The centre of global folklore on the main square

Between the 20th and the 24th of July, Zagreb’s main square of Ban Josip Jelačić will once again be the centre of global folklore. All who are interested will have the opportunity to see the colourful traditions and heritage from numerous European countries, as well as Chile, Argentina, New Zealand, the United States, etc.

The International Folklore Festival, which has been taking place in Zagreb since 1966, is the most renowned event of original folklore in Croatia and, every year, folklore groups from all over the world participate. Even more interesting is the fact that the stage for it is Zagreb’s main square of Ban Josip Jelačić, which in itself attracts numerous spectators. While the location places the festival in the heart of contemporary life, festival programmes are conceived by specialists, ethnologists and folklore experts so as to present Zagreb audiences with various performances by a range of folklore groups, which will demonstrate their heritage.

The event’s central programme is usually dedicated to Croats who live outside of Croatia, to the folklore associations and groups of Croatian emigrants who have settled in various parts of Europe and other continents, which represent various ways of nurturing and presenting the music and dance heritage. Therefore, once again this year, special attention will be given to encounters of different peoples and cultures; in other words, mutual influences and specific forms that are created in new environments through the intertwining of immigrant cultures with that of the locals or members of other exiled groups. This year’s festival will feature folklore groups from Croatia, Austria, Argentina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Chile, Italy, Hungary, New Zealand, Germany, the United States, Montenegro, Greece and Spain.

Aside from folklore performances, visitors at the main square will also have an opportunity to enjoy an array of concurrent events organized on the square itself, as well as certain locations throughout the Upper Town. Concurrent events include: exhibitions, music and dance workshops, concerts of Croatian folk and ethno music, as well as a large fair of traditional crafts and souvenirs.