PHOTO // Family Festival held in Chișinău

Family Festival is being held today at the Botanical Garden in Chișinău. The event, under the slogan “Families, inequalities and child well-being,” aims to promote policies and initiatives that support families, help reduce inequalities, and ensure better conditions for the development of every child.

In her opening remarks, Minister of Labour and Social Protection Natalia Plugaru emphasized that the festival brings people closer together and reminds us of what is truly important in life – the family.

“In an increasingly rushed world, where we often run between responsibilities, deadlines and everyday worries, we need such moments. Moments when we pause for a bit and look at those beside us – our children, our parents, our friends and, why not, our little four-legged companions. We stop to think about the people who give us support, security and meaning. Today we celebrate the family, the place where we are born, where we learn to love, to trust, to respect and to show solidarity. The family is our first support, but also our first refuge. It is the place where children grow and dream, where parents learn every day what responsibility and sacrifice mean, and where grandparents keep alive the connection between generations,” said Natalia Plugaru.

The official noted that when we talk about family, we are in fact talking about the future of our country.

“A strong society is built starting from strong families, families that have security, access to services and opportunities. The theme of this year’s Family Festival is ‘Families, inequalities and child well-being’. Our responsibility is to be close to people, not only through policies and documents, but through solutions that truly change the lives of families in Moldova. In recent years, we have invested in developing social services in communities, for the protection of children, for older people and for people with disabilities. You should know that for us every child and every family matters. I wish you a Family Festival full of light, emotions and beautiful memories. Happy Family Day to all families in the Republic of Moldova!” said Natalia Plugaru.

Attending the event, Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu stressed that “family” is a word from our personal vocabulary, which each person defines in their own way.

“In reality, family is what each of us feels. It is a child’s smile, a hug, a joke, a song, a message, a phone call. In the Republic of Moldova, the family is not just a tradition, it is part of our identity and the place where we learn many things. First of all, we learn respect for others, love of country, diligence and many other things,” noted Alexandru Munteanu.

The Prime Minister called on citizens to build a Moldova in which people feel safe and are encouraged to return home.

“In recent years, we have tried to turn care into greater support for parents. Also, when we talk about the European family, we are not talking only about the economy or politics, but also about values, about respect for the family and for children. We take care of everyone. No one should feel alone in our society. I wish you always have someone close to you. Happy Family Day to all families in the Republic of Moldova!” added Alexandru Munteanu.

Throughout the day, visitors can take part in various activities dedicated to children, parents and grandparents, including creative workshops, interactive activities, recreational and educational areas, sessions for intergenerational connection and dialogue, as well as artistic and musical performances. There will also be a photo area with the theme “like at grandma’s house.”

Between 17:00 and 18:00 a symphonic concert will be given by the Moldovan National Youth Orchestra, and between 18:00 and 19:00 an evening concert will take place with Vitalie Dani and Nelly Ciobanu.

The event brings together public institutions, international partners and civil society organizations in a celebration dedicated to family, solidarity, inclusion and child well-being.

Through this event, the Botanical Garden in Chișinău becomes a space for meetings between generations, for dialogue and for promoting family values. Participation in the Family Festival is free of charge.

The International Day of Families was established by the UN General Assembly on 20 September 1993 and represents an opportunity to raise awareness of the social, economic and demographic processes that affect families. The Republic of Moldova has been marking the International Day of Families since 2010.