EAFF_2021_14

THE ONLINE EDITION OF
THE EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP
OF FOLKLORE “EURO FOLK 2020”
HAS STARTED - LET THE VIRTUAL COMPETITION IN
SINGING, PLAYING AND DANCING BEGIN
The conditions caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic call for the cancellation of a number of established
folklore events around the world, and the global Internet is the only way for artistic expression. The European Association
of Folklore Festivals turns the screens of your computers and smartphones into cyber scenes and welcomes
all the bearers of European folk arts to join the first online edition of the European Championship of Folklore “Euro
Folk 2020”.
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In response to the situation, created by the spread of COVID-19, the imposed social distance and the economic
crisis, EAFF offers you an alternative opportunity for expression and creative contacts, which will save transportation
and accommodation costs. The purpose of the upcoming virtual meeting is to help performers make a smooth
transition to the new requirements of our time and prove that folklore music and dance arts cannot be stopped or
limited by time and space.
The European Championship of Folklore will take place entirely online and will be accessible to everyone, no
matter what part of the country and the world you are in. The online forum is held as part of the Musical Feasts
“Euro folk” and is being organized by Euro Folk Academy and the European Association of Folklore Festivals -
EAFF.
In the period 10.06 – 30.06.2020 the organizers accept applications for participation and video recordings, as
on 1.07.2020 the video clips of all participants will be published in a platform, specially created on the web page
of EAFF and the online voting will begin, as it will continue until 17.07.2020. A meeting of the jury will be held on
18.07.2020 and on 19.07.2020 the results of the online voting and the evaluations of the jury will be published.
Be interactive and have fun, sending songs and instrumental performances from 2 to 5 minutes, dances - from 3
to 10 minutes, customs and ensemble performances - from 5 to 15 minutes. You can participate with amateur and
professional videos made up to 2 years ago.
If you represent folklore ensembles, folklore singing and dancing groups, choirs, folklore dance clubs, groups
for old urban songs, brass and folk orchestras, individual performers, duets or trios – become part and delight the
audience with your inspiring performances!
A commission of an authoritative and highly qualified jury will determine which participants will be awarded with
high honors for their performance, covering all three criteria - level of complexity, performance and stage behavior.
Оnline voting will award a diploma “Audience Award” in different categories.
With this new form of communication we will overcome isolation and stay together in this challenge, because
folklore has always been, is and will be shared knowledge!
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Video interview presents the artistic director of KSD
“Bambi” who is informing about the work of the group
and the situation in Austria during the pandemic
Pandemic situation caused by COVID-19 spread affected the processes of preservation and dissemination
of folklore worldwide. In accordance with that the European Association of Folklore Festivals - EAFF made a research.
The research involved also the artistic director of KSD “Bambi” Mr Vladan Radojkovic. He took part in an
online interview in order to share more details about the work of the group in conditions of pandemic and how is
it possible to preserve the traditions in the current situation, according to him.
The group represented by Mr Radojkovic is among the winners of the Xth European Championship of Folklore
“Euro Folk” 2018 - winner of Golden medal in category “Folklore ensembles - authentic folklore” and the Nomination
for the Grand Prix Golden “Orpheus”. KSD “Bambi” is one of the oldest associations in Vienna and the purpose
of the cultural and sports association is to represent the Serbian community who live in Austia since 1970.
Here are details about the situation in Vienna and how KSD “Bambi” manages to preserve the Serbian folklore.
1. Hi, how are you?
Hello. I’m very glad you are interested in us. We are
doing great. We hope so are you.
2. Where are you at the moment?
Me and my team are in Vienna right now. We are living
and working here.
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3. Your team is among the winners in X European
Championship of Folklore “Euro folk 2018”, held under the
auspices of EAFF, what memories do you keep from this
participation?
Yes, we won in the EAFF championship in 2018. We
have beautiful memories of it...We hope that we can participate
in one of your festivals again in close future. We
are telling everyone and and everywhere about it, that we
were part of it and winners.
4. What is the current epidemiological situation in your
country?
The epidemiological situation in Austria is getting
better and more stable every day. We are expecting the
measure to be loosened up even more, so that we can go
back in the rehearsal room and continue with our work in
the field of traditions and folklore.
5. Do you manage to rehearse with the group in pandemic
conditions?
Unfortunately it wasn’t possible to rehearse due to the
social distancing measures. In the beginning only people
who live together were allowed to have contact. It was really
strict. We tried to rehearse via the Internet, but didn’t
really work out, so now we can’t wait to continue where
we have stopped.
6. How do you conduct rehearsals?
Of course this situation is having an impact on the
preservation of every tradition and folklore. It is very problematic.
It is a really long period, where it’s impossible to
rehearse. We tried via the Internet, but it didn’t really work
out. As you know, our dances are danced in circles and
semi-circles, where the dancers are connected. So everyone
tried to rehearse some dances from home alone.
That’s all we managed to do.
7. Do you think that the new situation has a negative
impact on the processes of preservation and
spread of folklore?
Like I said, it’s really hard to preserve traditions in
such a situation. As you know, we have to rehearse
in a rehearsal room and everything is happening in
the rehearsal room or on the terrain. And this is impossible
in the moment.
