site.bta Over 30 Folk Music and Dance Groups Performed during Bosilegrad International Folklore Festival

Over 30 folk music and dance companies participated in the inaugural "Horo Se Vie" International Folklore Festival that took place in Bosilegrad, Republic of Serbia, from 27 July to 2 August. 

The festival concluded with a gala concert on the open-air stage and a traditional horo chain dance that brought together performers and audience members. 

The final festival evening featured performances by several folklore ensembles, including the "Priboiski Ritmi" Folk Dance Ensemble from the village of Priboy in Bulgaria's Radomir Municipality, alongside groups from Serbia and North Macedonia.

The programme also included the fifth traditional fish soup cooking competition.

Throughout the seven-day festival, residents and visitors of Bosilegrad enjoyed performances by folklore ensembles and vocal groups from Serbia, Bulgaria, North Macedonia and Montenegro. More than 1,000 performers took part, presenting their countries' rich traditions through folk songs, dances and authentic traditional costumes.

Each festival evening began with a festive parade through the town's central streets and ended with a communal horo dance, inviting performers and spectators alike to join in the celebration.

The organisers said they aim to establish the "Horo Se Vie" International Folklore Festival as an annual cultural event promoting friendship, cross-border cultural exchange and the preservation of the region's rich folklore heritage.