The “Codrenii” Folk Dance Ensemble of the House of Culture in Călărași, Moldova, won the Grand Prize and the title “Absolute European Folklore Champion for 2026” at the 18th European Folklore Championship “Euro Folk”. Led by artistic director Igor Filipciuc, the ensemble received the Gold Medal, the Golden Orpheus Grand Prix, and a €500 cash prize provided by Euro Folk Academy.

Second place in the final ranking went to the Educational Folklore Association “Sedum Osmini” from Skopje, North Macedonia, under the artistic direction of Biljana Jakovska. The ensemble received the Silver Medal, the Silver Orpheus, and the title “European Vice-Champion of Folklore for 2026.”

Third place was awarded to the “Kalimana” Children’s Dance School from Rakovski, Bulgaria, led by artistic director Penko Dimitrov. The young performers were honored with the Bronze Medal and the Bronze Orpheus of the championship.

Several special awards were also presented during the official ceremony. The Mayor of Pomorie Award, presented on behalf of Mayor Ivan Alexiev, was awarded to the “Slaveya” Ensemble for Evergreen and Old Town Songs at “Otets Paisiy 1933” Community Centre in Gabrovo, Bulgaria, under the artistic direction of Eng. Lilyana Ilieva.

The special award of Event Vacation Travel Agency—a long-standing festival partner responsible for participants’ accommodation, transfers, and excursions—was presented to the “Kalimana” Children’s Dance School from Rakovski. (Facebook)

Gift sets of natural cosmetics from the family brand INA Essentials, a partner of this year’s EAFF festivals, were presented to the three prize-winning ensembles, while the artistic directors of the awarded groups also received special commemorative gifts.

The 18th European Folklore Championship “Euro Folk” brought together solo performers, vocal groups, and dance ensembles from Bulgaria, Ukraine, North Macedonia, and Moldova on one stage in Pomorie. The participants were evaluated by an international jury chaired by Maestro Georgi Yankov, with members Valentin Halvadzhiev and Mariana Nutsova.

The championship was organized by the Euro Folk Academy, hosted by the Municipality of Pomorie, “Prosveta 1888” Community Centre – Pomorie, and Sunny Beach Resort. The event was held under the auspices of the European Association of Folklore Festivals (EAFF), an organization in consultative relations with the Intergovernmental Committee of the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

According to the championship regulations, all participants will receive ranking points for the World Folklore Ranking. The awards ceremony officially concluded the 18th European Folklore Championship “Euro Folk”, and the organizers invited participants and audiences to the 16th World Folklore Championship “World Folk 2026”, which will take place from 26 to 30 August in the Bulgarian Black Sea resorts of Saint Vlas and Nessebar.