Banca Naţională a României

“Don Quixote – Made in Romania” brought the curtain down on the Cultural Days of the European Central Bank (ECB) 2009, with an expressive combination of tap dance, folklore, pantomime and martial arts. The final event at the Oper Frankfurt yesterday was a symbolic cross-section of the past three weeks. Romania, a country with a history of multiculturalism, brought powerful melodies, rhythm and energy to Frankfurt. Around 25 events were held in Frankfurt in cooperation with Banca Naţională a României, sponsors and partners. The objective was to host a colourful series of events, often transcending genre, in which sculptures were combined with photography, and jazz with blues and folklore music.

The Cultural Days of the ECB, which took place for the seventh time, included concerts, contemporary dance performances, readings, exhibitions and associated lectures. Around 6,000 people came to take a deeper look at, and gain a more thorough understanding of, Romanian culture and its place in Europe.

In recent years, the Cultural Days of the ECB have focused on Portugal, Poland, Hungary, Austria, Greece and now Romania. Last year they were dedicated to all 27 EU Member States. In 2010 the residents of Frankfurt and the Rhine-Main region, as well as international guests, will have the opportunity to find out more about Dutch culture as the focus of this series of events turns to the Netherlands. The opening event will take place on 20 October 2010. More detailed information will be posted on the ECB’s website at www.ecb.europa.eu nearer the time.

This press relase is also available on the ECB website, at http://www.ecb.int/press/pr/date/2009/html/pr091110.en.html

Address by Mr. Cristian Popa, Deputy Governor of NBR, at the closing event of “Cultural Days of the ECB 2009: Romania”