From May 7 to May 12, 2025, Veliko Tarnovo will host one of the most significant cultural events in the country – the 28th Stara Planina Festival “Balkan Folk.” Alongside it, the 15th Bulgarian National Folklore Championship “Euro Folk” and the 10th World Cup of Folklore – Veliko Tarnovo 2025 will take place. These three forums, part of the “Euro Folk” Musical Feasts, will gather over 120 groups and individual performers from Bulgaria and abroad, providing a stage for more than 3,000 participants.

The festival program kicks off on Friday, May 9, with concerts starting at 3:30 PM on the stage of the Summer Theater in Marno Pole Park. The official opening ceremony is scheduled for 7:00 PM. On Saturday, May 10, performances will take place at the “Vasil Levski” Palace of Culture and Sports, beginning at 1:50 PM and ending at 9:40 PM. On Sunday, May 11, shows will run from 1:40 PM to 5:40 PM, followed by a solemn award ceremony and the official closing of the festival at 6:00 PM.

The festival stage will burst with rhythm and color through performances by vocal groups presenting authentic and arranged folklore, dance ensembles, folk troupes, traditional dance clubs, orchestras, performers of old urban songs, and solo artists. With no age restrictions, the event unites several generations on one stage – from the youngest talents to well-established guardians of tradition.

The forums are held with the financial and logistical support of the Municipality of Veliko Tarnovo and within the framework of the “Euro Folk” Musical Feasts.

All concerts are free to attend and will also be streamed live online via the platforms of the European Association of Folklore Festivals (EAFF) and EuroFolkTV.