site.bta27th Friendship Without Borders Festival Brings Folklore Dance Groups from Seven Countries to Sliven

The 27th Friendship Without Borders International Children’s Folklore Dance Festival kicked off on Wednesday with a festive parade of participants. This year’s edition brings together dance groups from Serbia, Croatia, Turkiye, Romania, Slovakia, Czechia, and Bulgaria.

The procession made its way down Sliven’s main street and reached Hadzhi Dimitar Square, where the official opening ceremony took place.

The evening programme continued with a concert on an open-air stage featuring performances by the participating groups.

The symbolic host is the Biserche Children’s and Youth Dance Group at the Military Club – Sliven, led by Magdalena Lukanova.

At the opening, Sliven Mayor Stefan Radev greeted all the dance group leaders, parents, and children involved in folklore, emphasizing that it serves not only as a bridge between generations but also as an expression of the rich traditions of the region and Europe.

The Friendship Without Borders Festival is organized by Sliven Municipality and is part of the May Days of Culture programme. Over the years, more than 15,000 children from over 30 countries have participated in it. The initiative aims to promote cultural exchange and preserve the richness of the folklore heritage.