine, which was presented across the BTA press clubs in Bulgaria and abroad.

The new issue of LIK is dedicated to the chitalishte community centres. Titled "Chitalishta: Past and Future," it marks the 170th anniversary of the first Bulgarian chitalishte, founded on January 30, 1856 in the northern town of Svishtov. Drawing on highlights from BTA’s rich archive, the magazine explores the history and future of these cultural institutions, often described as a uniquely Bulgarian phenomenon. 

Borimecicov recalled that the Major Olimpiy Panov National Community Centre in Taraclia was solemnly opened on November 8, 1992, on the initiative of the National Community Centre Foundation from Sofia with chair Georgi Tsvetkov and with the support of local cultural figures. "Over the years, it has established itself as a centre of the Bulgarian intelligentsia in the southern part of Moldova," he noted.

Over more than 20 years of activity, the community centre has revived traditional holidays and customs in Taraclia and the surrounding villages. “These holidays gradually became beloved and awaited events, both for local residents and for guests of the city,” Borimecicov said.