“FERM 2025 | Lia BANARI (Ștefan Vodă District Council, Republic of Moldova): ‘Folklore is the Lifeblood of Every Community'”
100 economic opportunities for the development of the Moldova Region on the A7 Highway route
REGIONAL ECONOMIC FORUM MOLDOVA 2025
19th Edition – Vatra Dornei, July 9–13, 2025
Thematic Panel:
Culture and Regional Identity – Tradition, Innovation, and Social Cohesion
Speaker:
Lia Banari – Head of the Directorate of Culture, Youth, Sports and Tourism, Ștefan Vodă District Council
Topic of the Intervention:
“Folklore and Popular Traditions – A Treasure of National Identity and a Factor of Social Cohesion in Ștefan Vodă District, Republic of Moldova”
Within Panel 10 – Culture and Regional Identity: Tradition, Innovation, and Social Cohesion, Lia Banari, Head of the Directorate of Culture, Youth, Sports and Tourism under the Ștefan Vodă District Council (Republic of Moldova), spoke about the importance of folklore and popular traditions in preserving national identity, presenting concrete examples of events and initiatives through which the Ștefan Vodă community values its cultural heritage and strengthens social cohesion.
“Folklore is the Lifeblood of a Community”
At the beginning of her speech, Lia Banari spoke about the importance of preserving traditional values in the face of the rapid changes of the modern world.
“Times change, and we change with them. But no matter how fast any change is, there are values that must be protected, respected, and embraced permanently. Folklore is the lifeblood of any community.”
She emphasized that all peoples have survived history thanks to their roots and traditions that connected them to their identity. In the case of Ștefan Vodă District, these traditions have endured even during periods when foreign cultural influences were imposed.
Events to Promote Identity
To bring local identity back into focus, the Directorate led by Lia Banari, in collaboration with the district administration and local mayoralties, has initiated a series of community-impact events.
- Traditional Costume Celebration – “Traditional Costume, a Testament of Identity”
This event goes beyond merely presenting traditional attire. Alongside festive clothing, historical occupations – beekeeping, sheep farming, weaving – are showcased through reenactments, “freeze-frame” scenes, and craft workshops, complemented by singing, dancing, and good cheer. - Festival “In Poiana Dorului”
Held every two years in the setting of a forgotten glade in the district’s “old gardens,” the festival revives customs such as girls joining the hora dance or the bride’s lament, as well as expressions of longing through poetry, song, and traditional artifacts. - “Easter – From Tradition to Modernity”
This event builds a bridge between past and present, preserving authentic Easter customs while enriching them with modern elements, creating an appealing experience for the entire community. - International Dance Festival – “Dance of the Nistru Hearths”
Now in its second edition, the festival highlights the Nistru River and attracts folk ensembles from Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Latvia, Poland, Romania, and Ukraine. The festival’s popularity is confirmed by the diaspora’s participation, returning specifically to attend it. - “Nistru, on Your Banks”
A festival dedicated exclusively to traditions and folklore inspired by the Nistru River, held in the village of Tudora. - Winter Holidays Festival
Gathers carolers and ensembles who preserve the authenticity of costumes and Christmas and New Year customs, with a clear distinction between winter carols and Easter carols.
Crafts and Living Heritage
An important role in preserving traditions is played by the folk artisans of the district. There are 15 active craft centers specializing in:
- weaving with plant fibers, wicker, and corn husks…
- iron and leather processing,
- weaving and making traditional costumes.
These artisans not only produce objects but also train apprentices and pass on traditional techniques and symbolism. Local museums complement this effort, preserving and promoting both tangible and intangible heritage.
Promoting Traditions
The Directorate led by Lia Banari uses local and national media – TV, magazines, newspapers – to bring traditions to the attention of a wider audience.
“Folklore and popular traditions are not just our past. They are the language through which we define our present and project our future. They support community cohesion and educate the youth in the spirit of respect for roots.”
Conclusion
Lia Banari concluded her intervention with a call for unity and collective responsibility in preserving national identity. She emphasized that the preservation and transmission of cultural heritage must start within the family, be reinforced in schools, and supported by the entire community.
Only through the active involvement of all generations can traditional values be protected and adapted to contemporary realities, forming a solid foundation for a cohesive, creative, and sustainable society.
She also highlighted the tourism and cultural potential of Ștefan Vodă District, inviting visitors to discover local heritage as a strategic resource for development.
