EAFF_review_2020_12

EAFF was selected as an organization in
the Evaluation Body on the list the
intangible cultural heritage and the list of
elements in need of Emergency protection
V International Contest “Grand Festival” welcomed 1250 participants from 15 countries who performed about
200 performances at the stage in the center of Pesaro, Italy.
Event was held in the period June 23 - 29, 2019 and provided stage for performances of groups from Italy,
Belarus, Russia, Ukraine, Lithuania, Israel, European Association of Folklore Festivals - EAFF is an accredited
NGO selected in the Evaluation Body on the list the intangible cultural heritage and the list of elements in need
of Emergency protection.
Chairman of the International Commission
of the experts of intangible cultural heritage at
EAFF, member correspondent Prof. Mila Santova
will represent the Association in the Evaluation
Body.
Starting with the 2015 cycle and, in accordance
with paragraph 27 of the operational directive,
the Committee has set up an advisory body
(“evaluation body”) to evaluate nominations in
the lists and proposals for the Register of Best
Practices for Protection and Applications for International
Assistance in excess of 100,000 dollars.
The evaluating body makes recommendations
to the Committee for its final decision.
The evaluation body consists of twelve
members selected by the Committee: six experts qualified in various fields of intangible cultural heritage, representatives
of non-member States Parties and six accredited non-governmental organizations, taking into account
geographical representation and different areas of intangible cultural heritage. The term of the duty of a member
of the evaluation body shall not exceed four years.
In the “UNESCO” section in the website of the European Association of Folklore Festivals - EAFF, you will
find more information about the International Council of experts of the intangible cultural heritage at EAFF. Their
purposes in accordance with the expert assistance in activities, methods, approaches and good practices for the
conservation of the intangible cultural heritage in the context of existing international instruments in the implementation
of the guidelines of the 2003 Convention on the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of
UNESCO are stated there. To achieve these goals, it is necessary to organize conferences, seminars and capacity
building at expert, local, national and international levels.
The fourteenth session of the UNESCO Committee concluded with a spectacular event on December 14th,
2019 with 3D show and celebratory fireworks at the Simon Bolivar Central Square in Bogota, Colombia.
Estonia, Uzbekistan and others.
The Grand Prix in “Vocal performances” category was awarded to Nazdeya Paloyka from Belarus and he
Gran Prix in “Choreography” category was awarded to Exemplary choreography group “Angels” from Republic of
Buryatia (Russia).
2

“FOLK FRIENDS – TOGETHER” – brought
together performers from 12 folk groups
More than 600 participants from 12 folklore groups performed at the open stages of International Folklore Festival
“FOLK FRIENDS - TOGETHER”, which took place from 14 to 19 August 2019 in Targu Mures, Romania.
Festival director Vasile Trimbitas notes that the event is considered successful in every aspect - from welcoming
participants to their departure: “I want to thank all the participants for the way they have responded to our
demands and for the shows offered to the public and, of course, I want to thank all those who have contributed
to achieve it: JUNII TARNAVEI Association, the Town Hall and Local Council in Tarnaveni, the County Council
Mures, C.I.D.-UNESCO (the ensemble JUNII TARNAVEI is a member of the CID organization), E.A.F.F. and
RUCK VENTILATOARE - OFFICIAL PARTENER. We’re waiting for you on a new edition of the International Folklore
Festival “FOLK FRIENDS TOGETHER” next year.”
During their free time all the groups had fun, visiting the sights of the city, accompanied by guides - members
of the ensemble JUNII TARNAVEI.
3

