Maleshevo or Maleshevie is a small region around the Maleshevska Mountain, part of which is situated in neighboring Macedonia. The Bulgarian segment of the mountain spreads along the picturesque bank of the Struma River with 28 villages and a town situated on its slopes and at its foot. Most of the settlements are united by the Strumyani Municipality, the organizer and host of Maleshevo Sings and Dances. The 14^th edition of this international folklore forum is taking place October 20  through the 22^nd and it is also a competition. Traditionally the stage where singers, instrumentalists and dancers perform is in the square of the village of Mikrevo.

“People in our southern region bring folklore with their genes. I can say the same – I adore our songs and traditions. That is why I work for the festival with great pleasure”, says Deputy Mayor of the Municipality Mrs. Fidanka Koteva and adds:

“We expect over 3,500 participants. Most of them are representatives of all folklore regions in Bulgaria. The festival’s popularity and prestige have been growing year on year and the interest has been growing, too. We try to reach formations of different nationalities and culture, in order for the festive palette to be fuller and more colorful. Traditionally performers from the neighboring Balkan countries – Macedonia, Serbia and Greece attend the event. It is the same thing this year as well. We also expect bands from Moldova, Belarus, Poland, Bosnia and Herzegovina. I am sure that not only the daily contest program, but also the night renditions attract attention. Bulgarian and foreign bands, ensembles and individuals will compete in categories for arranged and raw folklore, singing and dancing art etc. A professional jury of experts will assess the performers. We have this accompanying program every year as well. On Friday, October 20^th we open an ethnographic exhibition at the Bratya Miladinovi community center in the village of Mikrevo. We have named it Maleshevo Traditions Brought back to Life. On the next day we invite to an exhibition artists who are currently working on a fall plenary within the municipality. Their work is inspired by local nature, lifestyle and culture and will be presented to the festival’s guests. You are welcome to it! It will be interesting, thrilling and enriching!”

A concert show will be presented on October 20^th after the contest part, prepared within a very short period by Bulgarian and foreign folklore formations. Next follows a concert of folklore singer Boryana Karpuzova. On October 21^st the audience will be able to enjoy the shows of the Filip Kutev National Folklore Ensemble and also of singer Rumyana Popova. The Balgare Ensemble will be onstage on October 22^nd. The festival will end up after the official award ceremony with renditions of Malin Domozetski and the Maleshevtsi Ensemble.

English version: Zhivko Stanchev