On Saturday, November 15th, the town of Deva, Romania, gathered at the Dragan Muntean Cultural Center to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the local folklore group, “Ansamblul Folcloric Silvana.”
An afternoon of dance, music, and emotions to celebrate the Romanian soul of this group of over 40 members, who have participated in numerous national and international festivals over the years.
On stage, the orchestra, conducted by the young Andrei Crisan, accompanied a nearly four-hour performance featuring various dance groups and costumes from nearly all of Romania’s ethnic regions. Not only dance, but also numerous singing duets, to enhance the intangible heritage of Romanian songs.
The family of the international organization IOV World also celebrated “Ansamblul Folcloric Silvana.” The folk group’s choreographer, Andrei Gabor, is also the Chair of the newly formed national naction of IOV Romania.
As a representant of the world organization, Secretary General Fabrizio Cattaneo and IOV Moldova President Ion Bencheci.
Fabrizio Cattaneo describes his experience in Romania as follows: “It was a great pleasure for me to visit Romania. In the morning, I was welcomed at the Turda Cultural Center, where I attended a cultural event organized by the “Potaissa” folk group, led by teacher Ciprian Fenea. The choreographer, who has also been Vice President of the IOV Romania section for two years, welcomed me warmly and introduced me to his group. I spoke with them about young people and the cultural heritage that must be preserved and passed on to future generations.
The trip continued in the afternoon to Deva, where I met with the President of the IOV National Section, Andrei Gabor, and the President of the IOV Moldova Section, Professor Jon Benchechi.
The evening concluded with celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the Silvana folk group and the Dragan Muntean Cultural Center. I met many other friends and members of IOV ROMANIA, such as choreographer Enea Vasile. In this region, many different cultures are represented by groups. folk dance and song and IOV WORLD has great expectations for the development of the Romanian section which has remained dormant for some years”.
“Ansamblul Folcloric Silvana” was founded in 1975 at the Dragan Muntean Cultural Center in Deva, now directed by Cristian Fodor, also a singer in the ensemble. From the stage, Fodor thanked all the members of the folklore group who, over 50 years, have kept the flame of Romanian traditions alive and brought them to the country’s borders. “Dancers, soloists, choreographers, and instrumentalists who honor our past and build our future every day,” Fodor added.
For five decades, the folklore group has represented a symbol of tradition and cultural identity, recounting Romania’s intangible cultural heritage. Since 2019, Andrei Gabor has been the choreographer and describes his role as follows: “For me, being the choreographer of this ensemble is not only a professional mission, but also a professional privilege. It is an honor for me to serve this priceless legacy and pass it on. Our work is a pact with the past and a promise for the future.”
More than just dance, song, and costume. “Ansamblul Folcloric Silvana” is a large intergenerational family that educates young people to respect local traditions and the values of their own culture.
“Seeing the Dragan Muntean Cultural Center in Deva filled with people excited about their city’s folklore group was truly moving. I would love to see hundreds of events like this, because it would mean that the passion the groups dedicate to their local area is reciprocated by their fellow citizens. Folklore is also this: a sense of community,” concluded Secretary General Fabrizio Cattaneo.
All photos are @Marin_Forcella_Photography