Absolute World Champion
of Folklore for 2019 is
Ensemble “Guru Songs Art”
from Inner Monglia, China
The first place at the IX World Championship of Folklore “World folk” 2019, which was held from 22 August
to 1 September in three resort towns on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, was won by the group “Guru Songs
Art” from Ordos, Inner Mongolia (China). The group received the title “Absolute World Champion for 2019”,
Grand Prix “Golden Orpheus” and a gold medal. The President of the World Association of Folklore Festivals
and the European Association of Folklore Festivals - Mr. Kaloyan Nikolov also granted to the winners check
for 1000 Euro, provided by the organizers.
The prestigious jury judged the second place for Children’s and Youth Dance Ensemble “Kyustendilche”
from Kyustendil (Bulgaria). The Ensemble received the silver medal of the forum, the title “Absolute World
Champion for 2019” and the “Silver Orpheus”.
The individual performer – Ateha from Ulaan Khad, Inner Mongolia, China, took the third place. He received
the bronze medal and the “Bronze Orpheus” in the final ranking.
Rangel Madzharski (artistic director of “Kyustendilche”) and Mr. Murun (artistic director of “Guru Songs
Art”) were honored with the title “Maestro”.
Тhe respective performers were evaluated with the following special awards:
Special Award on behalf of the Regional Governor of Burgas - Mr. Valcho Cholakov – diploma and replica
of the world’s oldest processed gold from 4400 – 4100 BC, found on the Black Sea coast, was awarded to the
Brass Band - Otopeni (Romania).
“Khosh Honar” from Teheran (Iran) received diploma and gift set from the Municipality of Nesebar and its
Mayor Nikolay Dimitrov.
With the special award of the Municipality of Pomorie with Mayor Ivan Alexiev - diploma, the sign of the
town of Pomorie and a gift set was awarded the National Dance Ensemble “Romiosini” - Limassol (Cyprus).
The Vocal trio to Folklore formation “Karlak 2015” – Asenovgrad (Bulgaria) diserved a diploma and a special
gift on behalf of Ivan Nikolov, Mayor of St. Vlas.
The special acknowledgment by the National Commission of the Republic of Bulgaria for UNESCO, under
which patronage was held the World Championship, is for the Group for Authentic Folklore from Belchin
(Bulgaria).
The distinguished participants according to the three main criteria for evaluating stage performances
were:
“Complexity and quality” of performances – Vlada Mosyondz from Vyshhorod (Ukraine).
“Vision” - Dance group “Alagar Dalbardara” from Chyappara (Republic of Yakutia, Russia).
“Stage behavior” - Ensemble for folklore songs “Kitka sharena” from Katuntsi (Bulgaria).
The Special Award of EuroFolk Television was granted to the Dance ensemble “Srednogorski Polah” - Ihtiman,
Bulgaria..
The special award of the Eurofolk Academy went to KUD “Biser” from Velika Kladusha (Bosnia and Herzegovina).
4

The European Association of Folklore Festivals - EAFF honored
the dance ensemble “Yablanska ogarlitsa” from Yablanitsa (Bulgaria).
The Award of World Folk Academy - one of the main organizers
of the World Championship, was for Minji Kim and Seiyon Hwang
from Seoul (South Korea).
Folklore ensemble “Otrada” from Nizhnevartovsk (Russia) received
the award of the World Association of Folklore Festivals.
Winner of the Prize “Iliyan Nikolov” - for continuity between generations
was granted to “Mirkovo” Mummer’s Club from the village
of Mirkovo (Bulgaria).
Тhe youngest participant in “World folk” 2019 - Alexandrina
Vesterlund, 4-years old from Ihtiman, Bulgaria, received diploma
and present on behalf of the organizers of the forum.
Margarita Mircheva, Valentin Gavrailov and Valentin Todorov
from “Emiliyan Stanev” Secondary School – Veliko Tarnovo (Bulgaria)
– received diplomas for participation in one of the main accompanying
events of the World Championship of Folklore – Master
Class “Kravtsov Accordion”.
During the official closing of the forum,
special guests were: His Excellency Marios
Savva Kountourides – Ambassador of
the Republic of Cyprus, His Excellency.
Zdravko Begovich – Ambassador of Bosnia
and Herzegovina and His Excellency. Dun
Syaodzyun – Ambassador of the People’s
Republic of China.
The president of the World and European
Associations of Folklore Festivals -
Kaloyan Nikolov officially closed the ninth
edition of “World folk” 2019 with the words:
“The most important reward that folklore
brings is in tolerance, friendship and understanding
between all of us! I thank to all
articipants who preserve folklore and give
their love to it to the future generations”.
5

