Spring’s First Breath: Mărțișor Celebration at Bender city

Celebrate the arrival of spring at the Martisor Festival in Bendery. Enjoy traditional music, dance, and crafts, savor local delicacies, and explore the historic Bendery Fortress.
Begin your journey in the heart of the Mărțișor tradition. Get picked up from any location in Chisinau that is convenient for you—whether it’s your hotel, a private apartment, or a central landmark. For your convenience, we offer two ways to travel: by private car for more comfort or by local minibus (marshrutka) for an authentic experience. Please keep in mind that transport is an additional expense and is not covered by the tour fee. From there, depart for the historic city of Bendery, where the grandest celebration of the season awaits within the walls of the majestic Bendery Fortress.

Arrive at Alexander Nevsky Park, located right at the foot of the 16th-century Ottoman citadel. On March 1, 2026, the park becomes a living stage for the International Festival of Arts "Mărțișor-2026." Be greeted by the sounds of traditional folk instruments—the pan-flute (nai) and the fiddle—as local ensembles perform "Hora" dances in vibrant, hand-embroidered national costumes. Walk through the "Alley of Time," where the fortress’s history is told through metal scrolls, leading you to the festival’s heart.

Watch the official inauguration of the festival, featuring powerful performances by the State Choir and folk groups. Explore rows of wooden stalls where master craftsmen display their work. See intricate pottery, hand-woven carpets, and, of course, thousands of unique Mărțișor charms.

Join a masterclass to create your own Mărțișor. Under the guidance of local artisans, learn to twist the silk threads and attach traditional symbols like snowdrops or tiny wooden dolls.

Visit the food court area, where the scent of wood-fired ovens and grilled meats fills the spring air. Sample traditional pastries and honey-based desserts that are specially prepared for the March festivities. Enjoy a tasting of regional specialties.

As you wander through the festival, have the opportunity to purchase authentic souvenirs that you won't find in standard gift shops. See hand-painted Matryoshkas, beautifully crafted baskets, and napkins embroidered with "geometric protection" patterns.

After enjoying the festivities in the park, ascend to the Citadel itself. Explore the towers that once guarded the Dniester River, visit the Museum of Torture, and the History Museum housed in a former Turkish gunpowder cellar. From the top of the ramparts, have a breathtaking panoramic view of the Dniester River and the celebrations below.

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