8. Do you have your own idea or observation of
how traditions can be preserved in the new situation?
The only possibility and proposal is to give “homework”
via the Internet. Currently there are no other
opinions. But we are expecting the government to
allow us to continue our work very soon.
9. Would you participate in a webinar with a sample
topic “The folklore in conditions of social isolation”?
I, personality, am always open to seminars and
all kinds of suggestions. I would be pleased to take
part in one of your seminars, but the biggest problem
is that I don’t speak English. Otherwise I would be
glad to take part.
10. How long after the end of social isolation
would you be ready for a stage performance?
In my opinion it will take us at least one to two
months to get back in shape and regain enough energy
so that we can perform some of our program
and repertoire. One month is very optimistic, I believe
that two months are more realistic. But we will
give our best so that this can happen as soon and
well as possible.
Vladan Radojkovic ended the interview with the
following words: “Finally, I would like to send greetings
to all of you. I want you to be happy, satisfied,
healthy and to continue to preserve the traditions by
organizing your beautiful festivals”.

647 participants from 7 countries performed at the
International Online Dance Festival “DANCE onLINE”
647 participants from 7 countries represented their dance skills in the International Online festival “DANCE
onLINE”. The forum was held on 6 and 7 June 2020 in the global internet and provided a field for dancers from
the Russian Federation, the Republic of Belarus, Ukraine (Luhansk region), Poland, Italy, Belgium and the United
States. Winner of the prestigious Grand Prix is Alena Kostigina. She was awarded a free trip to one of the next
offline festivals of the creative association.
Three dance groups have been awarded certificates that bring a discount for the participation of 5 dancers
in one of the next offline festivals, which will be held by the same organizers. The distinguished ensembles are:
Exemplary dance ensemble “Carouse” from the Republic of Belarus, Ballet Studio “Magical shoes” from Russia
and Dance company “E.SPERIMENTI” from Italy.
The winner of the “Online voting for the best dance group” is the dance group “Cheleesh” from Kyzyl, Russia.
The virtual quiz, held within the event, was won by Alexei Ivanchuk, a representative of the dance group “Souvenir”.
The international jury awarded the groups according to all categories and age divisions based on the results
of the protocols with laureates I - III degree and diplomas I - III place.
The festival provided an opportunity, even in a pandemic environment, to overcome the barriers between
countries and to present the colorful cultures of different nations.
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Absolute European Champion of Folklore for 2020 is
Folklore choir to CYDA “Graovche” (Pernik, Bulgaria)
Absolute European Champion of Folklore for 2020 is Folklore choir to CYDE “Graovche” (Pernik, Bulgaria).
By participating in the online contest with the songs “Devoyka e tsarni ochi klela” and “Zarad tebe libe”, the ensemble
won a golden medal, Grand Prix “Golden Orpheus” and a prize of 1000 Euro in the form of voucher for
future participation in the European Championship of Folklore “Euro Folk”.
At the second place in the final ranking of the online edition is the Tambura Orchestra at the Music School
“Dugo Selo”, Dugo Selo, Croatia. The performers of “Jutro u ravniciса” are awarded with silver medal, “Silver
Orpheus”, diplomа “Vice-European Champion of Folklore for 2020”, as well as a cash prize of 500 Euro in the
form of voucher for the upcoming participation in the European Folklore Championship “Euro Folk”.
With “Bronze Orpheus”, bronze medal and money prize of 300 Euro in the form of voucher for participation
in the European Championship of Folklore “Euro folk” was awarded Mixed choir “Latgale” – Daugavpils, Latvia.
The third in the final ranking of the forum competed in the online competition with the Latgalian folklore song
“Visi ciema suņi rēja”.
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The jury, composed of maestro Georgi Yankov - music specialist, Valentin Halvadzhiev - choreographer,
Mariana Nutsova - ethnologist and program director of Eurofolk TV and Prof. Nikolay Kravtsov - Honored Artist
in Russia, Dean of St. Petersburg Institut of Culture and Arts, awarded special prizes for the best performers
according to the respective categories:
Authentic costume - CFG “Balkanski buket” and CFG “Aprilski kambani” (Apriltsi, Bulgaria).
Stage costume - KUD “Biser” (Velika Kladuša, Bosnia and Herzegovina).
Contemporary arrangement - Vocal group “Iris” (Nov Grad (Odintsovo region) Russia).
Artistry - “Dievcata” (Bratislava, Slovakia)
Soloist - Madlen Chobanova (Sofia, Bulgaria)
Video presentation - Ensemble “Arqavaneh” (Isfahan, Islamic Republic of Iran)
Musical composition - Dario Cebic (Croatia)
For preservation of the intangible cultural heritage - Folklore ensemble “ACIDAVA” (Piatra-Olt, Romania)
Discovery - Valentin Emilov Todorov at “Emilian Stanev” Secondary School - (Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria)
Award for continuity is given to - Dance ensemble “Milanovo” to “Probuda – 1927” Community center – Milanovo
village, Municipality of Svoge, Bulgaria.
Maestro Academician – Mariana Yankulova – artistic director of Folklore choir to CYFE “Graovche” and
Folklore choir “Graovki” to CSPP - UCC – Pernik, Bulgaria; Dario Cebic – artistic director of Tambura orchestra
at “Dugo Selo” Musical school, Dugo Selo, Croatia;
Maestro – Anita Zarane – artistic director of Mixed choir “Latgale” – Daugavpils, Latvia .