Parade, acapella performances, concerts and
excursions during the festival “BUDVANSKA RIVIERA”
In the period, September 4 - 8 in the town of
Budva, Montenegro, was held the XI International
folklore music and dance festival “Budvanska Riviera”.
The event was attended by more than 300
participants from different countries.
On September 6th, the parade of participants
was held where they showed the variety of national
costumes, instruments, dances. Then in the
Old town of Budva, the audience watched their first
concert. A “Singing day” was organized for the choral
groups in the local church of the Old town.
Second festival evening was held on Septemeber
7th, during their free time participants enjoyed
the sea and were involved in common excursions to
Kotor and the “Pearl of the Adriatic” - Dubrovnik.
6

More than 250 performers took part in the
International music festival “Festival days in Durres”
International music festival “Festival days in Durres” was held in the period September 6-10 in Albania and
was attended by groups from Romania, Bulgaria and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Director of the event, Jovan Jonoski said: “International guests saw the beauty of the second largest town in
Albania and enjoyed the warm Adriatic sea. They presented part of their repertoire during the parade on the main
streets of Durres, and then on the concert filled with music, dances, songs and festive mood. Event gave an opportunity
for creation of new friendships, meeting of different nations and cultures, preservation and safeguarding
of identity, history and customs of nations.”
In the end of the cultural event, participants received certificates for participation.
10,000 spectators watched the gala concert at the
International Folklore Festival in Marmaris
The eleventh edition of the International Folklore Festival in Marmaris took place
between August 27 and 31, 2019. This year’s event was a host to 350 performers from
Bulgaria, Argentina, Northern Cyprus, Uzbekistan and local bands from Turkey. The
festival allowed dancers to meet new cultures, participate in two concert programs and
two formal meetings, explore the sights of the Turkish resort, attend a workshop and
have fun at a DJ party and a specially organized master class.
The performances in the program of the Gala Concert were watched by 10,000
spectators. The forum director – Mr. Selçuk Yıldız handed certificates to all participants
and plaques to the group leaders. Each of the groups left Marmaris with great memories
and the hope of returning to the next edition of the musical feast, which will take place
from May 15 to 20, 2020.
The organizers say they have fulfilled the main goal of the festival - “Dancing for
Peace”.
7

Great success for the third edition of the International
festival for music and dances “Friends in Moscow”
During August 16-19, 2019, with the support of “Ruspomoshch” Charitable Foundation, the local branch of
the United Russia party, Council of “Lianozovo” district of Moscow, “Bogorodskoye” Cossack Society, the Cossack
Information and Analytical Center, Park “Sokolniki”, Park “Lianozovo” Culture Development Foundation of
the Peoples of Siberia and the Far East “Severnaya raduga” held the 3rd edition of the International Music and
Dance Festival “Friends in Moscow”. The aim of festival is to promote folk art and introduce unique cultural traditions
of multi-national Russia to other countries and peoples. The idea of the festival is the development of public
diplomacy and the establishment of friendship and peace on earth through music and dance.
More than 300 participants from India, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, the Donetsk People’s Republic as well as Russian
groups from Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Ulyanovsk, Nalchik, Tula, Ivanovo, Moscow and Moscow region
participated in the festival.
At the Opening Ceremony held at Lianozovo park the participants were greeted by Zhurkova Marina - the
head of the municipal district Lianozovo, Moscow; Didenko Anastasia - Chief Advisor to the Permanent Mission
of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) under the President of the Russian Federation; Maslak Grigoriy - Head of Local
Office of United Russia Party, Lianozovo District, Moscow and Borisova Alexandra – President of the Culture
Development Foundation of the Peoples of Siberia and the Far East “Severnaya raduga” – festival director.
Festival concerts were held in the parks of Lianozovo and Sokolnitsi. Surprise for the citizens and guests of
Moscow was the parade of participants, where were showed the colors of national costumes and traditions of
participants.
The most exciting moment in the forum was the creative competition that took place in the “Moscow” concert
hall in the Park-Hotel “Olimpiets”. The chairman of the jury was honored artist of the Russian federation, professor
and member-correspondent of the Pedagogical Academy and Social Sciences, the winner of Order “Professional
of Russia” - Nikolai Ivanovich Golodenko. The jury consisted of: Zabara Valeriy Valerievich - director of the “First
Baltic Channel” (Baltic Media Alliance) and the projects: The voice of Latvia, The voice of Latvia Kids; Orlov Mihail
Ivanovich - director of the “First Baltic Channel” (Baltic Media Alliance) and editor of Russian radio; Kuznetsov
Sergey Aleksandrovich - ballet master in the Municipal Autonomous Institution “Cultural and Entertainment System”,
artistic director of the National dance ensemble “Varenka” (Tula).
The Grand Prix in the children’s category was awarded to Gavrilev Dyulushan at the Center of Culture, Republic
of Sakha (Yakutia), artistic director - Popov Georgy Ivanovich,
The Grand Prix in the adults’ category was awarded to Vocal ensemble of the Kazakh chamber choir of Aktobe
Regional Philharmonic named after G. Zhubanova from Kazakhstan, artistic director: Kuspanov Merbol Orazbekovich.
In the nomination “Choreography. Folk dance”, the winners are:
VIRSA IN POP CULTURE CLUB from India, art director - Ravinder Singh; Folk dance group “NYANCE” from
Bulgaria, artistic director - Stoyanov Zlatan; Dance group “ALAGAR DALBARDARA” from Republic of Sakha
(Yakutia), artistic director - Efremova Anfisa Egorovna; Dance group “ARCHY” from Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)
with teacher- choreographer Vasilieva Anastasia.
The festival performances and the parade were highlighted at National Broadcasting Company “NVK” of the
Sakha (Yakutia) Republic and several popular newspapers “Vechernaya Moskva”, “AiF” and others.
8

