24th FOLKART - opening (ITA, MEX, SRB, BEN, MDA, PER, RUS, SLO)
ITALY: Associazione per le tradizioni popolari »Tiscali- Dorgali«, Dorgali
This interesting folklore group has been established in January 2010. It performs ancient dances that were a part of rituals of the Sards which include the body and the mind and revive the identity and the history of the ancient peoples. The group stands out because of their distinctive male singing.
MEXICO: »Estampas de México« del Tecnológico de Monterrey Campus Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco
Folklore group »Estampas de México« from Guadalajara, the capital of the Mexican State Jalisco, is a part of the project of cultural promotion. Music and dancing are very important for Mexicans, especially mariachi, which are an indispensable element of a true Mexican party. By the help of a mariachi ensemble, the young dancers and singers of »Estampas de México« will take us on a trip to their homeland.
SERBIA: Ansambl Narodnih igara i pesama »KUD Sevojno«, Sevojno
Unique, diverse and rhythmical ensemble »KUD Sevojno« can boast with its colourful programme and remarkable talent. Its members wish to preserve their authentic and original folk customs. Despite Serbia’s turbulent and bloody history, this is a country of happy and warm people that preserved their rich cultural and artistic heritage.
BENIN: National Folk Dance Ensemble »Les As Du Benin«, Cotonou
Africa, the black continent, is known as the cradle of the mankind. Today, the African continent is mostly inhibited by black population, with the exception of northern Africa, which is inhabited by Arabs.
The group »Les As Du Benin« was established in 1991 and is a true ambassador of its country. Since Benin is the cradle of voodoo cult, the group preserves its voodoo cultural heritage. The country also has a remarkable tradition of music and rhythms. The range of emotions is supported by the rhythms of the drums and dancers’ body language.
MOLDAVIA: Folk Dance Ensemble »Hora«, Chisinau
Moldavia is a land of humble and friendly people. The rural areas give the impression that time has stopped in the previous century. The culture of preserving folk traditions is still the only way of life for Moldavians. The folklore group »Hora« was established in 1965 and is one of a kind among modern Moldavian folklore groups. Many members that began their dancing career at that time are still active and involved. Because of the group’s high quality performance, they became popular with international festivals all over again.
PERU: »C.I.D.A.N. Mi Peru«, Lima
When we think of Peru, we think of Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. These well preserved pre-Columbian Inca ruins are located on an altitude of 2350 m.
Remarkable history, the combination of various influences and ancient culture are what describes the performances of one of the most famous folklore groups, MiPeru. The group was established in 1985 in Lima, the capital of Peru, where members live, create and preserve music and dances of ancient Incas and Costa, Sierra and Amazonia regions.
RUSSIA: Municipal People's Ensemble of Dance »GulyayRossiyane«, Azov - Rostovskaya oblast
Great Russia is an extreme and diverse country. It is a country of tradition, which especially stands out in the suburbs. Its history is full of all forms of art, music and dancing. Russia is a country of ice cold winters, borscht, Trans-Siberian railway, tea, samovar, vodka and Cossacks.
Gulyay Rossiane is a group of young dancers and great musicians that represent vivid Cossack dances and excellent music. They come from the city Azov by river Don. The word “cossack” means an adventurer and a free man.
SLOVENIA: Academic Folk Group »Študent«, Maribor
Members of one of the best Slovene folklore group work closely with Narodni dom Maribor, the Slovenian organizer of Folkart in Maribor. As excellent colleagues and hardworking tour guides of performing groups, they are responsible for making Folkart one of the most famous folklore festivals in Europe.
SLOVENIA: Folklore group »Ponikve«, Videm – Dobrepolje
This group's mission is preserving folklore traditions which help creating identity and preserving diversity as important values.
Youth, enthusiasm and love for folk tradition give a strong mark to their performances. They perform home and abroad.
SLOVENIJA: »Šaleško folklorno društvo Koleda«, Velenje
Folklore groups’ mission is very important, since it helps the forgotten folk traditions to live on in modern time. Group »Šaleško folklorno društvo Koleda« from Velenje, Slovenia, is one of the groups that share the love for preserving tradition. Hard work and dedication is the key for their successful performances home and abroad.
