International Balkan Folk Dance Festival concludes with "Gala Night" performances
Supported by the Edirne Governorship, Edirne Municipality, and the Edirne Governorship Balkan Cities Cooperation Edirne Platform, the festival’s final event took place at the Balkan Congress Center.
The ceremony began with the recitation of the Turkish National Anthem. In his speech, TÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Mustafa Hatipler emphasized that folk dances are a unique form of expression that carry a nation's joys, sorrows, and cultural values into the future.
He highlighted that folk dances are works of art, with folk songs forming their backbone. "Folk songs are far more than just entertainment; they are cultural carriers," he stated.
Hatipler also noted that throughout the festival, the participating teams not only engaged in cultural exchange but also strengthened friendships, fostering unity and solidarity.
Reflecting on the festival, Hatipler added, "They traveled from far away, but they brought us closer together. Every artist who came to perform folk dances is a hero of this event."
Following the speeches, 24 teams from Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, Serbia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Greece showcased their traditional folk dances in colorful, country-specific costumes.
The event was attended by Edirne Deputy Governor Turgut Subaşı, protocol members, academics, and citizens.
A total of 24 teams and 590 participants from Turkey and several Balkan countries took part in the International Balkan Folk Dance Festival.