International Cappadocia World Dance Festival -
a crossing point between history, exoticism and beauty
Visit the stone town of Cappadocia,
located in the heart of Asia Minor
and present the folklore of your
people in the atmosphere of history,
exoticism and beauty. From 28th of
July to 1st of August 2019, more than
500 performers from Georgia, Mexico,
Romania, Bulgaria, Cyprus and
Turkey immersed themselves in the
magic of the historic area and gave it
another international look.
First edition of the International
Cappadocia World Dance Festival
has already inspired and encouraged
all artists to preserve and promote
traditional heritage, enabling them
to present their culture in the most
colorful way.
The regulation for the forthcoming
second edition of the forum, which
will be held from 29th of July to 2nd
of August 2020, is already available.
9

International festival for dances and songs
“Le spiagge d’Italia” welcomed 600 performers
in the green pearl of Italy - Riccione
In the period September 19-23, 2019, the International
dance and song festival “Le spiagge d’Italia” (The beaches
of Italy) welcomed numerous participants for the most famous
and spectacular festival on the Italian Adriatic coast.
In last years Riccione became important center of dance
and music exchange for who wants to join a high level
event. 600 participants from Bulgaria, Croatia, Lithuania,
Latvia, Poland, Hungary and Ukraine have chosen the
“Green Pearl” and last sunny days of the season for their
foreign tour. “It’s not only festival, it’s union of diversity,
union of religions and cultures where people - young and
adults have same love in the heart - the love for art.” - said
the Artistic Director of Festival Svetlana Rumenova.
The festival of Riccione is well known also for the notorious
hospitality of Emilia Romagna region. The leaders
of groups were welcomed by the Director of festival with a
typical Italian aperitif. In the next days all participants had
opportunity to taste traditional Italian cheeses, wines, hams
and sweeties in a degustation prepared by the organizers.
Of course, they didn’t miss enjoyment on the beach with
the sand sculpture competition and zumba dances with
a professional instructor as well as disco evening for all
groups.
10

“For us it is important to offer the best conditions not only for participation but also for spending unforgettable
moments in Italy because for many of the groups this is the first visit in our wonderful country and we feel responsible
to make all our best for an excellent journey.” – said Mrs Rumenova.
11

