This year we celebrate the 20th anniversary of the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Adopted in 2003, it was created to support the process of protecting living cultural heritage around the world.

On the occasion of the anniversary, the Regional center Sofia - UNESCO presents the exhibition "A Journey Through Living Traditions" during the XXVI Stara Planina Fest "Balkan Folk". One of the main organizers of the festival is the European Association of Folklore Festivals - EAFF, a long-time partner of UNESCO for safeguarding and promotion of the intangible cultural heritage.

The exhibition "20 YEARS OF THE 2003 UNESCO CONVENTION - A JOURNEY THROUGH LIVING TRADITIONS" shows the intangible cultural heritage of Member States through a journey in their living heritage. Many of these traditions are customs and practices that result from the encounters of different cultures in the region during distant historical epochs. The exposition consists of 17 panels - one introductory, and the remaining 16 present the intangible cultural heritage of each Member State of the Regional Centre Sofia.

The exhibition was presented at the entrance of the Summer theater in the Marno pole park, Veliko Tarnovo (Bulgaria) during the festival events in the period from 11th to 15th of May.

XXVI Stara Planina Fest "Balkan Folk" was held on the stage of the Summer theater in Veliko Tarnovo and was part of the official celebrations on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.