From July 28-30, the 4^th edition of the traditional Strada Armeneasca Festival (Festivalul Strada Armeneasca) was held at the Armenian Street (Strada Armeneasca) in Bucharest. The festival was organized by the Union of Armenians and the Armenian Youth Organization (AYO), with the support of the Romanian-Armenian Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, the Interethnic Relations Department of the Government of Romania, Bucharest City Council and several other sponsors and partners. The festival was hosted by well-known Romanian politicians, as well as Members of the Parliament of Romania, including writer Varujan Vosganian and Varujan Pambukchyan.

As reported the Embassy of the Republic of Armenia in Romania to Hayern Aysor, for three consecutive days, one could feel the air and sprit of Armenia and the Armenians in the Armenian District (Cartierul Armenesc) in Bucharest from morning until late at night. Visitors were introduced to Armenian culture and national traditions, listened to Armenian songs and watched performances of Armenian national dances. As always, the Greek, Jewish and gypsy vocal and instrumental ensembles were invited to perform at the event.

The festival featured masterful performances by renowned Romanian-Armenian singer Corina Chiriac (Chiriac talked about her Armenian roots and the Armenian Genocide), Mico&Crew, Basska rock band, Nicu Alifantis & Fragile Band, the Jewish Klezmer Band and AG Weiberger, the gypsy Mahala Rai and the Greek Kymata. The performances by the Haiakaghak Dance Group of Gerla and the Vardavar Dance Group of Bucharest (directors Erica Estegar and Bella Martikyan) were receive with warm rounds of applause.

Famous Romanian-Armenian ethno jazz musician Harri Tavitian and well-known drummer Cserey Csaba gave exceptional performances.

The Rampa Youth Theater Company of Bucharest performed Armine Vosganian’s play “Staipelochian” based on Varujan Vosganian’s novel “Book of Whispers”.

Ararat Armenian Publishing House of Bucharest has spread thousands of books along the entire street, turning the Armenian Street into a street of books. A special bulletin presenting the festival and the history of the Armenians of Romania was issued, featuring antique photos.

The festival was held in the entire premises of the Armenian complex of Bucharest located next to the Armenian Street, including the Armenian Church and the Prelacy, the Dudian Museum and Library and the Armenian Cultural Center where entrance was free for the participants and visitors. Photographer Hrayr Khacheryan’s exceptional exhibition showcasing photos of Armenia and the Armenian world was also running at the Armenian Cultural Center.

On Sunday, Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Romania, Fr. Bishop Tatev Hakobyan served a Holy Mass at the Holy Archangels Church. The Holy Mass was followed by a ritual to celebrate Vardavar Water Festival.

There were handmade Armenian jewels, ceramic items, rugs and textiles, as well as iconic images and illustrations showcased in the kiosks placed along the entire length of Armenian Street. Thousands of visitors tasted Armenian appetizers and traditional Armenian coffee at the outdoor Armenian diner. In the children’s corner of the Prelacy’s yard, children participated in creative games.

The leaders and representatives of the branches of the Union of Armenians of Romania had come from the Armenian-populated cities of Gerla, Cluj-Napoca, Roman, Bakau, Tirgu-Okna, Baya-Mare, Yashi, Botoshan and other areas.

Tens of thousands of visitors participated in the Strada Armeneasca Festival. The Romanian presses provided wide coverage of the event, and Ajerpress News Agency issued a special edition.