The Folk Group “Rera” at Georgian Pensioners’ Union from Tbilisi, Georgia, won the first place at the 15th edition of the World Folklore Championship “World Folk 2025”. The ensemble, led by Demiko Antidze, was awarded the Gold Medal, the title “Absolute World Champion 2025” and the Grand Prix Golden “Orpheus”, as well as a check of 1000 euros provided by the organizers. The artistic director also received the honorary title of “Maestro”, which will be officially presented through the Ministry of Culture of Georgia.

The second place was awarded to the Representative Ensemble for Folk Songs and Dances “Kitna Trakia” from Haskovo at Chitalishte “Trakia – 2008”. The ensemble, with artistic leaders Ivan Ivanov, Rositsa Deleva and Stamen Stoilov, received the Silver Medal of the Championship and the title “Absolute Vice World Champion 2025”, along with the enthusiastic applause of the audience.

The third place went to the Children’s Choreography Group “Eriseuli” at Adjara Academic Ensemble “Arsian” from Batumi, Georgia, led by Malxaz Geladze and Gogi Vekua. The ensemble was honored with the Bronze Medal and the “Bronze Orpheus”, while the hall erupted in emotion as the youngest dancers proudly raised the trophy.

Alongside the top distinctions, numerous special awards brought additional excitement to the stage. The youngest participant award went to five-year-old Simeon Nikolov from Ensemble “Izvorche” – Krumovgrad, who touched everyone with his presence. The Vocal Group “Morski Zvezdichki” (Sea Stars) from Nessebar received recognition in the category “Complexity and Quality”, while Dance Ensemble “Nashentsi”, led by Ralitsa Nikolova, was distinguished for “Appearance”. The diploma for “Stage Presence” went to Venera Urazbekova Brankova from Kazakhstan. The Representative Folklore Group “Neranza” from Nova Zagora was presented with the award of “Event Vacation” travel agency, while Ensemble “Izvorche” from Krumovgrad won the award of Euro Folk TV – a professional video recording. “Neranza” was also honored with the award of the European Folk Academy. The special EAFF award was given to GVOG TARI Production from Malaysia, while the World Association of Folklore Festivals – WAFF – distinguished the Children’s Choir “Cantissimo” from Romania.

The event gathered more than 1000 participants from Bulgaria, Romania, Georgia, Kazakhstan and Malaysia, turning Nessebar, Sunny Beach and St. Vlas into a true stage of cultural diversity. Traditions came alive through songs, dances and costumes, while the audience warmly applauded every performance. At the official closing, the President of EAFF and WAFF, Mr. Kaloyan Nikolov, thanked all participants and partners, emphasizing that the spirit of folklore is what unites us, makes us better, and preserves the intangible cultural heritage alive. Thus, the 15th edition of “World Folk” came to an end, leaving behind memories of emotion, friendship and cultural unity, with the promise to gather folklore lovers from all over the world again next year.