The highly qualified jury also evaluated the groups, that meet the requirements according to the criteria:
Level of complexity and technique of performance - Duet Natalia Chokova, Darina Leleka (Nikolaev,
Ukraine)
Presentation / costumes, props, staging, choice of repertoire / - Folklore group “Krakovienka” (Trebatice,
Slovakia)
Stage behavior /behavior, stage manner, artistry/ - “Dolly” (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
The award of the audience deservedly goes to “UNITY IN DIVERSITY” Reiga to the University “Seni Religi
Sebelas Maret” (Surakarta, Indonesia). The video of the performance of the ensemble has 3591 views and 1500
likes in YouTube.
The Special award of Eurofolk TV goes to Children’s and youth dance ensemble “Kyustendilche” (Kyustendil,
Bulgaria).The performers will be able to take advantage of free video recording. The organization and shooting
of the video will take place with the participation of the winner of the award in the European Championship or
World Championship of Folklore in the coming years.
The team of the European Association of Folklore Festivals provided an opportunity for exchange of impressions
and ideas by holding an online meeting with the artistic directors of the participating groups and individual
performers, which was joined bythe President of EAFF - Mr. Kaloyan Nikolov and the members of the jury.
Thanks to the virtual “stage” of the European Championship “Euro Folk” 2020, we managed to overcome
the isolation and stay together in this challenge, because folklore has always been, is and will be shared knowledge!

The third session of the ICH Webinar was held
On July 30th, 2020, the third session of the ICH Webinar
was held. Thanks to the organization of the ICHCAP and
the UNESCO Office in Bangkok, participants and lectors in
the online edition of the event presented ideas for implementation
of initiatives for cooperation and networking between
the universities in regard with the safeguarding of the
intangible cultural heritage by the regional networks - Africa,
Latin America, Europe, Asia and the Pasific region.
This session’s purpose is continuing the efforts for better
understanding of the integration between the intangible cultural
heritage and higher education which obviously meet
more and more difficulties in the present times. The COVID-
19 pandemic requires measures that affect the activity of the educational centers such as: closure of schools,
online teaching through online platforms and interruption of research work.
You can watch the recordings from the Webinar and learn more about the importance of educational activities
for the preservation of the intangible cultural heritage.
The fourth session of the ICH
Webinar Series is broadcasting live
The fourth session of the ICH Webinar Series takes place on August 12, 2020 from 16:00 to 17:30 (Korean
Standard Time) and focuses the discussions of experts and participants on the development of curricula, focusing
on the way in which intangible cultural heritage is introduced in the educational processes and enriches the
university conditions.
Interregional curricula related to the intangible cultural
heritage are discussed by the Executive Director of the
International Cultural Foundation of Uganda - Ms. Emily
Drani, by the Professor at the University of the South Pacific
- Dr. Francis K. Koya Wakauta and by the Professor
at the University of South Pacific. - Dr. Mark Jacobs.
You can become a viewer of the discussions through
a live broadcast of the session on the following channels:
YouTube Live (English), YouTube Live (Korean), Facebook
Live (English).
The event is co-organized by the International Information
and Network Center for the Intangible Cultural
Heritage of Asia and the Pacific under the auspices of
UNESCO (ICHCAP) and the UNESCO office in Bangkok.
THE COLORFUL AND VIBRANT ISTANBUL HOSTED THE
INTERNATIONAL FOLKLORE AND MUSIC FESTIVAL
International Folklore and Music Festival in Istanbul (Turkey) was held in the period September 23 - 27,
2020. Director of the festival is Mr Milutin Lukic.
Colorful and vibrant city fascinated the participants in the musical event with its most popular landmarks.
Folklore of the nations got alive presented in the atmosphere of the bustling metropolis that divides two continents
and captivates every visitor with its rich history.
You can check the rules of the next edition of the International Folklore and Music Festival in Istanbul, which
will take place from 22 to 25 October 2020.
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International Folklore Festival
will bring together more than 18 countries virtually
Due to the pandemic, traditional ABrasOFFA festival innovated and reinvented themselves.
Have you ever wondered getting to know a little bit more about the popular culture of different countries of the
world for two days in the comfort of your home and without having to take an air plane?
For the first time in 28 years, the Brazilian Association of Folklore and Popular Arts Festival Organizers (ABrasOFFA)
will have the International Folklore Festival of Brazil held in virtual form on August 22 and 23, with the
theme “Folklore unites us and the Earth touches and dances for peace. ‘’ With the advancement of Covid-19
around the world, the event in person could not be held. The last edition took place in 2018 in Pernambuco.
“The festival aims to rescue, preserve and aggregate folk culture and we have done so. We are present in
exchanges with more than 100 countries ”, says Helena Lourenço, president of ABrasOFFA.
In addition, the NGO has already been representing Brazil as one of the Brazilian entities highlighted in the
“Best initiatives for peace” at Unesco.
“We have been in France for two years and we have been working on cultural exchanges with different countries.
The last one before the pandemic was in Uzbekistan in April 2019, then we went to the United Arab Emirates
”, says Helena.
