March 6th, 2022 marks the 10th year since the death of Ilian Nikolov. The prominent cultural figure will be remembered as President of the Eurofolk Academy, founder and chairman of the European Association of Folklore Festivals - EAFF and the World Association of Folklore Festivals - WAFF.

The founder of the Festival № 1 in Europe for traditional folklore arts - Stara Planina Festival "Balkan Folk", held annually in Veliko Tarnovo, has dedicated 16 years to the preservation and dissemination of folklore music values.

Iliyan Nikolov defined the festival as "A miracle born of the strong spirit of the Bulgarian people". His contribution in the field of national values and his love for the Bulgarian is expressed in the organization of numerous national, European and world festivals - part of the Music feasts "Euro Folk".

In the spring of 2016 a monument was inaugurated, representing the posthumous recognition of Iliyan Nikolov, and the monument was unveiled during the ceremony by the Director General of UNESCO - Irina Bokova, President of the European Association of Folklore Festivals - EAFF - Kaloyan Nikolov and Mayor of Veliko Tarnovo - Daniel Panov.

Let's traditionally recall the work and life of the public figure and his work on the preservation of intangible cultural heritage with the two-part film "In Memoriam" (Part 1 - Part 2) and the footage of the traditions bequeathed to the future generations, sealed the unveiling ceremony of the monument to Iliyan Nikolov by the Director-General of UNESCO.

A deep bow to his memory!