Ethno Festivals & Seasonal Events in Moldova are a vibrant celebration of tradition, music, and community spirit. From colorful folk costumes and live dances to local food, wine, and age-old rituals, each festival invites you to feel the rhythm of the seasons and experience Moldova at its most authentic and joyful.
Tour Itinerary:
1-10 March: Martisor
Meaning: Celebrating spring, love and friendship
Location: Chisinau City and regions.
The Mărțișor Festival is one of Moldova’s most cherished spring celebrations, marking the arrival of renewal, hope, and new beginnings. Held every year at the start of March, the festival fills cities and villages with music, traditional costumes, and the symbolic red-and-white mărțișor talisman, offered as a wish for health and good fortune.
May 6th: Hederlez
Meaning: The traditional Gagauz holiday
Location: Gagauzia Autonomy, Ceadir-Lunga town.
Visitors are welcomed with folk music, traditional dances, horse races, crafts, and authentic Gagauz cuisine, all enjoyed in a festive countryside setting. Colorful, lively, and deeply authentic, the Hederlez Festival offers a unique cultural experience and a chance to discover Moldova’s rich ethnic diversity.
May 31th: “Dniester Riviera” Festival
Meaning: Event highlighting the culture and heritage of the Dniester River Basin
Location: Molovata Noua village, Dubasari district.
The Dniester Riviera Festival is a lively summer celebration that brings together music, culture, and riverside atmosphere in a relaxed, festive setting. Set along the scenic riverbanks, the festival combines open-air concerts, cultural performances, local food, and leisure activities, creating a vibrant holiday mood for visitors of all ages.
June: DescOpera
Meaning: Promoting exploration, culture and local discoveries
Location: The Orheiul Vechi Cultural-Natural Reserve, Orhei district.
The DescOperă Festival is one of Moldova’s most unique cultural events, set in the spectacular natural amphitheater of Orheiul Vechi. This open-air festival blends opera, classical music, and contemporary performances with dramatic limestone cliffs and ancient landscapes, creating an unforgettable artistic experience.
July 5th: IA MANIA
Meaning: Highlighting national blouses and vestimentation
Location: Holercani village, Dubasari district.
The IA MANIA Festival is a vibrant celebration of Moldova’s traditional ia (embroidered blouse), folklore, and rural creativity, held in the picturesque village of Holercani, overlooking the Dniester River. The festival brings together artisans, designers, musicians, and local communities to honor craftsmanship passed down through generations.
August 8th: International Festival Beleu Fest
Meaning: Highlighting national blouses and vestimentation
Location: Slobozia Mare, Cahul district.
The Beleu Festival is a lively celebration of nature, tradition, and rural life, held in the village of Slobozia Mare, near the scenic Lake Beleu and the Prut River. Rooted in local customs, the festival highlights traditional music and dances, crafts, folk costumes, and authentic regional cuisine.
September 4th: VinOpera
Meaning: Celebrating wine, music and cultural experiences
Location: Castel MIMI Wine Resort, in Bulboaca village.
The VinOpera Festival at Castel Mimi is a refined cultural experience where fine wine and opera come together in an elegant, historic setting. Hosted in one of Moldova’s most iconic wine castles, the festival blends classical music performances with premium wine tastings and gourmet moments.
September 12th-13th: Chisinau Marathon
Meaning: International urban running event
Location: Chisinau City
The Chișinău Marathon is Moldova’s largest and most dynamic running event, bringing together athletes and enthusiasts from around the world in the heart of the capital. Set against the backdrop of Chișinău’s green parks, wide boulevards, and city landmarks, the marathon offers a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.
September: Maria Biesu International Opera and Ballet Festival
Meaning: Prestigious cultural event presenting world-class opera and ballet performances
Location: National Opera and Ballet Theatre “Maria Biesu”.
The Maria Bieșu International Opera and Ballet Festival is Moldova’s most prestigious classical arts event, honoring the legacy of world-renowned soprano Maria Bieșu. Held annually in Chișinău, the festival brings together celebrated opera singers, ballet dancers, and orchestras from around the world.
October 3-4th: National Wine Day
Meaning: Celebrating Moldovan wine and tradition
Location: Chisinau city and regions.
National Wine Day is Moldova’s most iconic celebration, honoring the country’s ancient winemaking heritage and vibrant wine culture. Held every autumn, the festival brings together wineries from across the country, transforming city squares and vineyards into lively spaces filled with tastings, music, and traditional cuisine.
