The International Folklore Festival – a tradition more than half a century long

From 19 to 23 July Zagreb for the 51st time hosts the International Folklore Festival which has been held in Croatia’s capital city since 1966.

This year too it will be a presentation and affirmation of traditional culture and the folk cultures of numerous Croatian and international participants. The 51^st International Folklore Festival continues a long tradition of reviews by Peasant Unity, the cultural and educational organisation of the Croatian Peasant’s Party. In modern dayCroatia the Festival has become a part of the global movement to preserve the cultural heritage of mankind led by UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. A Decision of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Croatia and the City of Zagreb in 2014 pronounced this a festival of national importance.

The programme of the 51^st International Folklore Festival will last five days and will comprise dramatic performances, workshops, concerts of folk music and folk sacral singing as well as exhibitions. As well as a stage on Zagreb’s main square performances by troupes are planned on the already well-known Festival stage at Gradec, while Festival participants will also be performing outside Zagreb in Sveta Nedelja, Zaprešić, Vrbovec and Beltinci (Slovenia).

A special themed programme will encompass the folk heritage of Banovina and Pounje as regions with unique singing and dance, customs and handcrafts. Alongside the troupes from Banovina and Pounje there are performances planned from folklore groups and individuals who represent Croatia’s diverse folk heritage, national minorities, Croatians from neighbouring countries and emigrants, in total some 30 ensembles. About 10 ensembles will present the heritage of other nations and cultures.