Chisinau, Moldova - A Festival of Families on the theme of Happy Families - Happy Nation took place in Chisinau's Central District City Hall on May 15. About a hundred people attended this celebration of the International Day of Families organized by UPF and the Family Federation for World Peace with the support of the Mayor’s office.
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On the eve of the festival, volunteers distributed 2000 fliers with an invitation to the event and a list of 10 daily habits of happily- married couples, calling people's attention to the importance of commitment to the family.
The Festival was opened by Mrs. Evgenia Graur from the Central District Council. After welcoming words, the chair of the Family Federation, Alexander Zamushinsky, gave a presentation on “The Significance of the Family for Moldova.” The program included a presentation by the vice-chair of the National Organization to Prevent Torture in Moldova, Oxana Gumennaya. A psychologist at the P. Mobila Lyceum, she spoke on “Family Relations – Partner Relations.”
The program included dances performed by many dance groups and soloists; there were also songs, poetry, and different entertaining contests. A dancing group “Happiness” represented the Center for Children and Youth. The popular in Moldova ensemble “Heirs” performed a skit about how village healers assisted in childbirth in ancient times.
The Family Federation presented a number of families with many children and couples married more than 30 years with certificates for their impact on the institution of the family in Moldova. The certificates presented by the consultant to the Kishinev Council, Mrs. Liliana Filip. Flowers were provided by sponsors of the event. The couples danced a waltz to the music of the “Singer of Love” by Vazgen Oganesyan.
Finally, a poetess of Moldovan and Austrian origin, Alexandra Pitlic-Zakon, recited a poem about parent-child relationships when a parent is compelled to go off to make a living in a foreign land. Vazgen Oganesyan, wearing a “cassock of peace” concluded the festival by reciting a verse of poetry, “I love the whole world with divine love.”
One of the main TV channels invited the Family Federation to participate in a morning TV show and share about the Festival. The channel Moldova 1 aired a video report of the Festival on the evening news.
The second part of the Family Festival took place at the Family Federation building in Chisinau, on May 19, where UPF organized an open house. Around 50 guests attended the event.
During the day guests were able to attend a video session with UPF 2011 activity report together with a video lecture on family relationships; visit the crafts fair; take part in an entertaining program with a professional clown and magician; express their talents during the "open mike" time; and play volleyball, table tennis, badminton, and other games. More than a dozen prizes were awarded in family contests.
Along with singing and dancing, the atmosphere was filled with kindness and true romance, which is so lacking in families these days. The evening program concluded with a beautiful family comedy.
To read more about UPF observances of the International Day of Families 2012, click here.