Happy Easter (Week)

Best wishes for those who celebrate

Hello Everyone! Firstly, a belated Happy Easter for those who celebrate. Moldova basically shuts down around the Easter Holidays as people go to see family and celebrate. For those who may not be religious it is still one of the top “feast days” of the year in Moldova - with a heavy emphasis on feasting.

President Sandu wished the nation a Happy Easter on the occasion with a short video message. She stated:

“Today, Moldova is being reborn! With every step, it becomes a fairer country, a united country. And with every church preserved, with every family left at home, with every village that blossoms, we regain our hope. Easter is a holiday that reminds us: no matter how difficult the trials may be, and no matter how long our path, goodness and truth always win. On this bright day, when we say to each other: “Christ is Risen!” - let us look to the future with confidence. Let us pray for peace, for health, for tranquility in our homes and in our country. Let us be closer to each other. Let us listen, forgive and walk the path of goodness together! I wish you a bright Easter - with joy in your hearts, next to your loved ones. “Christ is risen!”

This was one of many Easter greetings left by Moldovan politicians last Sunday.

There were also a few controversies around the holiday as seemingly nothing can pass without politics (or geopolitics) these days. That said, it was a slow news week (mostly) and promises to be so through the end of the holidays. Easter in Moldova doesn’t just last a day - it really is a week long affair culminating in “Memorial Easter” or “Easter of the Dead.” This holiday will be held next Monday April 28th. We’ll be back with a full weekly roundup when the holidays are over to catch you up.

In the meantime, I’d like to share this excellent guest article by Elena Vrabie about her childhood and traditions around “Easter of the Dead.” The article was originally published in May 2024.

So Happy Easter to those who celebrate and enjoy the holidays for all of you based in Moldova. We’ll be back next week, all the best,

- David

Photo from this year’s Easter Mass. Image source Bessarabia Metropolitan.