Bulgarian Vice President Iliana Iotova Opens 24th Ethnocultural Festival in Taraclia, Moldova

Metodi Yordanov, BTA special correspondent Martin Penev

BTA Photo/Martin Penev

Taraclia, Moldova,

20.09.2025 13:20

(BTA)

Bulgarian Vice President Iliana Iotova inaugurated the 24th ethnocultural festival “Unity through Diversity” in the Moldovan town of Taraclia. The event forms part of the Vice President’s official visit to Moldova.

“The festival is of immense importance to the Bulgarian community. Each year it grows larger, and the hosts tell me they can no longer accommodate all participants due to space limitations, yet everyone remains welcoming, and anyone who comes is a guest. Here, people speak exclusively Bulgarian,” Vice President Iotova said. She added that it is gratifying to see even non-Bulgarians trying to speak Bulgarian because of the festival.

Iotova highlighted the role of the Ruse University branch in Taraclia in promoting Bulgarian language, culture, and traditions, stating that maintaining these practices is not just history or memory but a living present and future. She also noted the region’s further development will be supported by the Bulgarian state.

“The preservation of national identity for every people is among the European Union’s greatest values. Where human rights, including those of ethnic minorities, are not respected, that is not the EU,” Iotova said, expressing gratitude to Moldovan colleagues for ensuring the compactness of Taraclia, allowing over two centuries of Bulgarian traditions and language to be preserved and taught in schools.

The festival began with a parade showcasing national costumes, villages, ethnic communities, and institutions. Thirty ethnographic houses and thematic zones were set up at the central square, bringing together artisans, artists, and creative groups from Moldova, Transnistria, Ukraine, Romania, and Bulgaria.

Visitors explored cultural exhibits, handcrafted goods, traditional foods, and participated in creative workshops. Nearly 600 performers from folklore, vocal, and dance ensembles from Moldova, Romania, Bulgaria, and Ukraine appeared on stage throughout the day.

The festival aims to preserve and promote ethnocultural heritage, strengthen community ties, and provide a space for communication, experience exchange, and creative expression. It is organised by the Taraclia District Council with partners including the Moldovan Ministry of Culture, the Agency for Interethnic Relations, and the EU Delegation to Moldova, supported by the Association for the Development of the Bulgarian Community in Moldova and local entrepreneurs.

/MY/