National Centre celebrates 90 years of cultural preservation
The National Centre for the Preservation and Promotion of Intangible Cultural Heritage celebrated its 90th anniversary.
The anniversary event was held at the Palace of the Republic in the capital, attended by guests from both domestic and international backgrounds, as well as enthusiasts from our villages who, through their actions, dedication, and passion for beauty, promote traditional values.
Numerous amateur artistic groups, including the 115-year-old “Doina Codrului” choir from the village of Lozova, Strășeni, showcased their love for folklore.
“It is a heartfelt duty to honour our ancestors who preserved this treasure and passed it down through generations. How did the choir reach 115 years? Through the boundless love of Lozova’s people for beauty,” said Ion Mămăligă, a member of the “Doina Codrului” ensemble.
Other keepers of traditional values from our villages also attended the anniversary, celebrating their cultural achievements.
“For me, folklore is everything. My folklore ensembles are: the adult group ‘Sărăteanca’ and the children’s group ‘Mlădița.’ I run a handicraft centre called ‘The Carpet of Longing.’ Recently, I formed a women’s association for those who wish to sew the traditional ‘cămașa cu altiță’ (blouse with an embroidered collar),” said the folk artisan from Sărata Veche, Maria Chilaru.
“I have worked in the cultural field for over 40 years, and the Centre has always been a benchmark for us, offering expertise in promoting and organising cultural events,” said Valeriu Vlah, director of the Culture House in Hîncești.
Iustina Scarlat was the director of the National Centre for the Preservation and Promotion of Intangible Cultural Heritage for 35 years.
“These were the happiest years of my life, first because they were my youth, and second because I had the mission to ensure this centre would safeguard popular culture. What could be more beautiful than popular culture?” said Iustina Scarlat, a master of the arts.
“All our experiences are vivid emotions, moments when each of us wonders how to preserve these traditions, and this is what these 90 years signify—the preservation of our native traditions,” said Silvia Zagoreanu, the current director of the National Centre for the Preservation and Promotion of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Collaborations with similar centres across the Prut River add value to Romanian culture.
“Recently, we had an extremely important collaboration in the effort to have the rural cobza included in UNESCO’s cultural heritage list. We worked together on this project and succeeded in submitting the file,” said Ozana Dram, manager of the Centre for the Preservation and Promotion of Traditional Culture in Iași.
“The fact that this institution has existed for so many years, during which folklore was elevated to the recognition it deserves, and that traditions are appreciated at both the national and international levels, speaks volumes about what such an institution means in coordinating the entire popular folklore movement,” said Dorel Cosma, president of the World Folklore Union.
“Authentic folklore is, in fact, a treasure we inherited from our ancestors, which we must pass on to our descendants, and we must ask ourselves how we can contribute to enriching this folklore,” said the Minister of Culture, Sergiu Prodan.
The celebrations marking the Centre's anniversary continued with the launch of a book about the distinguished folklorist Dumitru Blajinu. Meanwhile, the most valuable promoters of traditional culture were recognized with diplomas, applause, and gratitude.
Translatioun by Iurie Tataru
