Chisinau: Moldova's capital marks City Patron Day
The capital of Moldova, Chișinău, is celebrating its City Patron Day—known locally as 'Hram'—on 14 October.
The date coincides with the Old-Style Orthodox Christian observance of the Protection of the Mother of God (Pokrov).
The annual event, which has become one of Chișinău’s most important days, was formalised in 2000. City officials, alongside representatives of the Metropolis of Moldova and the Metropolis of Bessarabia, chose the date to honor the city. The decision was inspired by one of the three patron feasts of the Metropolitan Cathedral "Nativity of the Lord," the capital's spiritual symbol. Until then, starting in 1995, the City Day had been celebrated on the second Sunday of October.
The holiday's date carries significant meaning, both historical and religious. Chișinău's first documented attestation dates back to October 1436, just days before the feast, symbolically linking the celebration to a key moment in its history. In Orthodox tradition, the Protection of the Mother of God is a feast of divine protection, when the faithful express their gratitude for the guardianship and blessing of the Virgin Mary.
The event is inspired by the vision of Saint Andrew the Fool for Christ and his disciple, Epiphanius, who reportedly saw the Mother of God covering the people with her compassion and praying for the world during a vigil in Constantinople. The feast symbolises the Mother of God’s protection over those who honor her. On this day, special services are performed in churches.
For the Hram, Chișinău transforms into a true celebration scene, featuring local product fairs, craft exhibitions, and folk music and dance performances—events that gather thousands of residents and tourists.
Programme highlights
The programme includes a solemn liturgy at the Metropolitan Cathedral, followed by folk craft markets, traditional food stands, and family activities. The day will conclude with a concert in the capital's Great National Assembly Square, featuring the Advahov Brothers Orchestra, Lupii lui Calancea (Calancea's Wolves), Epic Symphonic, and other popular artists, conducted by Dumitru Cârciumaru.
Prominent figures associated with the capital
The Hram is also an occasion to honor the notable personalities who lived and had their careers in the city, including writers Alexandru Hâjdeu, Alexei Mateevici, Bogdan Petriceicu Hasdeu, Constantin Negruzzi, and Grigore Vieru. Alecu Donici, known for his fables, and even Natalia Obrenović, the former Queen of Serbia, also lived in the city.
The late composer Eugen Doga once stated that many states would wish to have a capital as beautiful as Chișinău, while poet Dumitru Matcovschi compared the city to a corner of paradise: "I know there are big cities, / Some even dream of them. But I wouldn't trade for anything / My little Chișinău!", the late poet wrote.
Among the longest-serving mayors were: Carol Schmidt (26 uninterrupted years, 1877–1903), Dimitrie Lovcinski (14 years in three terms), Dimitrie Mincu (13 years), Serafim Urechean (11 years), and Dorin Chirtoacă (10 years).
In total, over 190 Moldovan localities celebrate their Hram on 14 October, underscoring the day's importance across the country.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
