Discover Moldova with #MOLDPRES: 'Vatra Dumeniului' in Vorniceni, Straseni – bridge between past and future, living example of local heritage promotion

The National Tourism Office on June 20 participated in the second edition of the regional event, National Traditional Costume Day, held at the Vatra Dumeniului Cultural Complex in Vorniceni village, central Straseni district.

The event was marked by a beautiful tradition of continuity: the Straseni district took over the cultural baton from Calarasi last year and passed it on to the village of Mereni of Anenii Noi district – a symbolic gesture that carries forward the authentic values of traditional costumes and national identity.

The districts present at this edition were: Straseni, Calarasi, Anenii Noi, Hancesti, Orhei and Ialoveni, showcasing the beauty of their traditional costumes, dances, and unique traditions.

The event was a true heartfelt celebration, where wonderful people, dedicated craftsmen, teachers and tradition keepers met, along with enthusiastic young people who proudly take on the cultural heritage of our people.

"Vatra Dumeniului" Cultural Complex in Vorniceni, Straseni – bridge between past and future

At the edge of Vorniceni village (Straseni), a short distance from the wooden church St. Archangel Michael and Gabriel from 1839, lies the "Vatra Dumeniului" Cultural Complex, an initiative that revives local traditions and brings fresh air through modern elements.

Founded by Elena Lazarev in 2019, a local passionate about her village's heritage, the museum was built in the rustic style of traditional houses. White walls, stone porches, authentic floors and beams – carefully restored elements – create the ideal setting for displaying the local heritage: traditional rugs, embroidered towels, pillows, clay dishes and weaving looms over 100 years old.

The complex also houses a functional loom – a piece recovered with the help of local craftsmen – as well as a modern loom for souvenirs, made on a high-performance machine financed by the EU under the Women in Business programme. At the same time, a 3D laser printer produces wooden and other material souvenirs for visitors.

Besides the museum, the complex includes an open-air amphitheater, an event hall, and hosts topic-related festivals – reading, volunteering, culinary workshops (sixteen-layer pie, plums marinated in wine with honey) and Christmas traditions (carol singers, cart decoration). Thus, the area becomes a center for cultural education and socialization for tourists and the community.

The complex has development plans: expanding the agro-tourism lodge with accommodation spaces, creating a tourist trail in the surrounding villages, and collaborations with local producers – honey, wine, artisanal products – from the "Plaiul Codrilor" (Forests Region) Local Action Group association.

The financial support for modernization and equipment was fully provided by European partners – the European Union, Organization for Entrepreneurship Development (ODA) (through the Women in Business programme), the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, United Nations Development Programme and Polish Aid.

The "Vatra Dumeniului" Cultural Complex stands out as a living example of  promotion of local heritage and sustainable rural development. For people interested in discovering this authentically charming place, Vorniceni hosts interactive tours, culinary experiences and eclectic cultural events – an attraction point on the way to Capriana Monastery.

Correspondent: Lilia Grubii