University Ensemble of Song and Dance „Resowia Saltans“ from the Polish town Rzeszów went home with the Grand Prix "Euro Folk" - Grand Prix "Orpheus" from XII Black Sea Fest "Euro Folk 2015". Mr. Kaloyan Nikolov, president of the European Association of Folklore Festivals – EAFF, granted the Prize to the leader of the ensemble, Mr. Romuald Kalinovski. For the overall appearance of the Festival performers were honored with Laureate title and received by the jury a reference for participation in the World Championship of Folklore „World Folk 2016”.

Total 10 folklore groups and individual performers received First Prize Gold "Orpheus" in different categories from 90 groups with 1600 participants in fest.The performer of the ancient instrument hurdy-gurdy, Andrey Vinogradov from Moskow (Russia) received Laureate title, reference for participation in the European Championship of Folklore „Euro Folk 2016” and Prize in the category „Individual performers“.

Virtuosos of music, songs and dances by folklore group "Granitsari" from the Austrian village Nikich, Burgenland, became winners in the category “Folklore ensembles”. They also received reference for participation in the European Championship of Folklore in Nessebar and Sunny beach in 2016, and Laureate title.

The attractive dances of the guest group from Makassar, Indonesia - “Azhuvara” brought them the win in the category „Ritual dance folklore”, together with a reference for participation in the World Championship of Folklore „World Folk 2016”. For the same folklore forum, a reference was granted also to Folklore dance ensemble “Rotala” - Riga, Latvia. They deserved First price in the category “Dance groups” and the jury honored them with Laureate title.

Andrey Vinogradov and the art directors of the the guest groups – Martin Tomsich (Autrita), Abdi Bashid (Indonesia), Gints Baumanis (Latvia) and Romuald Kalinovski (Poland) were granted with the title “Maestro”. The diplomas will be sent to the Ministries of culture of the concerned countries with a request, to be granted in appropriate way.

With the title „Maestro“ were also honored the art directors of Bulgarian group – Plamena Geshkovska (Mixed chamber choir at “Razvitie-1892” Community center in Byala Slatina) and Tinka Miteva (Male, female and mixed folklore group at “Sabuzhdane – 1927” Community center, Radievo village, municipality of Dimitrovgrad).

From the Bulgarian groups, who took part in the fest, the leader in category „Old urban songs“ became VG „Slavey” from Harmanli, with art director Rusi Staykov. First prize Golden “Orpheus” in the category „Authentic songs” won Folklore ensemble „Gornopolska pesen” from Ovchartsi village, municipality of Separeva Baanya, Kyustendil region. The Mixed chamber choir at “Razvitie-1892” Community center in Byala Slatina deserved the award in the category „Folklore songs – processed folklore”. Dance ensemble “Bulgarche” at “Trud i postoyanstvo 1901” Community center – Chelopech village, Sofia Region was the best in category „Folklore dances”. Group for processed folklore “Avliga” from Merdanya village, Veliko Tarnovo region, deserved Grand Prix Golden “Orpheus“ in category “Processed songs”. In category “Authentic songs”, the jury gave the First place to FG „Senokoski slavei” from Senokos village, municipality of Balchik.

All collectives received Honorary signs, Honorary Diplomas and Diplomas for significant contribution to the preservation and development of traditional folk arts. A lot of discoveries of new talents were made during the performances.

Towns-hosts of the forum were the pearls of the Bulgarian southern Black Sea coast - Primorsko and Kiten. From 1 to 6 September more than 90 vocal groups, dance groups, ensembles and individual performers from Bulgaria, Austria, Poland, Latvia, Russia and Indonesia presented their traditions and cultures through songs, dances and music.

New contacts and friendships were established. Black Sea Fest XII has become a message of peace.

At the official closing ceremony of the Fest, the President of EAFF, Mr. Kaloyan Nikolov headed gratitude to all participants in the 12th edition of the Black Sea Fest and granted to their art directors souvenir gifts from Bulgaria. The program continued with a gala concert of the winners.

The special guess, who attended the closing ceremony - His Excellency Mr. Bunyan Septomo, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia in Bulgaria and his wife, Madame Lia, and Dina Martina - Cultural Attache of Republic of Indonesia in Bulgaria, personally greeted each of the members of the group “Ajuwara” - Indonesia, and took photos of remembrance of the folklore event.