Due to the pandemic, the event that receives people from all over the world, needed to reinvent itself. So far,
groups from 18 countries have confirmed their presence at the virtual festival such as Romania, Spain, Greece,
Czech Republic, Netherlands, Bulgaria, Brazil, Ghana, Argentina, Chile, South Korea, South Africa, Mexico, Colombia
and Venezuela.
The presentations will be shown on the NGO’s social media on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and
Youtube, at different times on account of the outside.
Side events
Within the festival will also be worked on parallel projects of the entity aimed at 50 years of “Earth Day”.
Planting the tree of peace: It is a symbolism in honor of the planet and peace, in which all peoples come together.
A couple from each participating group will plant a live tree in their countries, wearing typical clothing and
a message to the festival.
The idea is to show that all peoples together at that moment, where conflicts and wars are forgotten.
Steps for peace: The groups will send photos of other countries that are not the participants in movement of
their steps, dancing with their clothes, bringing messages.
A look for peace: They are the painted faces of these people, they will send by videos and they will also bring
a message of support.
Clothesline of peace: Children, in their condominiums and schools, through drawings and letters will be able
to exhibit their positive messages to the planet. These activities will be distributed and displayed.
Commemorative stamp at the Post Office: On August 22nd, the Official Stamp will also be launched in honor
of the International Folklore Festival in Brazil and the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. The stamps will be used in
the letters prepared by students from several Brazilian and foreign school units. In addition, exchanges will take
place between them.
ABRASOFFA
ABrasOFFA’s main objective is to recover and preserve such folk cultures and popular arts. The organization,
based in the city of Santos, was founded in 1987, is linked to IOV - Internationale Organization für Volkskunst,
based in Austria and corresponding member of CIOFF - International Council of Organizers of Folk Festivals,
based in France. In 2005, the projects: “Circuito BRASIL FEST IN FOLK - International Folklore Festival of Brazil®”
and “Network of Young Volunteers for the Culture of Peace” received the Unesco Official Seal.
Since 2017, ABrasOFFA has special consultative status from ECOSOC UN.
Translator: Bárbara Soares da Silva - casadatraducao@gmail.com
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Winners in the third stage of the
International Online Festival-Contest
“World of Talents - 2020” were announced
The third stage of the International Online Festival-Contest “World of Talents - 2020”was held in the period
August 15th - 25th, 2020.
Director of the virtual competition Mrs Mariam Odisharia announced the winners:
Grand prix in the category “Solo vocal”, age group - 13-15 years old - Kirana Larasati
First place in the category “Instrumental solo - piano”, age group - 10-12 years old - Aira Dikaputra Virahadja
Dhea Ashilla Lendra won the first place in the category “Choreography solo (folklore)”, age group 13-15 years
old
Faiza Aretha won the first place in the category “Readers (story telling)”, age group 13-15 years old
First place in the category “Group instrumental (mixed ensembles, music - folklore and modern)”, age group
13-15 years old - Ensemble “SMPN 7 BANDUNG CLASS F”
Stefani Petrova Nikolova won the congratulations of the jury for her performance in the category “Solo vocal”,
age group 10-12 years old.
The International Forum honored performers with well-deserved second and third awards, which are a cause
for joy and pride for both artistic directors and the artists themselves.
Participation in this competition helped to present the art of music and dance of many cultures at the international
level, and the preparation for the online presentation led to the increase of the level of stage skills and
experience of the participants.
ICH NGO Conference in 2020 is broadcasting now
The conference of ICH NGO in 2020 is organized jointly by ICHCAP and ICH NGO FORUM. The conference
will be held on 12 and 13 November 2020. The program of the international meeting will be broadcast live
through the ICHCAP YouTube channel on both the first and second day.
The event takes place under the motto “ICH and resilience in crisis”, and the purpose of the discussions is
for participants to understand in depth the breadth, the role and challenges of ICH NGOs, especially in the field
of education.
The purpose of the online forum is to better reveal the relationship between intangible cultural heritage and
education in the field of sustainable development, enabling non-governmental organizations to find good practices
and share useful experiences, informing about their activities.
The conference secretariat informed that despite the unexpected crisis of COVID-19, many non-governmental
organizations continue to protect the intangible cultural heritage using various methods based on local
experience.
The meeting aims to build new networks and strengthen already existing ones among the NGOs in the pursuit
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of sustainable human development.

Bulgarian and Ukranian folklore met on the stage
of the Folklore Festival “Ethno Rhythms 2020”
More than 200 participants from all over Bulgaria and 130 performers from Ukraine performed at the folklore
festival “Ethno Rhythms 2020”.
The fifth folklore festival
“Ethno Rhythms” this year was
held from 4 to 8 September in
the Golden Sands resort, Municipality
of Varna (Bulgaria).
The event is organized in partnership
with the Varna Tourist
Chamber and with the support
of the Municipality of Varna.
The festival was opened by
Mr. Ilin Dimitrov, Chairman of
the Varna Tourist Chamber.
The two concert evenings
were attended by representatives
of 20 groups from 11 areas
in the country - Veliko Tarnovo,
Vratsa, Pleven, Burgas, Vidin,
Silistra, Kyustendil, Haskovo,
Dobrich, Lovech and Smolyan.