The international festival for
folklore dances and contemporary arts
“Tsar Samoil” provided stage for 320 performers
In the international festival for folklore dances and contemporary
arts “Tsar Samoil”, which was held from 4 to 8 October
2019, were involved 9 groups from North Macedonia,
Bulgaria, Croatia and Slovenia, represented by 320 performers.
“Although it is October, the weather was in favor of the festival
and the concert program is running smoothly. All participants
took advantage of the appropriate weather conditions
and presented their traditions through the magic of dance and
music, making new international friends united by the love of
folk art.” - added Mr. Jovan Jonoski, director of the festival.
At the end of the event, the groups received certificates
and gifts provided by the organizers, and the performers made
the moment even more solemn by exchanging souvenirs.
All formations had the opportunity to visit the old town of
Ohrid, accompanied by a tourist guide, to see all the churches
and monuments and to sail on Lake Ohrid by boat to the
Water Museum and to the monastery “St. Naum”.
12

Armenian capital welcomed 450
performers who took part in the Autumn festival
450 participants from Estonia, Iran, Georgia and Armenia took part in the International festival “Autumn Yerevan”
in the period October 4-9, 2019. Forum is named after the capital and the biggest town in Armenia - Yerevan.
Performers presented their folklore programs and folklore costumes at an open stage. Since the festival
was not a competition, participants received diplomas for successful performance. Musical event attracted many
viewers who respected the participants applauding them loudly.
13

1000 performers from 12 countries participated in the
International dance competition “Prague Dance Open”
The International dance competition “Prague Dance Open” was held from October 31st to November 3rd, 2019
in the Czech Republic’s capital - Prague. Festival was attended by around 1000 participants from the Czech Republic,
Serbia, Germany, Hungary, Montenegro and Nepal.
Organizers of the competition “Prague Dance Open 2019” informed also that they are proud that the large contest
was great and it was attended by so many participants who came from different countries and presented high
quality of dance performance. Their presentations were evaluated by the authoritative jury. “Despite that it was
Dance competition, all groups went back to their homes very satisfied, which is fantastic.”, said the organizer.
14

15

The third edition of “Ethno Fest Budapest” showed
the folklore diversity of 10 countries
The International Folklore Festival “Ethno Fest Budapest” was attended by 330 participants - members of 13
groups from Greece, Croatia, Romania, Bulgaria, India, Poland, Belarus, Ukraine, Hungary and Norway (Latvian
folklore group coming from Norway).
The third edition of the event was held from 8th till
10th of November 2019 and created festive mood in
the Hungarian capital. Directors of the festival Saša
Bajić and Milo Radoman informed us in details about
the program:
“In the first festival day the program included welcoming
the groups, accommodation and meeting with
leaders. Groups had also free time for sightseeing.
Some of the participants went to a sightseeing cruise
down the Danube river. On November 9th there were
rehearsals and the first concert program of the groups.
Each group presented a 10-minutes program. The concert started at 8 p.m. and in the end four couples from
each group dressed in national costumes as well as their leaders went to the stage to receive the diplomas for
their successful presentation and to exchange gifts between them. On November 10yh, all the performers left
Budapest with the hope to come back again in the Hungarian capital.
Successful edition of the
International Choral Festival in Budapest
International Choral Festival in Budapest which was held from 28th November to 1st December 2019 gathered
together 150 performers from Greece and Bulgaria.
Choirs took part in two concerts on 29th and 30th of December. In
the last concert of the International Choral Festival in Budapest, all the
choirs sang together the anthem of the festival, they received certificates
for participation and exchanged gifts between each other.
Participants had the opportunity to visit the sights of the Hungarian
capital and to experience a boat trip in the Danube river.
16

