Welcome back our new “The Month Ahead” series! Once a month we’ll share a look at some of the upcoming cultural events in and around Chisinau for interested readers. This section is done in partnership with the team behind Digital Nomad Moldova - the one stop shop for those considering taking advantage of Moldova’s new digital nomad visa process! Learn more on their website.
It’s January but the holiday celebrations have not stopped. January is packed with holidays with deep meaning in Moldova. Orthodox Christmas is observed on January 7th and 8th. This celebration is usually marked with families gathering together and religious ceremonies. The 14th is the Orthodox or Old New Year and on the eve you might see carolers reciting the traditional “plugusor” and on the day people throwing seeds to bring luck and prosperity. It also coincides with Saint Vasile (Basil)’s day which all of the many men named Vasile celebrate as if it was a second birthday for them. January 20th is the Orthodox celebration of Epiphany which is full of traditions. During this time, priest will bless water sources around the country. Some people may feel it’s forbidden to wash clothes for two weeks. Others may use this celebration as an opportunity to take a dip in frigid waters to bring luck and prosperity for the year. Other traditions that might bring luck is sneezing on the eve and single women who slip on ice are expected to find a husband and get married this year.
Music
If the soundtracks of epic films remind you of that movie magic, you have three opportunities to hear live performances of these epic compositions.
January 11th 6pm - An orchestral and choir performance of the songs of the Lord of the Rings trilogy performed at the "Nicolae Sulac" National Palace. Tickets available here.
January 18th 6pm - Following the Lord of the Rings, the National Palace “Nicolae Sulac” will host an orchestral performance of music from several legendary movies. More details and tickets are available here.
January 21st 7pm - Palatul Național "Nicolae Sulac" - If you are a fan of the Harry Potter films, take a magical trip to Hogwarts by Candlelight to listen to a performance of the epic soundtrack. Tickets available here.
January 10th - Concertino - Organ Hall - If you are a fan of accordion music, don’t miss the accordion orchestra, Concertino, as they perform a concert for the release of their new album, Bolero. Tickets and details here.
January 30, 31 - Death Morozz - Iarna Rock - Fans of different genres of metal can enjoy a two day festival featuring over 10 bands from Moldova and abroad. More details and tickets available here.
Theater
Shakespeare
January 9 - Teatrul Fără Nume presents a contemporary reinterpretation of Macbeth in Romanian. Details here.
January 23 - The theater troop at “Satricus” will perform Shakespeare’s Hamlet in Romanian. Details are here.
Chirita in Provence - January 10th - Get your tickets to enjoy the very popular satirical play based on works written by the revered Romanian author Vasile Alecsandri. First performed in 1993, this play gently pokes fun at village life in Moldova and stereotypes of villagers. Tickets and details here.
Alice in Wonderland - January 23 - Produced and performed by the Art Theater “Odean” a special performance of a stage adaptation of Alice and Wonderland will be presented. The performance is recommended for ages 7-99. Details here.
Journal of Anne Frank - January 27 - On Holocaust Remembrance Day, the Alexi Mateevici theater will present a dramatic interpretation of the Journal of Anne Frank. Details are available here.
Around Town
January 15th - Drinking Liberally - Litra Taproom - Join the Drinking Liberally family for the first ever meet-up in Moldova. This regular meeting will feature guest speakers to start the conversation but encourages political debate covering the topics of the day over drinks throughout the evening. The first topic will be “What’s Happing in America?”
Editor’s Note - Chris Flowers and David Smith will be there to try (and likely fail) to answer that question for anyone curious!
Editorial Note: Moldova Matters is not receiving payment to share any of these events and does to endorse or make any guarantees about the event or its organizer. This new section is just that - new!! Feel free to leave some feedback in the comments and share any upcoming events that we might have missed!!