Dancers, singers and musicians represented different musical ethnographic regions - Thrace, Dobrudzha, Northern
Bulgaria, Shopluka and the Rhodopes.
130 participants from 15 groups represented Ukraine. Each Ukrainian singing group had prepared a Bulgarian
song especially for the forum. In addition to Ukrainian song folklore, in the performances of Ukrainians we
heard favorite Bulgarian folklore songs such as “Petko, le, kapitane”, “Lilyano, mome”, “Nazad, nazad, mome,
Kalino”, “Cherna kokoshka” and many others.
The Ukrainian participants also presented an exhibition - a bazaar of Ukrainian folk crafts - works “Petrikov
painting”, a symbol of hard work and aesthetic ideals of Ukrainians.
The award ceremony for the participants in the musical evenings took place at the end of the second concert
evening. Each group received a certificate of participation, a plaque and a bag with advertising materials provided
by the Municipality of Varna.
The award for the youngest participant on the stage went to the twelve-year-old singer Victoria Nikolova, from
the village of Ribaritsa, Lovech, and the award for the oldest performer in the forum was given to the accordionist
Petar Dobrev, 78, from the village of Sredishte, Silistra.
The award for the most numerous group went to the “Sabuzhdane- 1927” Community Center. The group from
the village of Radievo, Haskovo has 40 members.
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Absolute winner of the XVII edition of the
Black Sea Fest “Euro Folk” this year is
Ensemble “Kapantsi” from Getsovo village
The absolute winner of the XVII edition of the Black Sea Fest “Euro Folk” this year is Ensemble “Kapantsi”,
Getsovo village (Bulgaria). Performers received the Grand Prix and the prize Golden “Orpheus”. This year the
festival was attended by almost 70 vocal groups, dance groups, orchestras, ensembles and individual performers
from all the ethnographic areas of Bulgaria. The stage of “Kremikovtsi” Hotel (Kiten) hosted 1000 singers, dancers
and musicians who expressed their love to folklore and turned the festival into one of the most colorful musical
events of the Music Feasts “Euro Folk”.
The jury commission has the aim to assess the performances of the participants in 6 categories and 2 age
groups and consists of: Mr Damyan Damyanov - choreographer, Mrs. Mariana Nutsova - ethnologist, script writer
and director of EuroFolkTV studios, Maestro Georgi Yankov - musical expert and choir conductor, who assessed
the participants online.
You can watch the live broadcasting of the two 4-hour concerts that were held on 4th September and 5th September
and also the official awarding ceremony.
First prize Golden “Orpheus” in the category “Groups for folklore songs - authentic folklore” went to Group
“Orehovo” at the “Rodopsko badeshte 1895” Community center from Orehovo village (Bulgaria) and the Ensemble
“Georgi Chilingirov” at the “Otets Paisiy 1926” from Polkovnik Serafimovo village (Bulgaria).
Golden “Orpheus” in the category “Groups for folklore songs - processed folklore” went to Folklore trio “Avliga”
at the “Peyo Kr. Yavorov 1978” Community center from Dupnitsa, Kyustendil region, Bulgaria (chamber composition)
and to the representatives of the village of Katuntsi, Folklore vocal ensemble “Sharena kitka” at the “Prosveta
1935” Community center (for ensembles).
In the category “Groups for folklore songs, modern arrangement - choirs”, the prize Golden “Orpheus” went to
Mixed folklore choir at the “Napredak 1969” Community center from Pirdop, Bulgaria.
Trio “IMPRESIA” at the “V. Levski 1861” Community center from Karlovo, Bulgaria won the Golden “Orpheus”
in the category “Old urban songs”.
Dance ensemble “Suhanche” at the “Asen Zlatarov 1921” Community center from Suhache village, Bulgaria
won the Golden “Orpheus” in the category “Groups for folklore dances, modern choreography, up to 18 years of
age”.
For their authentic performance, Ensemble for spring folklore “Denizlertsi” that includes both Dance group
“Denizlertsi” and Mummers youth group “Cherni kukeri” at the “Svetlina 1904” Community center from the village
of Varnentsi, municipality Tutrakan won the first prize in their genre category.
In the category “Dance clubs”, the prize went to Dance club “Kitka” from Krumovgrad, Bulgaria.
The jury also awarded the Ensemble “Georgi Chilingirov” at the “Otets Paisiy 1926” from Polkovnik Serafimovo
village, Bulgaria, they won first prize.
Special prize of the Kiten City hall, Mayor Nikolay Markov - statue and a Diploma for participation and honorable
presentation of folklore art in the XVII edition of the Black Sea Fest “Euro Folk” went to “Hristo Smirnenski”
Community center, Cherni Vit village, Bulgaria.
Organizers Euro Folk Academy also prepared a special prize - Diploma for essential contribution to the preservation
and development of folklore arts went to Mr Marin Yotov from Cherni Vit village. He kept the flag of Georgi
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Benkovski for several decades. Replica of the relic could be seen during the award ceremony.
