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National culture centre
Nám. SNP 12
812 34   Bratislava 1
e-mail: nocka@nocka.sk

Východná Folk Festival 2010

Logo Východná (Head)
amphitheatre area, chosen areas the township Východná

Programme 2010

A special position in the cultural events annually organized by Národné osvetové centrum (National Centre of Culture – NCC) is occupied by the Folklore Festival Východná. Individual shows and other accompanying events of the three-day festival are attended each year by an audience of more than 30.000. This festival has a unique tradition, presenting a broad spectrum of art programmes with an international impact. It is the expression of the abundance of Slovak folk art, witnessing the high level of professional care for advancement under modern conditions, of the traditional spiritual heritage and the attention given by the National Center of Culture to the entire field of folklore.

The Východná festival, named for its High Tatra host village, was established in 1953 by members of the local folklore group. In its more than 54 years of history the festival, with NCC as its main coordinator and organizer, gradually established itself as a folk-art show of international dimensions, and is now considered to be one of the largest and most attended festivals of its kind in the world. It is a member of the international organization of folklore festivals (CIOFF), carrying out its activities under the auspices of UNESCO.

More than 1200 active participants display the results of their artistic abilities in Východná each year, representing all regions of Slovakia. Foreign guests also regularly participate. Over the years the Festival has built a tradition as a national meeting of folk-culture admirers, professionals, activists and volunteers working in the field.  It has always been an event seeking and pioneering new trends in the elaboration, research and organizance of folk art in Slovakia. Its programmatic composition traditionally combines spectator-interest programmes with demanding projects, generating a deeper knowledge of folk culture of all nationalities living in Slovakia as well as broader historical, cultural and spiritual links. Visitors of the interesting Východná amphitheatrical area  (in this days new), along with its adjacent village and the nearby city of Liptovský Mikuláš are offered, in addition to the Festival programmes, fine examples of folk arts (e.g. in the form of a standing exhibiton of wooden sculptures, thematic exhibitions, ets.) and cratfs. Informal evening meetings offer possibilities for contact with folk music, song and dance.