Volunteer Profile: Julian Giubega: Celebrating 20 years
Julian Giubega was born and raised in Romania, but at 22, he decided to pursue new opportunities in Canada. It was a difficult transition, as he faced many challenges as a newcomer to a foreign land. However, with time, he learned the language and became more familiar with Canadian culture.
“One of the most surprising discoveries I made was the existence of the Romanian Society of Manitoba. I was thrilled to connect with others who shared my heritage and began to engage in cultural exchange,” said Giubega. “It was during this time that I met my lovely wife from Chile, which brought new meaning and direction to my life.”
Giubega’s first volunteer opportunity came in 1990 when he and his wife participated in the first Romanian Pavilion at Folklorama. While the Pavilion took a break for a few years, Giubega remained committed to the cause, and when it returned in 2002, Giubega was proud to help reintroduce it to the community.
“This year marks the 20th anniversary of The Romanian Pavilion’s participation in Folklorama, and I am proud to say that my family has been a part of it since its inception,” said Giubega. “Even more so, my children learned Romanian choreography and they teach it. They also have been Pavilion Ambassadors. It has been an honour to watch them grow and learn about the rich traditions of our culture.”
Julian’s passion for sharing his Romanian culture is evident in the effort he has put into showcasing the unique aspects of his heritage. His desire to connect with others through his culture is rooted in the belief that sharing traditions and values can bridge cultural divides and promote understanding and appreciation.
“For me, sharing my culture means embracing and learning, valuing diversity, and building bridges towards a more connected world,” says Giubega. “It is also a way of exchanging knowledge, values, and traditions among people from different backgrounds.”
Thank you, Julian for your inspiring pursuit to grow and support your culture.
If you want to volunteer your time and help celebrate culture with Folklorama, apply with here today!