Folk Costume Showcased at the CNR UNESCO Headquarters
Article published on 20-06-2023
2023 celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage's adoption in 2003. "Intangible Cultural Heritage" is a term coined and championed by UNESCO, reflecting the commitment of its member states to preserving traditional culture. This dedication to such heritage traces back to 1989 when UNESCO presented the Recommendations for the Safeguarding of Traditional Culture and Folklore. This urged member states to guard their oral literature, crafts, rituals, and more. To elevate this category of heritage to a stature akin to the UNESCO World Heritage on a global scale, "traditional culture and folklore" was termed "intangible cultural heritage" in the 2003 UNESCO Convention. Romania was among the pioneering countries to ratify this convention. At present, Romania boasts nine items on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. One of the recent additions is "The Art of the shirt with the altiță - a cultural identity marker in Romania and the Republic of Moldova."
In light of this backdrop, the National Commission of Romania for UNESCO will host the "Folk Costume- Tradition and Modernity" event from 20-23 June 2023. This gathering aspires to juxtapose traditional aspects of folk costumes (materials, sewing methods, decorative patterns) with modern renditions and reinterpretations. The event kicked off on 20 June with a photo and costume exhibit by artist Iraida Florea, advocating both for tradition's conservation and a nod to contemporary influences. The inauguration saw Mrs. Antoaneta-Georgiana Bolchiș, Secretary of State in the Ministry of Education, and Mr. Remus Negoi, Vice-President of the Joint Permanent Commission of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate for UNESCO relations. Presentations on the folk costume's history and importance were delivered by Mr. Virgil Nițulescu, the Romanian Peasant Museum's Manager, and Mr. Silviu Ilea, its Muzeographer. The session was steered by Mrs. Madlen Șerban, Secretary General of the NRC UNESCO, who detailed the institution's efforts in promoting national heritage inscribed on UNESCO lists.
A podcast featuring Madălina Diaconu's insights is available through the Union of Professional Journalists of Romania.
The event culminated in a remarkable performance by the chamber ensemble Violoncellissimo, led by Maestro Marin Cazacu.
A digital catalog of Iraida Florea's exhibit from the event can be accessed online.
Event concept and coordination were managed by Iulia Jugănaru.
