On July 14, 2024, the awards ceremony for the first edition of the World Folklore Cup - Sozopol 2024 took place in Sozopol. The event organizers, Association “The Muses” and Euro Folk Academy, with the kind assistance of Sozopol Municipality and "Father Paisiy 1896" Community Center, expressed their gratitude to all participants and guests.

The evening was filled with emotions and excitement. The audience applauded every performance enthusiastically, and the participants' smiles reflected their pride and joy from a job well done. Special attention was drawn to the guests from Indonesia, who impressed the spectators with their exquisite dance performances and bright traditional costumes. The open-air stage in Sozopol came alive with the vibrancy of various cultures united by the magic of folklore.

The first place was awarded to the Youth Dance Ensemble from the Representative Folklore Ensemble "Rodolyubie" from Kyustendil, led by artistic director Simeon Vasev and choreographer Vasil Vasilev. They received a Diploma, a Gold Medal, and the Grand Prix Cup, along with a voucher for participation in the World Folklore Championship “World Folk” worth 500 euros.

The second place was awarded to Labschool Kebayoran Senior High School from South Jakarta, Indonesia, led by Fitria Ulfah. They received a Diploma, a Silver Medal, a Cup, and a voucher for participation in the World Folklore Championship “World Folk” worth 300 euros.

The third place went to the Folklore Dance Ensemble "Constellation" from the Children's School of Arts in Taraclia, Republic of Moldova, led by Elena and Yuri Mishkoy. They received a Diploma, a Bronze Medal, a Cup, and a voucher for participation in the World Folklore Championship “World Folk” worth 200 euros.

The special award of the Mayor of Sozopol Municipality was presented to the Folklore Group "Veselina" from the Center for Personal and Creative Development of Children in Blagoevgrad, led by Veselinka Boyanova.

The award for “Stage Performance” was won by Plamen Mladenov from the Children's Dance School "Talent" in Yablanitsa, led by Velizar Nikolaev.

The award from the Association “The Muses” was given to the quartet from Labschool Kebayoran High School from South Jakarta, Indonesia, including Ms. Qurratuaini Mirxela, Ms. Danesha Riyadi, Ms. Lucia Zanuella, and Ms. Raisha Aulia, led by Ouky Joddikusumo.

The Children's Dance School "Talent" from Yablanitsa, led by Velizar Nikolaev, received the special award from the European Association of Folklore Festivals (EAFF).

A distinguished guest at the closing ceremony was Mr. Murdhi Primbani, Secretary of the Department of Socio-Cultural Information, representing His Excellency the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Bulgaria, Albania, and North Macedonia, Mr. Iwan Bogananta.

The event concluded with a gala concert featuring the nominated ensembles and laureates of the 18th International Youth Festival-Contest of Arts "The Muses" - Sozopol 2024. We thank all participants, guests, and organizers for their support and look forward to the next edition of the World Folklore Championship “World Folk” 2024, which will take place in Nessebar from August 28 to September 1.