President of EAFF took part in the
Annual session of the General Assembly of
Regional Center (category 2) under the auspices of UNESCO
President of EAFF Kaloyan Nikolov took part in
the Annual session of the General Assembly of Regional
Center (category 2) for Safeguarding of the Intangible
Cultural Heritage in South- Eastern Europe
under the auspices of UNESCO.
During the meeting, which was held on 5th December
in Sofia, the representatives of the 13th
countries parties of the Center had the opportunity to
discuss the acceptance of the annual financial statement,
the adoption of the activity report, the approval
of the annual work plan for 2020, the approval of the
budget for 2020, the election of members for the Executive
Board, the admission of new members of the
Center, the election of the chairman for the next General
Assembly and the appointment of a date for its
holding.
In the coming year, the Center will seek to involve
all its Member States in the implementation of the
planned activities, with the emphasis being on the
development of an active network of experts and institutions
in the field of intangible cultural heritage.
The main objective is to strengthen the Centre’s partnership
with various key institutions and organizations
- universities, non-governmental organizations
and museums.
The Regional Center will continue to strengthen
the capacity of its Member States to implement the
2003 Convention, giving priority to community involvement
in the preservation of the intangible cultural
heritage, the development of policies related to
the intangible cultural heritage and the use of an international
mechanism for support for further capacity
development within the region.
Capacity-building activities will focus on conducting
seminars at national level, supporting training
networks, publishing an online newsletter and creating
and disseminating scientific reports and journals
in the field of intangible cultural heritage.
During the meeting, the photo exhibition “Dry
stone - art and construction” was also presented.
The dry masonry element has been proposed as
a multinational candidate by the countries of Cyprus,
France, Switzerland, Greece, Spain, Italy, Croatia
and Slovenia.
17

The 14th Session
of the
Committee - UNESCO
started officially
The president of EAFF - European Association of Folklore Festivals,
Mr Kaloyan Niklov is part of this year’s meeting of the Intergovernmental
Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage from
9th till 14th of December in Bogota, Colombia.
Within 6 days, twenty four members of the Intergovernmental Committee
will make balance of recent developments in the 2003 Convention.
They should take important decisions for its implementation.
The Committee will consider guidelines on how to protect the living
heritage in emergencies in the best possible way and will continue to
consider how to improve the involvement of non-governmental organizations
in the implementation of the Convention.
In addition, members of the Committee will examine the status of the
elements listed on the Emergency List and the use of international assistance
provided to States to support their efforts to safeguard the living
heritage.
The Committee will also discuss elements for inclusion in the Convention’s
lists. The status of six elements for inclusion in the List of Intangible
Cultural Heritage in Need of Emergency Protection and forty two
elements in the representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of
Humanity will be examined, as well as three selection proposals in the
Register of Good Conservation Practices.
Three requests for international assistance will also be submitted to
the Committee.
The EAFF’s President is part of the working group on the subject
“Information and Communication Technologies”and will be presenting a
10-minute lecture on “Multimedia channels and holders of intangible cultural
heritage in the world” at the ICH NGO Forum.
The ICH NGO Forum will hold an election to the Steering Committee
on December 11, 2019, in which Mr. Kaloyan Nikolov is nominated as a
member of the Committee for the Eastern Europe.
18

The XII edition of
Interfolk in Russia was
attended by 900 performers
from 12 countries
900 performers took part in the XII International
Folklore Festival “INTERFOLK in
Russia” from 14th till 17th of November 2019.
Saint Petersburg was host of folklore groups
for authentic folklore, vocal groups for processed
folklore, mixed, dance and instrumental
ensembles and orchestras from Belarus, Bulgaria,
France, India, Indonesia, Iran, Latvia,
Portugal, USA, Turkey, Sri Lanka and Estonia.
Festival encouraged the intercultural dialogue
in the field of folklore art gathering
groups and ensembles in Saint Petersburg
from all over the world.
19

