The third edition of the Romanian Blouse Symposium in Belgium, with the theme 'IA: Identity, Dialogue, Future' will take place on 6 and 7 June at Chateau de Rixensart, bringing together cultural figures, researchers, artists, craftsmen and representatives of the Romanian diaspora in Europe. The official opening will be held in the presence of Romania's Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium Andreea Pastarnac.

Organised by Bazar Diplomatic, the event aims to foster dialogue between tradition and modernity, and to highlight the role of the Romanian blouse ('IA'- a traditional hand-embroidered Romanian blouse) as a symbol of identity and a tool of cultural diplomacy in a European context in which cultural identity and heritage are becoming important resources for connecting communities.

Held under the High Patronage of the House of Merode and representatives of the Belgian aristocracy, the symposium will highlight themes such as intangible cultural heritage, the Romanian village as a space of authentic creation, the connections between the Romanian traditional costume and other clothing traditions around the world, as well as the influence of the blouse on contemporary fashion and the concept of slow fashion.

The programme includes thematic panels, exhibitions, book launches, film screenings, interactive workshops and artistic performances. Among the projects presented are the jubilee album 'Hyperborean Folklore - Homage to Brancusi,' the photo-documentary exhibition called 'RomanIA' signed by Swiss photographer Ad. A. Chevallier, the documentary 'The hemp route' and the exhibition 'The face of the embroidered dowry.'

The event will be attended by specialists in history, ethnography and cultural heritage, alongside designers, artists and representatives of museum and cultural institutions from Romania. Folk artisans from various regions of the country will also hold demonstrations and workshops dedicated to ceramics, woodcraft, embroidery and traditional ornaments.

The organisers have also prepared activities for children and teenagers, ranging from pottery and wood carving workshops to visual storytelling sessions and sustainable fashion. The artistic programme will be completed by recitals of traditional music, choirs and folk performances by ensembles from the Romanian diaspora.

The symposium will conclude with an artisanal and gastronomic fair, as well as a countryside-style celebration intended to bring together participants from Romania, Belgium and other European countries in a celebration of Romanian cultural heritage. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Mariana Ionescu; EN - writing by: Rodica State)

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