Director: Stefan Marinov Stara Zagora – An Ancient City on the "Path of the Sun" Stara Zagora is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in Bulgaria, renowned for its straight-lined urban layout, rich cultural heritage, and the strong spirit of its people. Located in the heart of the Thracian Plain, the city has been a natural crossroads of cultures for millennia. Today, Stara Zagora is a modern and welcoming center that skillfully combines ancient heritage with the dynamic rhythm of contemporary urban life. The Ancient Forum of Augusta Traiana, the museums, galleries, and parks create a unique atmosphere where traditions come alive and continue to evolve. As the host city of the International Folklore Festival, Stara Zagora provides an ideal stage for a meeting of cultures from around the world. The city is well known for its strong folklore traditions, active artistic ensembles, and annual cultural events, proving that here art is a way of life. Stara Zagora welcomes participants and guests with warm hospitality, worthy of its ancient status and modern spirit, turning the festival into a true celebration of music, dance, and friendship among nations. Organizers Municipality of Stara Zagora, Euro Folk Academy, Ensemble “Zagore” Under the auspices of the Mayor of Stara Zagora Within the framework of the Euro Folk Music Festivals, held under the auspices of the European Association of Folklore Festivals – EAFF – ICH Partner of UNESCO Live Broadcast The concert programs will be broadcast live on the streaming channels of EurofolkTV: tv.eurofolk.com, YouTube: @TVeurofolk, Facebook: EurofolkTV and EAFForg Festival Motto – "The Path of the Sun" The festival motto "The Path of the Sun" symbolizes the eternal journey of folk culture – from ancient roots to the modern stage, from one nation to another. Stara Zagora, located in the heart of sunny Thrace, becomes a place of meeting, light, and cultural unity. The festival establishes Stara Zagora as a contemporary stop on the "Path of the Sun", where the traditions of different peoples come together. Terms of Participation The International Folklore Festival in Stara Zagora is open to all ages, with no restrictions on nationality, and is non-competitive in nature. The main goal of the event is to present the richness of folklore traditions and to encourage cultural exchange among nations. Who Can Participate Applications are accepted from: Folklore dance ensembles and clubs Choirs and vocal groups Instrumental ensembles Folklore ensembles Children’s, youth, and mixed groups Professional and amateur groups Participants from all countries are welcome. Limit: up to two groups per country. Festival Format The festival is non-competitive, with no jury and no ranking. Participants present programs focused on traditional and stylized folklore, authentic costumes, and stage performance. The aim is to build friendships and cultural bridges between the groups. The Organizing Committee awards participation diplomas to all groups, as well as special diplomas for outstanding contribution to the festival. Within the festival, an Open Seminar on Balkan Dances will be organized, led by prominent choreographers from Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, and other countries. Program and Stage Performances Day 1 14:00 – Arrival, meeting with festival representatives, hotel accommodation Free time for individual activities, museum visits, city tours, excursions 18:00 – 20:00 – Dinner at the hotel Day 2 08:00 – 10:00 – Breakfast Free time for individual activities, museum visits, city tours, excursions 17:00 – 18:00 – Dinner at the hotel 19:00 – Parade along the main street 20:00 – 22:00 – Official opening and concert at the Ancient Forum of Augusta Traiana Day 3 08:00 – 10:00 – Breakfast 11:00 – 14:00 – Open Seminar on Balkan Dances or excursions 14:00 – 16:00 – Preparation for festival activities 17:00 – 18:00 – Dinner at the hotel 19:30 – 22:00 – Festival Evening – Summer Theatre Day 4 08:00 – 10:00 – Breakfast 11:00 – 14:00 – Open Seminar on Balkan Dances or excursions 14:00 – 16:00 – Preparation for festival activities 17:00 – 18:00 – Dinner at the hotel 19:00 – 21:30 – Festival Evening – Summer Theatre 22:00 – DJ Party Day 5 08:00 – 10:00 – Breakfast 11:00 – Hotel check-out and departure Performance Duration Group performances: up to 10 minutes Soloists and duets: up to 4 minutes Live music or recorded accompaniment is allowed. Each group must prepare at least one performance; parades, defiles, or additional performances are possible. Costumes, props, and music materials are provided by the participants. Technical Requirements The stage is equipped with professional sound and lighting systems. Groups must submit in advance: Audio files in MP3/WAV format (if using recorded music) Technical requirements (microphones, stage layout, instruments) A short group presentation for announcements All audio materials must be sent no later than 7 days before the festival begins. Participation Fee €10 per participant €30 per soloist or duet The organizational fee covers logistics, technical support, and festival materials. Accommodation and Transport Accommodation Packages: €120 per person – 3 nights with breakfast (BB), 3★ hotel €168 per person – 3 nights with breakfast and dinner (HB), 3★ hotel €160 per person – 4 nights with breakfast (BB), 3★ hotel €224 per person – 4 nights with breakfast and dinner (HB), 3★ hotel DISCOUNT: Every 25th participant is free (24 paying participants + 1 free) Accommodation Details Participants will be accommodated in comfortable hotels and apartments. Rooms: 3–4 beds with private bathroom Double rooms for group leaders and drivers: up to 2 per group Check-in: after 14:00 / Check-out: before 12:00 One free overnight stay for every 25 participants Hotels: City Hotel ***, Zheleznik Hotel **, or similar category hotels. Higher-category hotels can be arranged upon request at different rates. Accomodation Fee Does Not Include Additional double room: +€10 per person/day Single room: +€28 per day Tourist tax: €2 per person/day Extra overnight stay (HB): €56 per person/day Lunch or dinner supplement: €14–18 per person/day Travel expenses, insurance, visas (for non-Schengen countries), entrance fees, public transport tickets, optional excursions Additional paid services may be arranged upon request. Transport to Stara Zagora and accommodation arrangements are at the participants’ expense. Upon prior request, local city transport and airport transfers can be arranged. Nearest International Airports Plovdiv Airport (PDV) – approx. 75–77 km Burgas Airport (BOJ) – approx. 155–180 km Sofia Airport (SOF) – approx. 184–230 km Varna Airport (VAR) – approx. 199–277 km Istanbul Airport (IST) – approx. 280–290 km Bucharest – Otopeni (OTP) – approx. 240–315 km Tourist Routes In Stara Zagora (up to 3 hours) "The Heart of Stara Zagora – From Antiquity to Today" "Stara Zagora – City of Religions and Tolerance" "Green Stara Zagora – From the City to Nature" "Folklore Stara Zagora" (thematic) Outside Stara Zagora (4–5 hours / up to 45 km) "Valley of the Thracian Kings" – Stara Zagora → Kazanlak → Shipka "Stara Zagora Mineral Baths and SPA Culture" "Fortresses and the Middle Ages" – Stara Zagora → Buzovo Kale Fortress / Hisarya "Wine and Traditions in Thrace" – Stara Zagora → Chirpan / Bratya Daskalovi Application Procedure Participation is confirmed via a registration form. Required information: Group name and country Contact person Number of participants and age groups Program description Video links Applications are accepted until the festival program is completed. After confirmation, groups receive detailed schedules and instructions. A 10% advance guarantee fee is required, deducted from the final payment. An additional 30% is paid for accommodation reservation. The remaining 60% is payable up to 20 days before arrival. On-site payments are accepted only with prior approval from the organizers.