The president of EAFF was reelected for member at the ICH NGO
forum to the Steering committee for the region of Eastern Europe
The president of EAFF – Mr. Kaloyan Nikolov was reelected for a member at the ICH forum of the NGO to the
Steering Committee of the Eastern European Region (Electoral Group II).
In order to regulate the balance in the geographical distribution of Committee members, all members of the
ICH forum of NGO are grouped by regional electoral groups, corresponding to the distribution of the UN.
The Forum of NGOs of ICH held elections of the Steering Committee, in which only one candidate was selected
for the region concerned. The Steering Committee consists of 7 members – 6 members responsible for
the respective election regions and one, who is responsible for the international organizations, as the electoral
process is on an overlapping principle. This year were held elections for 4 Electoral groups – II group (Eastern
European region), III group (Latin American and Caribbean region), group V (a) — (African countries) и group V
(b) (Arab countries).
The applicants had 10 minutes, in which they had to represent
themselves and their NGOs, as well as the contribution
they want to make, when they become members of the Steering
Committee.
For Electoral group (III), which covers the Latin American
and Caribbean territories, was reelected Mr. Jorge Gustavo Caicedo.
Mr. Butholezwe Kgosi Nyathi - to the International Center
for Cultural Heritage “Amagugu” – Zimbabwe, was elected as a
member, representing the African countries (group V (a)).
Member of the ICH Forum to the region of Arab countries
(group V (b)) is again Reme Sakr.
Representative of International Non-Governmental Organizations
is Mrs. Naila Ceribasic.
Member of the Steering Committee for the Western European
and North American regions (I group) is Mrs. Meg Nömgård,
and member of the ICH Forum of the NGO to the Steering
Committee of the Asian and Pacific region (group IV) is Mr. Dong
Hwan Choi.
The election council was composed of the following members:
Mrs. Ananya BHATTACHARYA (India), Mrs. Hanhee HAHM (Intangible
Culture Research Center, South Korea) and Mr. Laurier
TURGEON (Folklore Studies Association of Canada).
The first meeting of the General Assembly was held by Mrs. Naila Ceribasic, and Mr Kaloyan Nikolov and Mr.
Dong Hwan Choi were Co-Chairpersons at the second assembly. There they adopted the financial statement,
the activity report of the ICH NGO Forum, discussed the program for the forthcoming year, adopted By lows and
Code of conduct of ICH NGO Forum.
20

Absolute winner in XVI “Black Sea Fest Euro folk – 2019”
is Children and Youth Folk Dance Ensemble “Yuzhnyache”
The absolute winner of this year’s 16th edition of the “Black Sea Fest Euro folk”, which took the Grand Prix
and the award “Golden Orpheus” for 2019 is Children and Youth Folk Dance Ensemble “Yuzhnyache” to “Nikola
Y.Vaptsarov” Community center - Stamboliyski. The artistic director of the group is Mrs. Zhaneta Ivanova, who
was awarded the title “Mastro”.
During the official closing ceremony of the festival, the jury with chairman Maestro Georgi Yankov (choir
conductor) and members: Mr. Damian Damyanov (choreographer) and Mrs. Mariana Nutsova (ethnologist and
program director of Internet TV Euro Folk), awarded the First Awards “Golden Orpheus” in the respective genre
categories to the following artists and ensembles:
Category “Folklore songs, authentic folklore” – Folklore formation
“Kenar” to “Saglasie” Community center, Teteven.
Category “Folklore songs, processed folklore” – Mixed folklore
choir to “Napredak 1869” Community center, Pirdop.
Category “Folklore dances, modern choreography” – “Mitan”
Dance group from Ardabil, Iran.
Category “Folklore dances, modern choreography” – Children’s
dance group
“Madzheri” to “Svetlina 2013” Beguntsi village.
Category “Groups for recreation of folk customs” – Group for
authentic folklore “Klobuchka kitka” to “Kruger Nikolov 1922” Peshtera village, Municipality of Zemen.
Category “Folklore ensembles – authentic folklore” – KUD “Pušća” – Zagreb, Croatia.
In the previous days of the Fest, the jury awarded the first awards “Golden Orpheus” in genre categories to:
Vocal trio “Avliga” from the town of Dupnitsa; Dobrinka Statelova – individual performer of old urban songs from
Lyaskovets; Emsemble “Georgi Chilingirov” Polkovnik Serafimovo village, Female group to Ensemble “Ograzhdenski
glasove” from the village of Lebnitsa and Female chamber group from Svilengrad.
The best performing participants also received the recognition of the hosts of the event:
The special award of the Town Hall Kiten with Mayor Katya Valcheva – Certificates for preservation, promotion
and worthy presentation at this year’s Black Sea Fest and statuette - received the groups from “Nadezhda 1900”
Community village – Chavdar village, Municipality of Chavdar.
The special award of the Municipality of Tsarevo with the mayor Georgi Lapchev - Certificate of Attendance
and Gift Set went to Dance group “Milanovo” to ”Probuda 1927” Community center - Milanovo village, Municipality
of Svoge.
In addition to the diplomas, the groups also received points for ranking in the World Ranking list of Folklore.
The President of the European Association of Folklore Festivals - Mr. Kaloyan Nikolov, officially closed this
year’s 16th edition of the “Black Sea Fest Euro Folk” with the words: “16 years, during which the scenes at the
Black Sea Council in Tsarevo and Kiten welcomed more than 20,000 performers, passed unnoticed. After 16
years, we continue to struggle for the preservation of our identity, for preservation of traditions, striving to pass
them on from our ancestors to our children - this is the most valuable mission of the musical feast.”
21