“The tradition and spiritual wealth of our ancestors, which we pass on to future generations, is not a purpose
for a small group of people. The spread of traditions is the only way in the future for people, united by their cultural
identity to have the strength to overcome the hardships of the time, to have the courage to deal with various crises
- political, economic, health, not only social but also personal. “ - with these words the President of the European
Association of Folklore Festivals - Mr. Kaloyan Nikolov officially closed the edition of the Festival in 2020.
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Children’s-youth dance ensemble “Kyustendilche” from Kyustendil
(Bulgaria) is the Absolute world champion of folklore in 2020
Children’s-youth dance ensemble “Kyustendilche” from Kyustendil (Bulgaria) was awarded the first place of
the Xth World Championship of Folklore “World Folk” 2020 that was held from 15th to 22nd of September. The
group received the title “Absolute World Champion in 2020”, Diploma for participation in the online edition, Laureate
Ist degree, Golden medal and the Grand Prix Golden “Orpheus”.
President of the European Association of Folklore Festivals - Mr Kaloyan Nikolov awarded a cash prize of
1000 Euro - voucher for participation in the World Championship of Folklore “World Folk”, provided by the organizers
to the winners.
The authoritative jury awarded the second place to the Folklore Ensemble “Heelig”, Kizil (Russia). Ensemble
won Diploma for participation in the online edition, Laureate Ist degree, Silver medal of the forum, title “Absolute
World Vice Champion in 2020”, Silver “Orpheus” and cash prize of 500 Euro as a voucher for participation in the
World Championship of Folklore “World Folk”.
The third place went to two groups - Group “AS”, Bucharest (Romania) and Sanggar Kesenian Aceh (SAKA)
UGM, Yogyakarta (Indonesia). Both groups received Diploma for participation in the online edition of “World
Folk” 2020, Laureate Ist degree, Bronze medal, Bronze “Orpheus” and cash prize of 300 Euro as a voucher for
participation in the next edition of the forum.
Group “AS”, Bucharest (Romania) also received the special award of EuroFolkTV.
The chairman of the jury was Prof. Nikolay Kravtsov - Honored Artist in Russia, Professor, Candidate of Art
History, Dean of the St. Petersburg State Institute of Culture and Art, Laureate “Zolotoy Knigi Otechestva” (Golden
Book of Motherland). Members of the jury were: Mrs Tsatsral Baatar - director of the Asian Championship of
Folklore “Asia Folk”; Mrs Mariana Nutsova - ethnologist and program director of EuroFolkTV; Maestro Georgi
Yankov - musical expert and Mr Valentin Halvadzhiev - choreograoher.
Special prize “Award of the spectators”, definied by the online voting of the audience on the platform of
EAFF, went to Ensemble for Polish songs “Kasia-Katarzyna” from Ekaterinburg (Russia). Simona Zaharieva from
Haskovo (Bulgaria) won the prize for the littlest participant.
Special prizes such as “modern arrangement”, “appearance”, “stage presence”, “costume”, “technique of performance”,
“discovery of the forum”, “authenticity”, “soloist” and “continuity between the generations”, Laureate
titles Ist, IInd and IIIrd degree went to part of the participants in different categories. Winners of Laureate title Ist
degree received also 10% discount from the fee for participation in the XI World Championship of Folklore “World
Folk” 2021.
More information about the final ratings of all the 87 groups and individual performers from 14 countries and
3 continents you can find on the regulation of the Championship on the website, section “Champions” and the
videos may be watched in the section “View online participants”.
An online live broadcast was held as part of the World Forum, which gave the jury the opportunity to summarize
and announce their impressions of the participants’ performance and to comment on important topics related
to the preservation and dissemination of folklore arts.
16

International ONLINE Dance Festival “ART Life” gave an
opportunity for participation of 450 performers from 11 countries
The International ONLINE Dance Festival “ART Life” gave an opportunity for participation of 450 performers
from 11 countries. On the 18th and 19th of October, with the help of the global Internet network, St. Petersburg
has once again become the center of international choreographic events.
The beauty of dance art was presented by performers from Russia, Belarus, Iran, USA, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Ukraine, Malaysia, Indonesia, Kazakhstan and the United Kingdom.
Participants that were awarded by the international jury and the audience vote:
• Grand-Prix winner - is Sven.K.Dance meets James Pett from Great Britain from London
• Free participation in the festival organized by BALTIC PEARL (or 125 Euro) is awarded to Exemplary
children’s dance ensemble “Surprise” from Russia, St. Petersburg
• For purity and exactitude of acting – is awarded to “Medvedev children’s art school named after K. Smirnov
“. Russia
• For aspiration and insistence in dancing – is awarded to Ballet school of Olga Kyndlová, Czech Republic,
Prague
• For originality and brightness of choreography – is awarded to Ekaterina Leontyeva, Russia, Ulyanovsk
• For brilliant preparation of dance performance – is awarded to Sanggar Kesenian Aceh (SAKA) UGM
- Indonesia, Jakarta
• For artistry and brilliant style of performance – is awarded to Tunes Tari Minden, Malaysia, Penang
• For fidelity to classical heritage – is awarded to Odessa city Children’s Dance School Solo Yaroslava
Shevchenko
• The prize for high performing skills in the amount or 65 Euro gets Ballet school “Florin” Solo Natalie
Ruskova
• Winner in online voting “Best dance group” on Instagram - Sanggar Kesenian Aceh (SAKA) UGM, Indonesia,
Jakarta
The director of “ART Life” - Mr. Artur Nikiforov announced that preparations are underway for more than 7 offline
festivals, which will take place in the winter, spring and summer of 2021.
