A new initiative to promote the Romanian blouse Ia in the UK brings the traditional shirt to the British Parliament on June 21. As part of the campaign, the Romanians in the United Kingdom are invited to write to their local MPs and ask them to join the #IAChallenge2023 - visit the event, try on a Ia, and share a picture of them wearing it.

The members of Parliament will also have the chance to admire a collection of authentic Romanian blouses made available by Diana Comșa, Ana Afloarei and Emotie.

The project is initiated by the Romanians and Europeans Association Community Hub, LSRS UK, Romani in UK, The Romanian and Eastern European Hub, Emotie, and supported by the Embassy of Romania in London. The event aims to recognize both the 10th anniversary of the Universal Day of the Romanian Blouse and its recent listing by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage.

"This initiative follows on from March's debate in Parliament 'Reimagining Romania: what have we been getting wrong?' and forms part of the UK Romania Group's ongoing work to promote stronger bilateral relations and a better understanding of Romanians in the UK," the organizers said.

Those who want to join the #IAChallenge and write to their MPs can find a template letter here.

irina.marica@romania-insider.com

(Photo source: Albertophotography | Dreamstime.com)