On May 29th, 2016, the Romanian Cultural Institute in Prague, in cooperation with the Embassy of Romania in the Czech Republic and the Association of Romanians in the Czech Republic, organize the first edition of the Romanian Traditions Festival in Prague, between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., at the Ethnographic Museum in Kinsky Park. The event aims at presenting Romanian art, music and traditional folk dance, thus promoting our country abroad. The following cultural moments will take place: Romanian Căluş and a series of Romanian folk dances, Romanian Arts and Crafts from Oltenia region, traditional folk songs, photography exhibition, traditions and customs display, etc.
The Romanian artists and craftsmen from the Centre for Traditional Culture Preservation and Promotion - Olt, Center Inter Art - Romanian Culture Association and „Ghiocelul" Ensemble in Cezieni will promote Romania through art, traditional costume, customs and traditions. The Czech audience is therefore invited to interact with the Romanian cultural values, discovering the ethno-folklore treasures of our country (that facilitate their understanding of the passion and actions expressed by art and traditions). The project takes into consideration the need of Romanians for cultural representation in the host country, being open both to Romanian and local/international public.
The visitors can also find Romanian traditional cuisine and wines at the festival.
Free entrance.
Artistic program
- opening (instruments);
- mixt suite „Joiana" („Ghiocelul" Ensemble in Cezieni, Olt): Joiana, Alunelul, Trei-păzește, Boiereasca, Mereu;
- singer Daniela Voicu („Pomul Vieții" Folk Ensemble in Balș, Olt): Neicuță olar frumos, Frunzuliță de cicoare, Neică după-un an de zile, Așa-i omul cât trăiește;
- mixt suite „Toculețul" („Ghiocelul" Ensemble in Cezieni, Olt): Sârba, Șchioapa, Alunelul, Tocu', Trei-păzește;
- traditional folk singer Ion Crețeanu - recital („Doina Oltului" Folklore Ensemble in Slatina, Olt);
- Romanian Căluş („Ghiocelul" Ensemble in Cezieni, Olt);
- Kodrjanka Folk Ensemble and Rodica Stegărescu.
Romanian crafts and traditions
- Romanian traditional folk costume craft - craftsman Olguţa Alexandra Filip;
- Romanian traditional pottery art - craftsman Truşcă Ştefan;
- Romanian traditional egg paining techniques - craftsman Daniela Voicu;
- Traditional Romanian cuisine (polenta / mamăliguţă, minced cabbage wrapped in sour cabbage / sărmăluţe, bread cooked in old courtyard ovens / pâine în ţest etc.)
Permanent Exhibitions
- Photography: „Romanian Traditions and customs" by Valeru Ciurea;
- Book presentation: George Smarandache (writer) - Story of the rural life - Monography Vol. 1; Rural life - Agricultural field and asphalt road. Vol. 2; Rural life - From fence slats to forged iron gates and cement fences Vol. 3; Traveler through words; Cornel Udrea (President of the Union of Romanian Humorists) - Author's collection; CJCPCT Olt - Gabriela Rusu Păsărin, Valeru Ciurea: Tombcrosses and cross milestones; Sheepskin coats and the Vadastra ceramics; Gheorghe Tănase - wood-carving craft; Eugen Ionescu from Slatina to Paris; Traditions and customs album - Olt region.
- documentary film projection „Cultural Heritage of Romanians. Southern Olt Region." - Producers: Romanian Television and Olt Council. Presenter: Valeru Ciurea.
Prior to this event, on May 28th, 2016, the Romanian artists will be part of the program in the major International Festival - Prague heart of nations. Its 18th edition takes place between May 26-30, 2016 and is dedicated to national minorities and ethnic groups in Prague. This multicultural context puts an emphasis on traditional arts.
The program will consist of music and dances from every participating country, but their crafts and traditional costumes will be presented as well through several exhibitions, workshops and lectures.
Saturday, May 28th, 2016
1:00 p.m. - National costume show (the "Ghiocelul" Ensemble in Cezieni will go from Marianské náměstí to Staroměstské and Václavské náměstí)
- artistic moment of folk music and dance in Staroměstské náměstí, 15 min. - artistic moment of folk music and dance in Václavské náměstí, 15 min. 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - crafts stand Staroměstské náměstí
- Romanian traditional folk costume craft - craftsman Olguţa Alexandra Filip
- Romanian traditional pottery art - craftsman Ștefan Trușcă - Romanian traditional egg paining techniques (10 traditional patterns) - craftsman Daniela Voicu
9:30 p.m. - dinner with all the participating artists at TOP Hotel, Blažimská 4, Prague 4
Sunday, May 29th, 2016
7:00 p.m. - Gala show at Divadlo na Vinohradech, long tradition theatre in Prague (broadcast).
