On Saturday, May 8, 2004 the biggest Romanian Festival outside this country’s border took place in Lower Manhattan on Broadway, between Fulton Street and Battery Place. Organized by MIC & Associates and The Union and League of Romanian Societies of America in partnership with the Romanian National Television, this event brought together over 20,000 Romanians from all over the United States and Europe.
Wall Street area in downtown Manhattan turned into a huge stage and promenade displaying the best that the country has to offer, from music to food, wine, traditional costumes, arts and crafts. More than 400 stands were assembled on the street, where sponsors and participating companies sold and promoted their products and services. For the first time in its history, the Festival was broadcast live on TVR International.
This year, the Festival celebrated Romania’s accession into NATO and set the start of the campaign for the acceptance into the European Union. The strong ties between Romania and the United States were emphasized in speeches by top dignitaries: Mr. Sorin Ducaru, the Romanian ambassador to Washington, Ms. Linda Grass, Deputy Mayor for Cultural and Diplomatic Affairs and Ms. Christina Myssura, Director for Ethnic Relations in Governor Pataki’s office.