Around 1 December, The National Council of the Romanian National Minority in Serbia, with the support of the Ministry for Romanians Abroad, organized a historically themed performance in honor of Romania’s National Day, celebrated through images, music, and words. The event took place in the Music and Congress Hall of the “Millennium” Center in Vršac, packed to full capacity.
At the opening, actress Otilia Pescariu recited the poem “What I Wish for You, Sweet Romania”, while the C.N.M.N.R.S. choir, conducted by Prof. Leri Mengher, performed both the Serbian and Romanian national anthems. The Romanian folklore journey was guided by announcers Monica Boldovină Bugle (in Romanian) and Tamara Toskić (in Serbian), following a script by Lecturer Dr. Brândușa Juică (project coordinator: Daniela Radu).
The Mayor of Vršac, Dragana Mitrović, expressed her pleasure that the city could host such a prestigious event organized by the National Council:
“After celebrating last year the centenary of Romania’s unification, the C.N.M.N.R.S. headquarters has returned to the spiritual, cultural, educational, and religious center of Romanians in this region, in Vršac. Local self-government will continue contributing to the preservation of multiethnic relations, as multiculturalism is woven into the tradition of our city.”
Romania’s Consul General in Vršac, Gheorghe Dinu, remarked that the performance was a delightful surprise:
“I especially want to congratulate the organizers. You are loyal citizens of this country while preserving your ethnic identity. I am particularly pleased to see the hall completely full…”
The President of C.N.M.N.R.S., Daniel Magdu, also addressed the audience with the following message:
“Together with all citizens of Serbia, through good and bad times, we strive to build a better future for our children, aspiring towards unity within the union of European nations. Every great project begins with small steps, starting from ourselves. I am pleased that these small steps have led to major achievements.”
The event was also attended by Danijela Lončar, Prefect of Southern Banat.
The cultural program was truly special. Attendees enjoyed performances by the C.N.M.N.R.S. choir, presenting a variety of choral pieces; the Folk Music Orchestra of Romanians in Vojvodina, conducted by Mr. Roman Bugar, featuring numerous Romanian artists; actors Monica Boldovină Bugle, Otilia Pescariu, Maribel Popa, and Dr. Marius Savu, presenting Romanian poetry recitals; and vocalists and instrumentalists, ranging from young talents to renowned musicians: Andrei Tăpălagă (clarinet), Leonid Ardelean (accordion), Alina Cojocară (vocals), Darko Neda (accordion), Lazăr Novac (vocals), Sorin Jivcu (clarinet), Stana Stepănescu (vocals), and Bojidar Ciobotin (accordion), creating a festive atmosphere.
Traditional folk costumes remain an inexhaustible source of authentic values, whose promotion helps preserve Romanian identity. In this regard, women’s associations “Hardworking Banat Hands” from Petrovasâla, “Grandmothers” from Uzdin, “Brakos” from Alibunar, “Pro Art” from Nicolinț, “Boboacele” from Satu Nou, “La gură de ogășăl” from Mesici, the Folklore Preservation Section from Sărcia, and the “Lumina” Cultural-Artistic Society from Iancaid organized an exhibition of folk costumes and traditional items, delighting visitors with their diversity, beauty, and craftsmanship.
Sensitivity, originality, dedication, and love for one’s nation are just a few of the qualities that define this remarkable performance, which received standing ovations and left no one indifferent.
“Happy Birthday, Romania! Happy Birthday to all Romanians, wherever you are!”
Text: Mariana Stratulat
Photos: Aleksandar Putnik
