The Folk Choir of the Children and Youth Folklore Ensemble “Graovche” at the Center for Personal Development Support in Pernik, led by artistic director Mariana Yankulova, won the grand prize of the XIV Balkan Folklore Championship “Euro Folk – Zhiva Voda” 2026 in Hisarya. The ensemble earned first place, the Grand Prix “Golden Orpheus”, and the title “Absolute Balkan Folklore Champion for 2026”, as well as a cheque worth €500 provided by the Municipality of Hisarya.

The jury awarded second place to the Children and Youth Dance Ensemble “Iglika” at the Community Center “Narodni Buditeli – 2013” from the village of Dalgo Pole, Kaloyanovo Municipality, led by Atanas Nenov. The ensemble received a Silver Medal, Silver “Orpheus”, and the title “Balkan Vice-Champion of Folklore for 2026”.

Third place was awarded to the Children’s Dance Group at Dance School “Balkandzhii” – Panagyurishte, led by Petar Nemski. The group received a Bronze Medal and Bronze “Orpheus” of the championship.

During the official ceremony, special awards from the organizers and partners of the forum were also presented.

The Special Award of Community Center “Ivan Vazov – 1904” – Hisarya was awarded to the Men’s Folklore Group “Aydara” at Community Center “Arseni Kostentsev – 1980” from the village of Igrev, Blagoevgrad Municipality, led by Velin Markov.

The Special Award of the Municipality of Hisarya was presented to the Representative Group of the Dance Ensemble at the Children and Youth Folklore Ensemble “Balgarche” at the Center for Personal Development Support – ODK Veliko Tarnovo, with artistic director Petar Petrov.

The Euro Folk TV Award for a free professional music video was awarded to Folklore Trio “Avliga” at Community Center “Peyo Kracholov Yavorov – 1978” – Dupnitsa, led by Rayna Hristova.

The Special Award of Event Vacation Travel Agency was presented to Vocal Formation “Orpheus” at the Society for Friendship with the Peoples of Russia and the CIS – Plovdiv, led by Violeta Kovacheva.

The Special Award of Euro Folk Academy was awarded to Folk Choir “Trakiyska Mladost” at Secondary School “Lyuben Karavelov” – Plovdiv, led by Katya Basheva.

The Special Award of the European Association of Folklore Festivals (EAFF) was presented to the Authentic Folklore Group “Dyado, Baba i Vnuche” at Community Center “Otets Paisiy – 1909” from the village of Malevo, Chepelare Municipality, led by Maria Mihaleva.

The XIV Balkan Folklore Championship “Euro Folk – Zhiva Voda” was held from June 5 to June 7 in Hisarya and brought together more than 220 folklore ensembles and individual performers from Bulgaria and abroad. Throughout the three festival days, hundreds of performances of traditional songs, dances, and customs were presented.

The accompanying programme included the traditional participants’ parade through the central streets of Hisarya, a competition for traditional breads and pastry products, as well as the visiting exhibition “Living Human Treasures – Bulgaria”, presenting elements from Bulgaria’s National Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The forum was organized by the Municipality of Hisarya, Community Center “Ivan Vazov – 1904”, and Euro Folk Academy. The event was held under the auspices of the European Association of Folklore Festivals (EAFF), which maintains consultative relations with the Intergovernmental Committee of UNESCO’s Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

With the award ceremony and official closing, the fourteenth edition of the championship came to an end. The organizers extended an invitation to participants and audiences alike to attend the anniversary fifteenth edition of “Euro Folk – Zhiva Voda” in 2027.