Parade route

The procession runs from the Judicial Tower past the Water Tower to the Main Square, then continues through Gosposka Street all the way to the final stop at Leon Štukelj Square.

38th INTERNATIONAL CIOFF® FOLKLORE FESTIVAL

30 June – 4 July 2026

The International CIOFF folklore festival FOLKART in Maribor (Maribor), a member of the global non-governmental organization CIOFF since its very beginning, is the largest folklore festival in Slovenia. It is one of the most prominent and respected festivals in Europe and in the world of folklore. It is the first festival of its kind to be honored with the patronage of UNESCO.

FOLKART, OUR WINDOW TO THE WORLD

For the past 37 years, Maribor’s Folkart has brought the world’s most outstanding folklore groups to our city and Slovenia. Year after year, they have impressed us, transported us across continents with their stories, and taken us far beyond ordinary horizons. So far, we have experienced the cultures and traditions of 83 countries worldwide.

This extraordinary intangible cultural heritage tells the stories of people from nearby and distant continents—about their way of life, work, beliefs, and dedication to values that matter for all generations. Culture is value, belonging, and respect; above all, it is the foundation of every nation. That is why Folkart is truly our WINDOW TO THE WORLD—a celebration of global intangible cultural heritage, life, and hope.

This year, for the 38th time, cultural ambassadors from around the world will come to Maribor. We will experience cultures from Europe, Africa, Asia, South America, and the Caribbean (North America).

From Botswana (Botswana), Bolivia (Bolivia), Poland (Poland), Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico), North Macedonia (North Macedonia), Uzbekistan (Uzbekistan), and Slovenia (Slovenia), groups will present their unique traditions. The host ensemble is the Academic Folklore Group Študent from Maribor.

From 30 June to 4 July, Maribor will once again be filled with dance, music, songs, colorful costumes, joyful faces, and optimism.

1. BOTSWANA

Folklore group “NGWAO LETSHWAO PERFORMING ARTS”, Gaborone

Vast, unpredictable, wild, magical. The “Big Five”: lion, leopard, black rhinoceros, African elephant, and buffalo. The world’s largest elephant population. Diamonds. The Okavango Delta, one of Africa’s seven natural wonders.

Botswana is a southern African country, much of it covered by the Kalahari Desert. Around 40% of its territory is dedicated to national parks and wildlife reserves. Music and dance are the foundation of its culture. The Ngwao Letshwao Performing Arts group is deeply devoted to tradition and expresses stories of life through rhythm, song, and movement—from deep Tsutsube rhythms to energetic Paties dances. This is their celebration of life.

2. BOLIVIA

Folklore ballet “BAFOPAZ”, La Paz

Salar de Uyuni, Lake Titicaca, and the “Death Road.” A country rich in indigenous and colonial heritage.

Bolivia is a landlocked South American country with strong cultural influences from Aymara and Quechua traditions mixed with Spanish colonial heritage. Dance is central to its identity, especially carnival traditions like the UNESCO-recognized Oruro Carnival. The BAFOPAZ ensemble is one of the leading folklore institutions in Bolivia, known for its international tours and dedication to preserving traditional dance.

3. POLAND

Academic folklore ensemble “KRAKUS”, Krakow

Wawel Castle, Marie Curie, Chopin, pierogi, and bigos.

Poland is a Central European country with a rich and complex history. The Krakus ensemble, founded in 1949 at AGH University in Krakow, is the oldest academic folklore group in Poland. It has performed worldwide and is known for its artistic excellence and authenticity.

4. PUERTO RICO

Folklore group “GUAMANIQUE DE PUERTO RICO”, Ciales

A tropical island known for salsa, reggaeton, and bioluminescent bays.

Puerto Rico is a Caribbean territory of the United States with a rich cultural mix of Taíno, African, and Spanish heritage. The Guamanique group promotes cultural education and performs traditional Puerto Rican music and dance worldwide, showcasing vibrant Caribbean rhythms.

5. NORTH MACEDONIA

Ensemble “ORCE NIKOLOV”, Skopje

A Balkan jewel with lakes Ohrid, Prespa, and Dojran.

North Macedonia is a country of mountains, lakes, and rich Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. The Orce Nikolov ensemble, founded in 1945, is a guardian of Macedonian folklore with thousands of performances worldwide.

6. UZBEKISTAN

Ensemble “BUKHORCHA”, Bukhara

Silk Road heritage, Samarkand, and ancient Islamic architecture.

Uzbekistan lies in Central Asia and is deeply connected to the Silk Road. The Bukhorcha ensemble preserves traditional music and dance of Bukhara and surrounding regions, accompanied by traditional instruments such as doira and tanbur.

7. SLOVENIA

Academic folklore group “ŠTUDENT”, Maribor

Triglav, Postojna Cave, and a land of forests.

Slovenia is a Central European country where Alpine, Mediterranean, and Pannonian cultures meet. It is one of the greenest countries in the world. The Študent ensemble from Maribor traditionally opens and closes the Folkart festival and represents Slovenian heritage.