#criuleni

Hrusova, Moldova

A member of the village electoral commission in protective clothing carries a mobile ballot box as a woman prepares to vote in the presidential race

Day 93 - Hram (Village Day)

[Video: Traditional dancing in front of a backdrop noting Criuleni's founding in 1607 - Hram 2016]

Each year on September 19th, Criuleni celebrates Hram.  This holiday is often translated as Village Day and is an annual celebration of the city or village.

Each city and village has a different date for Hram based on the town's patron saint.  Criuleni is dedicated to the Archangel Michael so our Hram is celebrated on the saint's day for Michael on the Orthdox Calendar, which is for us September 19.

Hram is a fun celebration.  Many devout Orthodox Christians begin the day with a service at the local church.  Then, throughout the day, there is usually singing and traditional dancing, concerts, speaches and other forms of entertainment.  Hram is also an excuse for people who have moved away to return to celebrate with friends and families.  Each house typically covers their table with more food than could possibly be eaten and as friends and relatives drop by they continue to replace the food as it's eaten by guests.  At Hram you can count on seeing friends out and about celebrating their town.  In Criuleni the day usually ends with a fireworks show in the central square.

Though we wont be in Criuleni for Hram this year we wish Criuleni "La Mulți Ani" (many years) as they celebrate 410 years since the founding of the town.

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Day 91 - The Stadium in Criuleni

[Photo:  August 19, 2015 - The Criuleni Women's team defeat a team from Russia at the local stadium.]

For our first 3 months in Criuleni we were fortunate to live just a 2 minute walk from the district stadium.  We'd often walk over to the stadium to see local events or just to exercise by running around the track.

There were often soccer matches at the stadium.  The local women's team was very skilled and we saw them beat or tie teams from around Europe and Russia.  But the stadium isn't just for "fotbal".  Our first autumn the district held their "Golden Autumn" celebration in the stadium where villages from around the district created harvest displays and performed songs and skits.  Last year, the district hosted an international folk music and dancing festival and the featured stage was set up in the center of the stadium so large crowds could come and enjoy the performances.  

The stadium was also a great place to escape a sudden rain storm or hide from the sun on a hot day.  I've had tutoring lessons here, talked with local youth, or just had a drink and snack with friends we encountered along the way.  

This stadium is truly a wonderful asset for our town and district.  We're glad we spent many happy moments at the stadium.

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