Follow the latest music and dance festivals, which daily fill the wide range of upcoming events on the EAFF
website.
17

Winners in the online
Music competition
“Asia Folk 2020”
have been announced
Online Music competition “Asia Folk 2020” was a great opportunity to promote Mongolian folklore. Virtual
event was held in the period September 2nd to 15th, attracting participants from Bulgaria, Iran, Malaysia, Indonesia,
Poland, Belarus, Slovenia and Lithuania.
64 artists in total took part in the musical competition presenting the Mongolian folklore song “Ser ser salhi”
processed in a new arrangement with traditional for their nation musical instruments combining Mongolian traditions
with their own folklore richness.
“This forum is proof that we can live in a cultural world without any borders, we can meet each other through
music which we feel in our hearts without any reason..”, added the director of the festival Mrs Tsatsral Baatar.
In the competition, performers from 8 countries, with different lifestyles and cultures, understood and felt the
song “Ser ser salhi”, recreating it in a fantastic way, typical of the Mongols and ancient nomads, but with a harmony
that emphasizes their folklore art.
The organizers decided to make the online event an annual tradition as part of the Asian Folklore Championship.
The jury, composed of Mr. Baatar Dagvanamdal, Mr. Sosorbaram Dogmid, Mr. Enkhtsetseg Danzan, honored
the following participants in the “Asia Folk 2020” competition:
LAB Art Project, Kabupaten Agam (Indonesia) - winner of certificate Ist degree, invitation for the Asian Championship
of Folklore “Asia Folk 2020” and voucher for participation of 5 people including hotel, food and inner
transport.
TUNI RANDAVI, Sandakan (Malaysia) - winner of certificate Ist degree, invitation for the Asian Championship
of Folklore “Asia Folk 2020” and voucher for participation of 5 people including hotel, food and inner transport.
Group Family, Sofia (Bulgaria) - winner of certificate IInd degree, invitation for the Asian Championship of
Folklore “Asia Folk 2020” and voucher of 500 USD.
Mehr, Tehran (Iran) - winner of certificate IInd degree, invitation for the Asian Championship of Folklore “Asia
Folk 2020” and voucher for participation of 5 people including hotel, food and inner transport.
Sławomir Niemiec, Aleksandrów (Poland) - winner of certificate IInd degree, invitation for the Asian Championship
of Folklore “Asia Folk 2020” and voucher for participation of 1 person including hotel, food and inner
transport.
• Children’s folklore vocal group at Iordan Iovkov Secondary school, Kardzhali (Bulgaria) - winner of certificate
IInd degree
• Jaka Waldhütter, Ruše (Slovenia) - winner of certificate IInd degree
• Shalale art school, Tabriz (Iran) - winner of certificate IInd degree
• Fado Ensemble, Tehran (Iran) - winner of certificate IInd degree
• PERSATUAN SENI BUDAYA TUARAN SABAH (PESTA), Tamparuli (Malaysia) - winner of certificate IInd
degree
• Avat ensemble, Kerman (Iran) - winner of certificate IInd degree
• Folklore ensemble of folk instruments “Kruglica”, Stowbtsy (Belarus) - winner of certificate IInd degree
• Ginas Baladinskas, Kaunas (Lithuania) - winner of certificate IIIrd degree
18

19

120 participants from 20
countries took part in the International
Grand Music Competition - Online
120 participants competed in the online edition of the International
Grand Music Competition in the period 25 September - 1 October
2020.
Talented musicians and vocal performers from China, USA, Germany,
Poland, Russia, Moldova, Republic of Korea, Vietnam, North
Macedonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Italy, Australia, Portugal,
Indonesia, Bulgaria, India and Israel presented the beauty of
their art in front of the limitless audience with two videos of their performances.
The Grand Prix in the categories “String instruments” and “Piano
instruments” went to the individual performer Shang-En Hsieh from
Taiwan (China province).
Ensemble “Apeiron Trio” from Poland won the prize for artistry.
The group also received an invitation for participation in a concert in
the Moscow Conservatory in 2021. Deniz Yakin from Mersin, Turkey
won the “Audience award” with her amazing violin performance
of the H. Wieniawski: Etude - Caprice Op. 18
No. 3 / N. Paganini: Caprice Op.1 No 13.
You can find more information about the rankings on
the regulation page of the competition and the videos of
participants - in the section “View online participants”.
20

The president of EAFF has shared knowledge
andexperience in the “Silk Road -
ICH Network 2020” Webinar
President of the European Association of Folklore Festivals, Mr Kaloyan Nikolov has shared his experience
and knowledge in the Webinar: Life, Environment, and ICH along the Silk Roads & Strategic Meeting on Silk
Roads ICH Networking.
Mr Nikolov was one of the twenty fifth experts from ten countries who have given recommendations in the field,
during the online forum that was held on 18th and 19th of November 2020.
The aim of the webinar is to create mechanisms to ensure the effective sharing of information related to ICH
safeguarding.
