Discover Moldova with #MOLDPRES: festival is Cimislia which highlights pastoral traditions, rural tourism

Tradition, performance and rural tourism: The 'Miorița – Laie, Laie Bucălaie' Festival transforms Cimislia into an international attraction

In the past weekend, Cimislia once again became the capital of shepherding and rural traditions of Moldova. The ninth edition of the International Festival 'Miorița – Laie, Laie Bucălaie' brought together sheep and goat breeders, specialists in the field and industry representatives from ten countries, in an event that blended pastoral heritage with innovation and international cooperation.

An event turning to good account rural Moldova

The festival, which has become an annual tradition, is more than an agricultural exhibition - it is a celebration of rural life, the work of livestock breeders, and the simple beauty of the Moldovan village. Visitors could discover local breeds of sheep and goats, traditional products, craft demonstrations and the cuisine specific to pastoral areas.

Organized by the National Federation of Sheep and Goat Breeders, in partnership with local public authorities and related institutions, the event has become, over time, a unique platform for dialogue and cooperation between farmers, researchers, and agricultural policymakers.

Focus on modernization and animal welfare

In the opening of the festival, State Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry Iurie Scripnic emphasized the importance of continuing investments in improvement, animal welfare and biosecurity.

'The progress we notice today is the result of the combined efforts of farmers, the research environment and state institutions. The ministry will continue to support the development of livestock farms through policies that facilitate access to modern technologies and strengthen market competitiveness,’’ said the official.

The statement comes at a time when the Moldovan livestock sector is undergoing a transformation - from traditional households to specialized, efficient and sustainable farms.

International exchange of experience and technologies

The participation of delegations from nine other countries gave the festival a solid international dimension. Farmers and experts from Romania, Italy, France, Greece, Poland, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Ukraine and Georgia shared experiences on breed improvement, nutrition systems and modern ways of milk and wool processing.

Animal exhibitions and modern farm equipment were complemented by professional discussion sessions and presentations dedicated to new technologies in sheep and goat farming.

Farmers' contest and performance awards

One of the expected moments of the festival was the breeders' contest, structured into five categories, which highlighted the most performing specimens of sheep and goats. The winners were awarded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry for outstanding achievements in improvement, production and innovation.

Cimislia - a destination for rural and gastronomic tourism

Beyond the professional component, the festival offered visitors an insight into local culture. The festive atmosphere, folk music, traditional lamb dishes and artisanal cheeses transformed Cimislia into a true tourist destination.

Visitors had the opportunity to explore the surrounding wine regions, local craftsmen's workshops and rural guesthouses promoting authentic Moldovan tourism. Thus, the event becomes an example of how agricultural tradition can support the development of local tourism and the rural economy.

A tradition that continues

The 'Miorița – Laie, Laie Bucălaie' festival confirms once again that shepherding and rural identity are part of Moldova’s living heritage. By combining tradition with innovation, the event in Cimislia shows that the future of Moldovan agriculture is being built through partnerships, professionalism and respect for nature.