The 6th edition of the Festival of Romanians Abroad

in Canada

On Saturday, May 17, 2025, the 6th edition of the Festival of Romanians Abroad in Canada took place. The event was traditionally held in Chelsea near the capital city of Ottawa.

The event was organized by the Nativity of the Mother of God Parish in Gatineau and the Junimea Română School in Montreal.

The event was inaugurated with prayer by His Grace Bishop Ioan Casian, accompanied by Archpriest Grigorie Țăpuc (Ottawa), Fr. Ciprian Purcarea (Gatineau) and Deacon Iulian Amohnoaie (Gatineau).

In his greeting message to those present, the hierarch of Canada said:

“Today, through this festival, we give voice to the joy of being together. We remember Romania not as a geographical place, but as a state of heart and soul. Here, in songs, in folk costumes, in traditional dishes, in children’s play, in the tears of the elderly and in the smiles of the young, Romania is reborn.

We gather under this banner of unity in diversity, of love for our nation and of the awareness that we are a living part of a common history. We are Romanians in Canada, but we carry in our souls the same root, the same prayers, the same values.

May this festival strengthen us in the conviction that “man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4), and our spiritual heritage, transmitted from generation to generation, is the daily bread of our identity.

Let us never forget who we are, where we come from and Who has held us together in history. Let us be a light for our children, let us teach them to be proud of being Romanians and Christians, let us teach them to say “Our Father” in the language of their parents and to sing “Deșteaptă-te, române!” (national anthem) not only in official festive moments, but also in life.”

The letter of Mrs. Cristina-Lavinia Arnăutu, Director with the attributions of Secretary of State from the Department for Romanians Abroad, was also read:

“I believe that, for those far from the country, such a celebration highlights the Romanian spirit and soothes longings.

Preserving Romanian traditions and customs, which contribute to strengthening our cultural belonging, has an extremely important role in developing a strong community, in which good understanding, faith and care for our neighbor dominate.

Romanian communities abroad are a strategic priority of the Romanian Government, and the mission of our institution is to support the rights and interests of Romanians abroad. Through the projects we carry out at the Department level, we want to support Romanian organizations and associations everywhere, to establish an efficient partnership, which aims to promote national identity.

We congratulate you once again for continuing to organize this event and assure you of the support of the Department for Romanians Abroad in the activities carried out for the good of Romanians.”

The festival is organized in the format of a traditional country festival in which poems are recited, folk dances are performed, Romanian folk music is played, traditional Romanian dishes are prepared, etc.

The event was attended by the Incognito choir of St. Apostle and Evangelist Matthew and St. Mc. Christina Parish, the folk ensembles Datina and Valahia from Montreal who performed several traditional Romanian dances, as well as several groups of young people who sang and recited.

The participants were very numerous this year, despite the gloomy weather. The good will and the joy of encounter through dances and poetry created a true Romanian atmosphere of joy and traditional brotherly spirit.