The secretary of the Convention for the
Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage –
Mr. Tim Curtis invites scientists to join in a research project
The secretary of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage – Mr. Tim Curtis turned
to the non-governmental organizations, accredited to provide advisory services to the Intergovernmental Committee
for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage and in particular to the European Association of
Folklore Festivals - EAFF, with a message, regarding the enrichment of the interactive bibliography for research
references, related to the Convention.
Mr. Curtis informed, that after the adoption of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural
Heritage in 2003 a growing body of research has been undertaken, related to the origin, purpose, use, application
and impacts. Although some of these studies are well known and widespread, a significant part of them is difficult
for access.
For this reason, the Secretariat has launched an interactive bibliography for research related to the Convention.
Hosted by UNESCO and led by independent researchers, this project intends to enhance the ICH-related
research for all stakeholders, involved in the implementation of the 2003 Convention (States Parties, communities,
civil society, practitioners and others) and to foster better communication among researchers working in the field
of intangible cultural heritage.
The Secretary of the Convention expresses his gratitude to the editorial team of researchers, who initiate the
project and coordinate the bibliography, namely Chiara Bortolotto, Harriet Deacon, Cristina Amescua and Misako
Ohnuki (you can contact them at: Coordinators-ICHCRB@lists.unesco.org ).
The appeal includes invitation to the the research community to review the 1000 articles included in the bibliography,
divided by theme, geographical area or language and contribute to the activity by adding new online
referrals.
22

Welcome the astronomical spring and participate in the
VI International Folklore Festival “Keeping traditions”
One of the oldest folk beliefs about welcoming the
spring said that the equinox must be celebrated with many
songs, dances and celebrations. What better opportunity
to celebrate the blossoming nature holiday than to attend
the VI International Folklore Festival “Keeping traditions”?
The event is going to be held from 19th to 23rd of March
2020 in Saint Petersburg, where you can promote your
folklore art and meet talents from all over the world.
The event is a competition and you will get the chance
to show your achievements in the filed of music, songs,
dances, rituals and customs.
If you are part of a duet, vocal, dance or instrumental
folklore group or theater, or you are soloist - do not miss
the opportunity to participate in this folklore competition
and to win one of the honorable prizes.
Besides spreading your music and dance art, you will
also feel the atmosphere of St. Petersburg, visiting the
most magical corners of the city.
23

EAFF - European Association of Folklore Festivals
47 “Nikola Gabrovski” Str.
P.О. Box 27 A
5002 Veliko Tarnovo
Bulgaria
EU - European Union
E-mail: office@eaff.eu
Tel.: +359 (62) 62 15 41
Tel.: +359 (62) 62 34 64
UPCOMING FESTIVALS:
www.eaff.eu
Print: Zoom Print - www.zoom-bg.com
6 “Nikola Y. Vaptsarov” Blvd.
1407 Lozenets, Sofia, Bulgaria
The information in Review of EAFF has been taken from the News section of the official website of EAFF. It is prepared by Mihaela
Georgieva, translated by Yoanna Stoilova and Ivangelina Angelova, designed by Tsvetomila Miteva
Printed by: Zoom Center - www.zoom-bg.com