Five new festivals in exotic destinations become part of the great family of the European Association of Folklore Festivals - EAFF.

In 2017, festivals in the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Finland, Malta and Belarus attract the attention of admirers and promoters to preserve national and world folklore heritage.

From March 29 to April 5 2017 in one of the most famous resorts in the East - Dubai will be held IV International Youth Arts Festival-Contest "Eastern Melodies". Participants from seven age categories can participate in various art genres - instrumental, vocal, choreography, theater, original genre and Fine Arts.

From March 30 to April 2, the financial and cultural capital of the Netherlands - Amsterdam will host the I International Folklore Festival. During their stay, groups will have the pleasure to make a tours around the "Venice of the North" as the city in known, where they can enjoy the impressive urban architecture and historical landmarks. One of the attractive visits will be in museums for diamonds, where participants will see unique collections of gemstones and learn all about their production.

VII International Youth Arts Festival-Contest "Scandinavian Discovery" will be held from 6 to 8 January in Helsinki. Finnish capital will offer its hospitality to performers, involved in the stage of "Salute to talents". It is a system for prestigious international festivals-competitions for children and youth, held in various cities around the world and combined with a rich excursion program. The grand finale will be held in October 2017 in St. Petersburg. The talents with first degree laureate of the competitions held during the festival season 2016-2017 will have eligible to participate. Тhe festival in Dubai is also part of the system.

Malta also offers exotic festival destination in 2017. From 1 to 6 November in St Julian's - a city in the central region of Malta, situated on the coastline towards the coastal resort of Sliema, will be held International Choir Festival. The organizers have prepared a rich program, among which there are two important events: street parade of singers on the main streets of Valletta - the capital of Malta, which is included in the list of World Heritage of UNESCO and prayer for peace in "Saint John" Cathedral . The idea is that members of different religions shall unite with harmonious singing of the choirs in a common prayer for peace in the most beautiful place on pilgrimage in Malta.

IV International Youth Arts Festival-Contest "Belarusian Ornament"  is not on last place by its attractiveness. It will be held in Minsk from 25 to 28 March 2017. This event in the framework of the Salute to Talents project. Except of showing their talents, participants will have the opportunity to explore the historical sights of ancient Belarusian capital. The city attracts many tourists. Today Minsk is a major economic, cultural and educational center. International Youth Arts Festival is a wonderful opportunity to show their talents and the makings of a strong stage of the competition in the capital of Belarus.

You can find details of the conditions for participation in the festivals and complete an application forms on the official website of EAFF.