Discover Moldova with #MOLDPRES: Dealul Chiclăului in Mașcăuți, new attraction on tourist map of country

Located in the center of the country, in the north-western part of Criuleni district, 60 km from Chisinau, Mașcăuți is the only village with this name in the Republic of Moldova, which has been hosting for two decades a unique event on the list of local cultural and recreational activities - district festival of folk rhapsody Pe dealul Chiclăului.

"Over the years, not only the villagers, but also the inhabitants of the district, guests from the country and abroad have enjoyed the treasures of our nation, the hospitality and the beautiful soul of the people, the talent and the local cultural heritage. The agenda of this event has always emphasized the most precious aspects of rural life: the skill and hard work of plows, the inspiration and talent of people of culture, the insight and professionalism of local authorities," Mașcăuți mayor Valeriu Carțîn said.

This year's event held on August 4 had a particularly soulful program, with the celebration of golden weddings, of families with twins and long-lived relatives.

Valeriu Carțîn: I am not only a man brought up in the countryside, but also a get-beget and faithful to my homeland. I have a family, a job, a place in the community, and it excites me to encourage these natural things for my community, to live with the mind and desires of now in the places where I grew up with the mind and desires of then. This context opens up a world of possibilities, of exciting things that can happen and I can contribute to.

A beautiful, charming place is the village of Mașcăuți.

Every two years, Mașcăuți organizes the festival „Pe dealul Chiclăului”, where the villagers have the opportunity to exhibit their best: crocheted items, old objects, painted icons, various dishes prepared according to recipes known only to the housewives of the village. Of course, there is also the good will, created by the Răzeșii folk group.

I am a historian by profession, which means that I can see how the historical value of our village could be a benchmark for development in a tourist context. I would like to see tourists here who can get in the peaceful everyday life, understanding the huge economic dimension that an event such as the Festival can bring. We can find alternative activities to provide tourists with a whole ecosystem.

The village of Mascauti is one of the oldest villages in Moldova between the Prut and the Dniester.

There is a legend about the formation of the village, saying that when the Tatars and Turks were invading the country, a strongman named Uță Mașcu lived here.

Reporter - Lilia Grubii