Plovdiv 2025 International Folklore Festival Kicks Off with Grand Parade and Concerts

The Plovdiv 2025 International Folklore Festival has begun in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, featuring dance ensembles from six countries, including Armenia, Italy, Paraguay, Slovakia, Ukraine, and Bulgaria. The festival, now in its 29th year, is a celebration of intangible cultural heritage, with a grand parade along the main street, followed by short concerts and stage presentations at the Ancient Theatre and City Hall. Each day, the dance groups will perform in front of the City Hall, and on the final evening, a gala concert and closing ceremony will take place featuring all participating groups.

Key Takeaways:

• The Plovdiv 2025 International Folklore Festival has been held for 29 years, with the Municipality of Plovdiv aiming to offer something special for residents and visitors during the hot summer days.
• The festival features dance ensembles from six countries: Armenia, Italy, Paraguay, Slovakia, Ukraine, and Bulgaria.
• Each day, the dance groups will parade to the stage in front of the City Hall, where short performances will be held.
• The program includes the Representative Folklore Ensemble of Plovdiv's Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts, as well as the Trakia folklore ensemble, led by Prof. Daniela Zheneva.
• 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.
• The festival will conclude with a gala concert and closing ceremony on August 1, featuring all participating groups.

Statistics:

• 6 countries represented at the festival (Armenia, Italy, Paraguay, Slovakia, Ukraine, and Bulgaria).
• The festival has been held for 29 years.
• 8 groups and 5 days of performances.
• The festival will include performances in Plovdiv and Peshtera.
• The gala concert and closing ceremony will take place on August 1.

Sources:

• [Municipality of Plovdiv Website](https://www.plovdiv.bg/en/events/international-folklore-festival).
• [Plovdiv 2025 International Folklore Festival Program](https://www.plovdiv-2025.bg/en/program).