ICHCAP intends to undertake activities to enhance access to and the availability of ICH information and
strengthen information and networking capacity, targeting ICH stakeholders.
As part of these efforts, ICHCAP has teamed up with Korea-Central Asia Cooperation Forum Secretariat and
IICAS to develop a survey about ICH festivals along the Silk Roads. This program is the first phase of a longerterm
commitment to extend the network to include other ICH forms in the future.
ICHCAP has supported
ICH networking in Central
Asia, the northern Silk Roads
axis, for the past decade. ICH-
CAP and Uzbekistan signed
a three-party MOU to activate
the Silk Road intangible
cultural heritage network in
2019, which was followed by a
Central Asia Sub-regional network
meeting in Almaty, Kazakhstan,
2019.
Two-day program of the
webinar was live on the
YouTube channel of ICHCAP
in English, Korean and Russian
languages.
21

Grand Prix winners in the online edition of
the World Cup of Folklore - Veliko Tarnovo
are Tom Pastuhov and Alexander Gibatov
Winners of the Grand Prix of the online World Cup of Folklore - Veliko Tarnovo 2020 are Tom Pastuhov and
Aleksander Gibatov. Representatives of Baltym, Russia won the Diploma for first place, the Cup - Grand Prix,
Golden medal and money prize - voucher of 700 Euro.
On December 11th, 2020, the rankings of participants in the fourth edition of the competition was announced
during an online meeting between the participants, artistic directors, jury and organizers of the event.
Group for recreation of Christmas traditions (Caroling group) from Babuk, Bulgaria won the second place of
the contest. Artistic director of the group is Neno Petrov. The group won Diploma, Cup and Silver medal, as well
as voucher for 500 Euro.
Orchestra to the Ensemble “Gantari Gita” from South Jakarta, Indonesia with artistic leaders Doni Yoshida and
Cheelvy won the third place. The group received Diploma, Cup, Bronze medal and voucher for 300 Euro.
Money prizes for the winners of the first three places are like vouchers for participation in the World Championship
of Folklore “World Folk”, valid for 3 years.
The performance that won the largest number of viewers’ votes is “DANSA NONA MANSAYA” by Dance group
“Choreoarts” from Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. They won the Award of the audience.
During the live streaming, members of the jury commission shared with the participants their impressions
awarding many special prizes, announced on the website of the competition.
Some of the participants received recommendations for participation in the Championship system of EAFF
and a 10% discount for future participation.
You can watch the online meeting and enjoy the performances of the winners - here!
22

The President of EAFF continues his mandate
as a member of the Steering Committee
of ICHNGO Forum in 2020-2021
The President of European Association of Folklore Festivals, Mr Kaloyan Nikolov
continues his mandateas a member of the Steering Committee of ICHNGO Forum.
The Steering Committee of ICHNGO Forum in the period 2020-2021 consists of:
• Western Europe and North America: Mr. Laurier Turgeon– L’Association canadienne
d’ethnologie et de folklore (Canada) – Secretary
• Eastern Europe: Mr. Kaloyan Nikolov – European Association of Folklore Festivals
(Bulgaria)
• Latin America and the Caribbean: Mr. Jorge Gustavo Caicedo – La Enciclopedia
del Patrimonio Cultural Inmaterial (Mexico) – President
• Asia and the Pacific: Ms. Janet Blake – Persian Garden Institute for Living Heritage
– (Islamic Republic of Iran)
• Africa: Mr. Butholezwe Kgosi Nyathi – Amagugu International Heritage Centre,
(Zimbabwe)
• Arab States: Ms. Reme Sakr – Syria Trust for Development (Syria) – Vice-president
• International NGO: Mr. Robert Baron – International Society for Ethnology and Folklore – Treasurer
The newly elected representatives are Ms. Janet Blake, Mr. Laurier Turgeon and Mr. Robert Baron.
After the General Assembly, the organization expressed its gratitude to the members of the Steering Committee
who completed their cycle. Their hard work and commitment to the preservation of intangible cultural heritage has
made the activities of the ICHNGO Forum even more productive:
• Asia and the Pacific: Mr. Donghwan Choi – CICS, Center for Intangible Cultural Studies (Republic of Korea)
• Western Europe and North America: Mrs Meg Nömgård – Berättarnätet Kronoberg/ The Storytelling Network
of Kronoberg (Sweden)
• International: Mrs Naila Ceribašic – ICTM, International Council for Traditional Music
32 new elements were included in the lists
during the 15th session of the Intergovernmental
Committee for Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage
During this year’s 15th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural
Heritage, three items were inscribed on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Protection
and 29 items on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The event took place from 14 to 19 December 2020 online.
The members of the committee, chaired by Ms. Olivia Grunge, also added three programs to the Register
of Good Protective Practices and allocated $99,239 from the Intangible Cultural Heritage Fund for an approved
project for Namibia.
For the first time this year, Finland, Malta, Paraguay and Singapore have been added to the UNESCO Intangible
Cultural Heritage List, which currently contains items from a total of 131 countries, with a total of 492 items.
The edition has the largest number of multinational nominations, with 14 entries testifying to the ability of the
intangible cultural heritage to unite people and promote international cooperation.
23

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The information in Review of EAFF has been taken from the News section of the official website of EAFF. It is prepared by Mihaela
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