59. Zagreb International Folklore Festival

The program takes place throughout the year in several phases – beginning with preparation (field research, rehearsals, and participant program development), continuing with a pre-festival segment (educational and pedagogical workshops, exhibitions, panel discussions, book presentations, and film screenings), and culminating in the festival segment of the Festival.The main Festival includes ceremonial events, concerts by folk ensembles on open-air stages, performances of traditional church singing and ethno music, exhibitions, discussions, film screenings, culinary workshops, as well as public performances by folk ensembles on the streets and squares of Zagreb and in surrounding areas.The final stage of the program includes evaluation, digitization of materials, seminars for folk ensemble leaders in local communities, Christmas concerts, and additional cultural programming.The Festival brings together folk ensembles, music and dance groups, and individual artists who represent the diversity of Croatian ethnographic heritage, national minorities, Croats from neighboring countries and the diaspora, as well as ensembles and individuals who showcase the traditions of other cultures.The 59th Zagreb International Folklore Festival will feature around forty participating groups – folk ensembles from Croatia and abroad, as well as individuals and ensembles presenting a variety of ethno music concerts.The core festival events of the 59th edition will take place from Wednesday, 16 July to Sunday, 20 July 2025. A return to Gradec as the festival’s main stage has proven to be the best choice in terms of both logistics and artistic presentation. With its stunning views from Zagreb’s Upper Town and the atmospheric backdrop of the Klovićevi Dvori Gallery, this location significantly enhances the acoustic and visual experience.Nearby, the Secondary School Gymnasium facilitates the performers’ flow with access to changing rooms and a sports hall, which also serves as a venue for afternoon dance workshops. The main themed ceremony of the Festival will be held on Friday, 18 July on the ceremonial Gradec stage.After the evening concerts, dance workshops titled Dance with Us will be held, encouraging public engagement. All festival stages and central city squares will be linked by Folk Street Art – a network of informal, pop-up performances by folk groups in public spaces, allowing spontaneous interaction between performers and the audience through dance, song, conversation, and shared moments.Since 2023, the Zagreb Tourist Board has significantly increased its financial support for the event. Media conferences have proven effective in increasing visibility, and one is planned for the 59th edition as well.Thanks to excellent collaboration in previous years, the festival plans to once again work with the digital agency Kuna Zlatica on visual branding. This includes cohesive visual identity across printed and digital promotional materials – posters of various sizes, catalogue covers, website and social media content, as well as branded merchandise such as t-shirts and water bottles.Through public space installations across Zagreb, the festival aims to enhance its visibility and presence within the city.