For the first time, the spiritual and historical capital will host the International Festival of Sister Cities in Veliko Tarnovo, which brings together folklore ensembles and cultural representatives from sister cities of the old capital city. The event aims to promote cultural exchange, friendship and cooperation between different countries through the richness of traditional music, dance and performing arts.
The festival will be held in the period 21-23 March 2026, and the program includes a Gala concert of all participants at the Palace of Culture and Sports from 7:00 p.m. on March 21; a parade in Marno Pole Park and a concert on the stage in front of the Municipality on March 22 – part of the festive program.
The events are with FREE ENTRANCE!
Participants:
Folklore ensembles from the twin cities of Veliko Tarnovo:
Budapest, Hungary – Zuglo district (XIV district) – Dance group – Budapest Dance Art Studio (BTS)
Poltava, Ukraine – Barvi National Dance Theater
Bursa, Turkey – Osmangazi Municipality – Folklore Dance Ensemble of Osmangazi Municipality
Niš, Serbia – Academic Folklore Ensemble “Oro”
Bitola, North Macedonia – Folklore Ensemble “Ilinden”
and PFA “Iskra”, Veliko Tarnovo
The initiatives are implemented under the Project of the Municipality of Veliko Tarnovo “Meta-culture: Veliko Tarnovo” under a procedure through direct provision of funds with reg. No. BG-RPR-11.021 “Grant Scheme “New Generation of Local Cultural Policies for Large Municipalities”, financed by the European Union through the Next GenerationEU instrument, within the framework of Component 11″Social Inclusion”, Investment C11:I6: Development of the Cultural and Creative Sectors of the EU Recovery and Resilience Mechanism (RRM).
Organizers: National Council of the Bulgarian Cultural and Creative Industries Federation and the Municipality of Veliko Tarnovo.
