International Day of Ukrainian Shirt marked in Moldova

Chisinau, 19 May /MOLDPRES/ - Hundreds of people belonging to the Ukrainian ethnic group from different regions of Moldova and refugees from Ukraine today assembled on the Square of the Birth of God Cathedral from the Moldovan capital, in order to mark the International Day of the Ukrainian Shirt (Vyshyvanka Day). The event was organized by the National Congress of Ukrainians from Moldova (CFUM) and the Zlagoda Association of Ukrainian Youth.    

In the context, President Maia Sandu conveyed a congratulatory and encouraging message for the Ukrainian citizens. ‘’Today is the day of the Vyshyvanka International Day of Traditional Shirt, one of the symbols of the Ukrainian nation’s spirituality and culture. The millennial history of Ukraine pulsates in it – a history with ancient traditions and customs, with joys and bleeding wounds. At the wedding or while mowing the wheat, at the holiday or in battle, Vyshyvanka always protected those who wore it, making them be prouder and worthier of their origins. This year, the day when we mark Vyshyvanka is as never before about peace, human dignity and solidarity. So, let us cover our hearts with Vyshyvanka for all Ukrainians from Moldova and from all over the world. For those who hope and those who fight. On this day, our thoughts are about peace. Peace for Ukraine, peace for Moldova and peace for the entire world,’’ Maia Sandu said.        

Attending the event held on the Square of the Birth of God Cathedral were Ambassador of Ukraine to Moldova Marko Shevchenko, Ambassador of the United States Kent D. Logsdon, the head of the parliamentary groups of friendship of Moldova with Ukraine, Oazu Nantoi, the deputy director general of the Interethnic Relations Agency, Vera Petuhov, the head of the National Congress of Ukrainians from Moldova, Dmitrii Lecartev, the head of the Zlagoda Association of Ukrainian Youth, Roman Rusu, the head of the Community of Ukrainian Women from Moldova, Valentina Moraru, representatives of ethnic and cultural communities, etc.              

In his greeting message, Ambassador of Ukraine to Moldova Marko Shevchenko said that this holiday had a special significance. ‘’We are Ukrainians and we want to defend our national identity, to liberate our country and enter the European family,’’ the official stressed

The World Day of the Ukrainian Shirt has been marked in Moldova since 2011.

The ethnic Ukrainians account for over 6 per cent of Moldova’s population. According to official data, almost half a million of Ukrainian refugees have crossed Moldova since the beginning of the war in Ukraine and more than 90,000 are in Moldova.