Over 500 participants, hundreds of artists and folk craftsmen, living traditions and a dance that united people from both banks of the Prut River – this is how the 7th edition of the International Music and Dance Festival “Hora de la Prut” can be described, held on August 27, 2026, in Independence Square in Ungheni, as part of the Ungheni Municipality Days. Organized by the Ungheni Palace of Culture, the festival transformed the center of the municipality into a space of music, dance, crafts and folk traditions, bringing together artists, folk craftsmen, local producers and culture lovers from the Republic of Moldova and Romania.

Over 500 people, united by the same passion for traditions

The festival gathered a true community of traditional culture in Ungheni – over 500 directly involved participants, of which approximately 350 were representatives of artistic ensembles. and over 150 folk craftsmen, artisans and local producers. They were joined by artistic directors, companions, visitors and guests from several regions of the Republic of Moldova and Romania.

The diversity of the participants transformed the "Hora de la Prut" into a true meeting point between communities. On the festival stage and in the spaces dedicated to traditions, people, stories, songs and crafts that have the same cultural roots met, even if they are separated by a river.

A parade that brought tradition to the city center

One of the most spectacular moments of the event was Parade of artistic collectives, held on the route from the Palace of Culture to Independence Square. Dressed in folk costumes and accompanied by music and good cheer, members of the artistic groups crossed the center of the city, transforming the parade into a show of colors and cultural identity.

The procession ended in Independence Square with a common dance, a symbol of closeness and communion between people.

"The Prut does not separate us, but brings us together"

The official opening of the festival brought together representatives of the local public administration, the project and the cultural environment. The Mayor of Ungheni, Vitalie SPRAY, spoke about the continuity of the festival and the cultural memory built from one edition to another, expressing gratitude to the artistic collectives and all those who contribute to preserving traditions. "The Prut does not separate us, but brings us together", emphasized the mayor of Ungheni.

The President of Ungheni District, Dionysius TERNOVSCHI, highlighted the role of traditions and the people who preserve and pass them on to future generations."We will enter the European Union with our identity", declared the president of Ungheni district, emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural heritage in the European integration process.

In turn, Liliana TINCU, project manager, presented the objectives and activities of the project, carried out by the Ungheni City Hall in partnership with the Iași City Hall, as well as its role in promoting cultural heritage and cooperation between communities on both banks of the Prut. "The festival is a bridge that brings people together. May dance bring us closer, music unite us, and traditions inspire us", Liliana Tincu reported.

From the Iasi partner, Mara GHERAN, Iași project coordinator, thanked for the invitation and for the welcome offered in Ungheni, expressing the joy of being present, together with her team, at the project activities.

From folklore to crafts and gastronomy

The festival was not limited to the artistic scene. Fair of folk craftsmen and local producers offered over 150 artisans and producers the opportunity to present their creations, traditional products and culinary dishes. Visitors were able to discover handicrafts, local products and elements of traditional culture, in an atmosphere that combined heritage with local entrepreneurial initiative.

A special attraction was Traditional pavilion, where the public could watch and experience activities dedicated to traditional crafts and gastronomy: potter's wheel, shirt with altità, traditional weaving and tasting of specific dishesThus, tradition was not just observed, but could be discovered through direct experience.

Music and dance from both banks of the Prut River

The artistic program brought together bands and performers from the Republic of Moldova and Romania. Along with the artists from Ungheni, participants from Chisinau, Straseni, Lozova, Cricova, Sarata-Galbena (Hincesti district), Ceadir-Lunga and Leova, as well as from Cluj, Iași, Drânceni (Vaslui County), Târgu Frumos, Cristești and Ungheni (Iași County). Special guest recitals Ion Paladi and Nicolae Palit they completed the artistic program and offered the audience special moments of music and good cheer.

A cultural community that grows from one edition to another

The international dimension of the festival was also supported by the involvement of the World Folklore Union – IGF. and AO Perennial Arts Center in the preparation and organization process, including by proposing participants and supporting the selection process. An important guest of this year's edition was Prof. Dr. Dorel COSMA, President of the World Folklore Union – IGF, whose presence confirmed the international character and cultural value of the event.

The Ungheni Palace of Culture there was also a round table with the participation of the leaders of artistic groups, dedicated to informing about the project, exchanging experiences and identifying new collaboration opportunities.

Culture – a bridge to Europe

The 7th edition of the "Hora de la Prut" Festival demonstrated that cultural heritage does not belong only to the past. It can be a resource for the present, for the development of communities and for bringing people closer together. Through music, dance, folk costumes, crafts, gastronomy and dialogue, the festival created a space where culture from both banks of the Prut met, presented itself and was celebrated together..

More than an artistic event, "Hora de la Prut" becomes, from one edition to another, a platform for cultural cooperation and the promotion of the heritage of the Middle Prut Valley., contributing to the objective of integrating it into European tourist routes.

The 7th edition of the International Music and Dance Festival "Hora de la Prut" and the Fair of Folk Craftsmen and Local Producers were organized within the project "Gates for the sustainable integration of the culture of the Middle Prut Valley in European tourist routes" (ROMD00219), funded by the Interreg VI-A NEXT Romania-Republic of Moldova 2021–2027 Program and co-financed from the sources allocated by the Ungheni City Hall.

The project "Gates for the sustainable integration of the culture of the Middle Prut Valley into European tourist routes" (ROMD00219) has a total budget of 1,665,183.08 EUR, of which:

• for the Ungheni City Hall: 1,319,246.39 EUR (EU grant: EUR 1,187,321.75; local contribution: EUR 131,924.64); 
• for the City Hall of Iași: 345,936.69 EUR (EU grant: EUR 311,343.02; local contribution: EUR 34,593.67). 

The project implementation is taking place during the period June 2025 – June 2027.

For further information:

Liliana TINCU, Project Manager

Tel.: 069230563

Email: liliana.tincu@gmail.com

The Interreg VI-A NEXT Romania–Republic of Moldova 2021–2027 Program is funded by the European Union and co-financed by the states participating in the Program.