site.btaUPDATED International Folklore Festival in Plovdiv Opens with Performances by Dance Groups from Six Countries

Dance ensembles from six countries took part in the opening of the Plovdiv 2025 International Folklore Festival at the Ancient Theatre in the city. The festival, which has become a tradition in Plovdiv’s cultural life, is a long-awaited celebration for both residents and visitors of the city during the hot summer days.

The festival began with a parade of the dance ensembles along the main street, ending at Stefan Stambolov Square, where short concerts were held.

“I’m very happy that we are all together. For the past 29 years, the Municipality of Plovdiv has aimed to offer something special for the people of Plovdiv and for the city’s guests during this period. That special something is the International Folklore Festival,” said Deputy Mayor for Culture Plamen Panov during the official opening ceremony at the Ancient Theatre.

“Eight groups, six countries, and five days in which we will celebrate the beauty of intangible cultural heritage together. I believe everything is in place — we just need good weather,” he added, and wished success to the 29th edition of the International Folklore Festival.

In the coming days, the audience will see the ensemble Tigranakert from Armenia, the flag-waving dance group Sbandieratori dei Borghi e Sestieri Fiorentini from Italy, the folklore dance group Alma Guaraní from Paraguay, the folklore ensemble Povazan from Slovakia, and the folk dance troupe Orlyonok from Ukraine.

Each year, a Bulgarian group hosts the festival, and this year it is Sedenchitsa, part of the Folklore World – Sedenchitsa association from Plovdiv, with chief artistic director Neli Karabahchieva.

Also featured in the program is the emblem of the city: Trakia folklore ensemble, led by Prof. Daniela Zheneva. The festival will also include the Representative Folklore Ensemble of Plovdiv’s Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts.

Each day, the dance groups will parade to the stage in front of the City Hall, where short performances will be held. The program will continue in the evenings with official stage presentations at the Ancient Theatre.

In addition to the performances in Plovdiv, the ensembles from Ukraine and Italy will give concerts in Peshtera on July 30, and those from Paraguay and Sedenchitsa will perform there on July 31.

On the final evening of the festival, August 1, a **gala concert and closing ceremony will take place, featuring all participating groups once again. All concerts are free.

The Plovdiv 2025 International Folklore Festival is traditionally organized by the municipal administration and is part of the city's cultural calendar.