Party the Romanian way

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This article was published 31/07/2015 (3871 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

With Folklorama in full swing, make sure to set aside some time next week to visit the Romanian Pavilion.

Located in the Bronx Community Centre (720 Henderson Hwy.), the Romanian Pavilion promises “an amazing evening among your Romanian friends” from Aug. 9 to 15.

“When you come to our pavilion, you’ll feel as though you’re at home,” said Isabela Giubega. “Romanians are super welcoming.”

Giubega has been involved with the Romanian Pavilion for the past 13 years, first as a youth dancer. This year, she’s dancing with the adult group, helping develop the choreography for the youth dancers, and is acting as social media co-ordinator, but over the years she’s done it all.
“I’ve worn a lot of hats,” she said, laughing.

Born in Canada, Giubega’s father is Romanian. She’s visited her father’s homeland twice now with her family.

“Once when I was four and once when I was 16,” she explained. “All my dad’s family is there. I love it.”

Giubega said that the traditional food and dancing on display at the pavilion are great examples of the cultural assimilation of the different cultures that make up Romania.

“I’m a dancer, so I look at the dance,” she said. “You see a little Hungarian, a little Polish, a little Serbian influence, with our own spin on it all.”

Along with the traditional dancing and food, visitors to the Romanian Pavilion will be treated to the music and singing.

“Romania is a country which has had many ups and downs,” Giubega said. “It’s a place where you want to go and stay.”

Check out www.romanianfolklorama.com for more information on the Romanian Pavilion.

Here’s a list of pavilions in the northeast:

Week 1 — Aug. 2 to 8:
• Alô! Brasil Pavilion – Bronx Community Centre, 720 Henderson Hwy.;
• Serbian Pavilion “Beograd” – St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, 580 Talbot Ave.

Week 2 — Aug. 9 to 15
• Romanian Pavilion – Bronx Community Centre, 720 Henderson Hwy.

For children 12 and under, admission is free. Single admission is only $6 at pavilion doors. For other options, a complete list of Folklorama pavilions and more information, visit folklorama.ca

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