A Bridge Between Cultures: The First Eastern European Folk Festival

We are thrilled to announce the launch of the First Eastern European Folk Festival — a vibrant celebration of tradition, rhythm, and community, bringing together the diverse cultural expressions of the Balkans and Eastern Europe. This exciting new event promises unforgettable moments of music, dance, and shared heritage.

A Tapestry of Traditions

This festival is more than an event — it is a living celebration of voices, steps, and stories from across regions. From the mystical melodies of the Turkish zurna, to the rhythmic charm of the Croatian lijerica, the fiery Serbian kolo, the graceful Bosnian sevdalinka, and the powerful Bulgarian tupan, the event showcases the richness and variety of Eastern European and Anatolian folk traditions.

The First Eastern European Folk Festival brings together community groups, cultural ambassadors, and artists to highlight the beauty and complexity of these intertwined cultures.

Whether you are a dancer, musician, scholar, or simply a curious visitor, this festival invites you to move, listen, and connect.

Special Guests and Educational Highlights

We are honored to welcome renowned dance ethnologist Elsie Ivancich Dunin, who will offer a special presentation and exhibit on her decades of research in Balkan dance and culture. Her work, featured in the Cross-Cultural Dance Resources (CCDR) Collections at ASU, reflects a lifetime of dedication to preserving intangible cultural heritage.

Uniting Through Culture

This festival reflects a shared belief: that culture is a bridge between people, and that tradition is alive when we dance it, sing it, wear it, and share it. Through performances, exhibits, and conversations, we aim to foster greater understanding and appreciation of our cultural roots — and celebrate what connects us all.