The center of the Croatian metropolis will once again come alive this July to the rhythm of tradition, filled with the sounds of songs and the vibrant colors of costumes from all over the world. From July 16th to 20th, the city streets and squares will become an open-air stage for the participants of the 59th International Folklore Festival Zagreb, an event that has been celebrating the richness and diversity of cultural heritage for decades. This year, one of the most important festivals of its kind in Croatia also has a special, extremely important thematic focus – a dedication to the magnificent 1100th anniversary of the Croatian Kingdom. Visitors and residents of the city will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of regional dances, music, and customs, confirming the status of Zagreb as a city that lives and breathes culture. Spontaneous performances and festive parades will turn every corner of the city into a living postcard of tradition.

A Festival of National Importance and Global Renown

The International Folklore Festival is not just a tourist attraction, but an institution with deep roots and a significant mission. Since 1966, when it was first held, the Festival has grown into an event that affirms the specific values of both national and world cultural heritage in the most beautiful way possible. Its importance was recognized at the highest level in 2014 when it was declared a festival event of national importance. This status confirms its key role in the preservation of intangible cultural heritage, in line with the global movement and programs supported by UNESCO. The mission of the Festival, conceived by leading ethnologists and folklorists, is to present authentic traditional culture, from regional dances and music to language and customs, saving them from oblivion and presenting them to new generations. Continuity and expertise guarantee that the programs depict phenomena in their contemporary life while preserving their originality. Everyone is eagerly awaiting next year, when the Festival will celebrate its grand jubilee – 60 years of existence.

Dedication to a Great Anniversary: 1100 Years of the Croatian Kingdom

This year's edition of the Festival has a special historical and cultural charge. The central program is dedicated to commemorating the 1100th anniversary of the Croatian Kingdom, an event that symbolizes the thousand-year continuity of Croatian statehood. The highlight of the event will be a gala ceremony scheduled for July 18th, which will take place on one of the most beautiful Upper Town stages – the recently renovated Gradec plateau. This beautiful space, offering a spectacular view of the city, thus once again becomes a key venue for cultural events in Zagreb. Together with Ban Josip Jelačić Square, the Gradec plateau will host numerous concerts and performances that will bring the depth and richness of folklore heritage, imbued with historical significance, closer to the audience. This dedication is not just a memory of the past, but also a confirmation of a cultural identity that is constantly evolving and being passed on.

World Heritage on the Streets of Zagreb

One of the greatest values of the International Folklore Festival is its internationality. For five days in July, Zagreb will host ensembles from all over the world, who, along with numerous local folklore groups, will present a piece of their cultural treasury. This year, guests are arriving from distant Costa Rica, bringing with them the rhythms of Central America, and from Bulgaria, known for its characteristic and spirited dances. Guests from France, whose folklore varies from region to region, will also present their traditions, as will dancers from the Czech Republic, who will showcase the richness of Slavic heritage. The Mediterranean spirit will be brought by ensembles from Portugal, a country of melancholic fado but also lively dances, and neighboring Italy, whose folklore is full of passion and energy, like the famous tarantella. Thanks to them, visitors will be able to embark on a small journey around the world without leaving the heart of the city. Lively parades will pass through the streets, and both announced and spontaneous performances will create a unique atmosphere that the audience greets with great enthusiasm every year.

Living Tradition and a Look to the Future

Preserving tradition is not just a mere repetition of what has been inherited, but a dynamic process in which each generation makes its own contribution. This is precisely the strength of the International Folklore Festival – it is a platform where veterans, guardians of heritage, and young generations who proudly continue the path of their ancestors meet. Numerous folklore ensembles from all parts of Croatia form the core of the festival, displaying the incredible diversity of dances, songs, and costumes that Croatia possesses. From Slavonia and Baranja, through central Croatia and Istria, to Lika and Dalmatia, each performance tells its own unique story. This event is crucial for educating young people about the importance of cultural heritage and identity. While the audience prepares for this year's spectacle, there is already excited talk about the preparations for the next, jubilee 60th edition, which will surely be the crown of a six-decade-long tradition and a pledge for the future preservation of priceless cultural treasure in Zagreb, the city of folklore.