Moldovan commune hosts festival bringing together Moldova, Ukraine, Romania

The Iabloana commune from north-western Glodeni district today is hosting the International Festival, Ukrainian Day in Moldova 2026 – Culture Unites, an event that will bring together approximately 1,500–2,000 participants and visitors from Moldova, Ukraine and Romania. The festival is organized by the National Congress of Ukrainians from Moldova, in partnership with the Iabloana commune’s mayoralty.

According to the organizers, the event is held with the support of Moldova’s Culture Ministry, the Embassy of Ukraine in Moldova and the Agency for Interethnic Relations, and aims to promote Ukrainian cultural heritage, intercultural dialogue and to strengthen cooperation between communities from Moldova, Ukraine and Romania.

The festival started at 12:00 at the headquarters of the Iabloana commune’s mayoralty with a parade of artistic ensembles. Among the scheduled highlights, there are the symbolic action, Towel of Unity, a concert performed by ensembles from Moldova and Ukraine and a joint hora dance at the end of the event.

Visitors have access to a gastronomic area, where they are able to taste Ukrainian borscht, zama soup and other traditional Moldovan and Ukrainian dishes. The schedule also includes a handicraft fair, craft demonstrations, interactive workshops and recreational activities for children and families.

One of the main moments of the event is the international discussion panel titled ,From Partnership to Development: Bridges Instead of Borders – the Role of Cross-Border Cooperation Between Communities in the Context of European Integration, scheduled between 13:00 and 14:00.

According to the organizers, the debates are be attended by Ambassador of Ukraine to Moldova, deputies of the Verkhovna Rada (parliament) of Ukraine, members of the Parliament of Romania, representatives of local public authorities from the three states, as well as representatives of international organizations and civil society. The panel address prospects for cross-border cooperation. One of the expected outcomes is the signing of partnership agreements between local authorities from Moldova, Ukraine and Romania for the implementation of joint projects in such areas as infrastructure, education, culture, youth and social development.