XVI International Folklore Festival “From the Danube to the Balkan” in Borovo
International Folklore Festival “From the Danube to the Balkan” has been held annually since 2008 and is an activity of the Community Cultural Centre “Iskra 1898”, town of Borovo, Ruse Region. This year edition is dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The festival is a unique meeting of performers of different genres of music and dance art from Bulgaria and other countries, representatives of different ethnic groups with the aim of preserving cultural identity. It is held under the patronage of the mayor of the municipality. Purpose:
- Safeguarding of the intangible cultural heritage of Bulgaria;
- Safeguarding and promotion of folklore, dance art, folk song and instrumental music; preservation of authentic costume, traditions and customs of all ethnic groups;
- Providing opportunities for young performers and exploration of new, unknown songs, dances, customs and instrumental melodies;
- Establishing the festival as a significant event in the cultural calendar of Borovo municipality, the region, the country and Europe;
- Stimulating cultural tourism;
- Turning the festival into a permanent cultural and information centre for the preservation of Bulgarian folklore heritage and national identity and international cultural exchange;
- Safeguarding and promoting the uniqueness of folklore wealth in Bulgaria and Europe.
The event takes place over two days of competition. Participants have the opportunity to showcase the skills and traditions of their native land before a competent jury in eight categories - folk dances, vocal performances, rites and customs, verbal folklore, presentation of folk costumes, culinary traditions of the native land, instrumental performances of folk music, etc. Children and adults from more than 15 districts of Bulgaria and in recent years from nine countries, as well as students from national art schools participate in the festival.
During the pandemic it was held online and since then the tradition has continued of having two stages of presentation - in-person and online for Bulgarians living abroad and foreigners presenting their traditions.
During the festival on 2 and 3 September 2023, a film “Market Day from the Past”, made by the Community Cultural Centre “Iskra 1898” under the programme for the recovery of amateur creativity after the pandemic, with the financial support of the National Culture Fund, will be screened twice.