With a dazzling ceremony and loud applause, the second edition of the World Cup of Folklore – Sozopol 2025 concluded, held within the framework of the 20th International Youth Arts Festival-Competition “The Muses”. The Grand Prize and the “Grand Prix” Cup were awarded to the dance ensemble “Ludo Mlado” from the “Napredak 1870” Community Center – Lyaskovets, led by artistic director Pavlina Kalchishkova. In addition to a gold medal and a diploma, the winners received a voucher worth 500 euros for participation in the World Championship of Folklore “World Folk” 2025 in Nessebar.

Second place was awarded to the Children’s Folklore Club “Dance for Health” from the “Ivan Vazov - 1872” Community Center – Berkovitsa, led by Irina Stoyanova. The ensemble was honored with a silver medal, diploma, cup, and a voucher worth 300 euros for participation in the world championship.

The third place went to the Folklore Group “Murgash” from the “Sabuzhdane - 1895” Community Center – Vrachesh, led by Vesela Georgieva Hristova. They received a bronze medal, diploma, cup, and a voucher worth 200 euros for participation in “World Folk”.

The ceremony also recognized participants with special awards. The Municipality of Sozopol Award was given to Ivan Kalchishkov from the “Napredak 1870” Community Center – Lyaskovets, for his significant contribution to the preservation and development of global traditional arts.

The special award of the “Muses” Association was granted to Eda Jemil from the “Hristo Botev 1896” Community Center – Kaspichan, Shumen region. Due to her absence from the ceremony, the award will be sent to her.

The award of the European Association of Folklore Festivals – EAFF was presented to the Dance Ensemble “Murgash” from the “Sabuzhdane - 1895” Community Center – Vrachesh, led by Radoslav Atanasov Tsvetanov. The group received a limited edition of Professor Valeria Fol’s book – “The Secret Societies of the Ancient Thracians”.

The jury of the forum consisted of renowned experts with international recognition: chairman maestro Georgi Yankov, and members academician Krum Georgiev and Tsveten Dimitrov. The event was organized by the “Muses” Association and Euro Folk Academy, hosted by the Municipality of Sozopol and the “Otets Paisiy 1896” Community Center – Sozopol. The World Cup was held under the auspices of the European Association of Folklore Festivals – EAFF, accredited by UNESCO.

All participants will receive points for ranking in the World Folklore Chart. The next major stage for the talents will be in Nessebar, where the 15th edition of the World Championship of Folklore “World Folk” 2025 will take place from August 27 to 31.