site.btaPlovdiv to Host 30th International Folklore Festival

From July 27 through July 31, Plovdiv is hosting the 30th International Folklore Festival, one of the city's most anticipated annual cultural events, the municipality's culture department said. The jubilee edition of the festival brings together folk ensembles from three continents.

Colourful daily parades will begin at 5:30 p.m., followed by short open-air performances in front of Plovdiv Municipality at 6 p.m., while the main evening shows will take place at the Ancient Theatre at 8 p.m.

The festival will open on Monday evening with a gala concert at the Ancient Theatre featuring performers from Georgia, Mexico, Peru, Romania, Montenegro, and the host ensemble, Trakia Ensemble.

Tuesday's programme, titled "An Evening of World Rhythms," will showcase performances by the international delegations.

On Wednesday, Trakia Ensemble will present a full-length concert, while ensembles from Georgia, Mexico, and Romania will also perform in the nearby town of Peshtera.

On Thursday evening, the Ancient Theatre will host performances by the ensembles from Georgia, Mexico, and Romania, while the ensembles from Peru and Montenegro will perform in Peshtera.

The festival will conclude with a gala concert featuring all participating ensembles.

Georgia is represented by the student ensemble of Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, renowned as the "flying Georgians" for their breathtaking spins, unique toe dancing performed without special footwear, and spectacular sword choreography, the organizers noted.

Mexico is represented by Ballet Folklorico del Ateneo Fuente, the reigning world champions, bringing more than 40 years of tradition, Latin energy, and a dazzling display of colour.

Peru's Ritmos del Tiempo is a company of 57 performers that takes audiences on a journey through Inca history, from the Pacific coast across the Andes to the Amazon rainforest.

Romania is represented by the professional Busuiocul Folk Ensemble from Bacau, which boasts more than 50 years of tradition and is known for its youthful spirit, rich orchestra, and authentic vocal performances.

Montenegro's Zahumlje Folk Ensemble, based in Niksic and founded in 1898, is one of the oldest cultural institutions in the Balkans. The ensemble preserves centuries-old traditions and is renowned for its elaborate traditional costumes.

Bulgaria's Trakia Ensemble, based in Plovdiv and led by chief artistic director Prof. Daniela Dzheneva, is the calling card of Bulgarian folk dance, the municipality added.