More details about the International Folklore Festival in Veliko Tarnovo from Emil Pavlov, President of the forum.

”The concerts are a dozen and we often tour neighboring towns like Razgrad, Tryavna and Rousse. The festival’s key venue is Marino Pole Park and its duration is eight days. Apart from concerts of folk groups we also have a very diverse accompanying program.There will be a night of traditional food, exhibitions and contests. As to participants, for the past years more than 230 groups from 98 countries have performed in Tarnovo. This year we are looking forward to groups from Mexico, Colombia, Indonesia and Georgia who will be in Bulgaria for the first time, as well as from Egypt. This year’s participants come from various part of Europe, Latin America and Asia. These mostly young people are very active communicating on social networks. Over the year we have been keeping in touch with them to support their enthusiasm in preserving their folklore.”

From Emil Pavlov we also learn that the forum in Tarnovo is partnering with UNESCO and has been offering new entries for the world heritage list of that organization. Tarnovo audiences have watched exceptional shows like that one ofSama Dancefrom Indonesia, dervish dances etc. By tradition the International Folklore Festival includes a night dedicated to Bulgaria. This year it is part of the 4^thnational forum of folklore groups and the best of them will be given the chance to appear at prestigious international festivals. The Bulgarian folklore show will presents Sofia-based groups such as Balkan and Zhar and Bulgarche and Tarnovche children’s groups. Other participants include the professional Iskra group, the 60-year-old Sider Voivoda and Iliev group.

Milena Chrpanlieva from Balkan Folklore Group says that the group has been rehearsing with enthusiasm for the forthcoming festival inTarnovo:

„It is a great honor to have been invited”, she adds. “The town is such a unique place with the grace of history in the air. To this we add the chance to become part of this incredible blend of cultures from across the world. This is a fantastic experience. We are going to take part in the procession down Tarnovo streets when everydody is dressed up in their best costumes to present the best of their national folklore. On stage we are going to play our Shoppe Dance. Our dance group consists of 30 dancers aged from 13 to 50. They have different occupations, including pupils and university students. The group’s leader is Kiril Chirpanliev and he has created the choreography for most dances. They present the Bulgarian traditional rituals: a good way to come across to the audiences with bits of Bulgarian history and traditions. We are keen on festivals because they can give the start to worthy friendships. For the short time we are together we show the most positive aspects of the national mentality. Contacts are informal, a natural way to gain knowledge about the culture and history of different nations. This festival brings together young, positive and open-hearted people and transforms the cultural event into a fete for both performers and audiences.”