Friday, February 6, in the prestigious Protomoteca Hall in the Capitoline Hill – Rome City Hall, several Romanians from the diaspora were awarded at the Gala organized by Romania Associationan event that celebrated the talent and contribution of the Romanian community to the cultural life of Rome.
Councilor Francesca Leoncinifrom the City Hall of the capital, praised “the Romanian community in Rome, which occupies a special place in society”the Romanians being recognized for their professional activity and for their daily contribution to the city’s dynamism and importance. She highlighted the deep historical ties between Italy and Romania, recalling that the Romanian language is a neo-Latin language, in a space surrounded by Slavic languages, “a link that makes us proud”. Leoncini also mentioned the symbolic value of the place: in Campidoglio, in 1957, the founding treaties of the European Economic Community were signed, an ambitious European dream, which now unites the two countries and “which must be consolidated and stabilized”.
In turn, the counselor Valerio Casini reaffirmed Rome’s role as a “world-wide” cultural capital: “promotion through culture and art is an essential tool for reducing inequalities and strengthening social cohesion”.
From the Romanian Embassy, through the message sent by the ambassador Gabriela Dancauit was highlighted that “the evening is dedicated to the pride of Romanians and the concrete contribution that the community offers daily to Italian society. “The new generations are able to inspire, to promote the image of a dynamic, creative and talented Romania, overcoming clichés”. 2026 is Romania-Italy Cultural Yearheld under the High Patronage of the Presidents of Romania, Nicușor Dan and of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, an additional reason to strengthen relations between the two countries.
Consul Marian Popescu congratulated the organizers and, in particular, Mihaela Bologthe founder of the Festival and director of the Roma-nia Academy, for the constant efforts to promote Romanian talents.
About the Romania Festival
The Roma-nia Festival, now in its fourth edition, is a unique initiative in the Romanian diaspora, bringing together talents from almost ten countries and from all age groups. The project, supported by the association founded by singing teacher Mihaela Bolog, combines artistic training, competition and intercultural dialogue.
The main prize winners of the evening were: Sofia Letitia Marcoci – the winner of the 2025 edition Trophy, Melissa Maria Crudo – 2nd place, 2025 edition, Melissa Memet – winner of the 2024 Trophy, and later of The Voice Kids Italia competition on Uno, Ana Maria Mihalache – second place at the 2024 edition of the Festival and finalist of The Voice Kids Italia, Eusebius Iftime – winner of the Trophy, 2023 edition, Erika Andreea Florea – 2023 edition laureate.
