Vinica, 6 September 2026 (MIA) -- The 41st annual Istibanjsko Zdravozhivo International Folklore Festival opened Saturday in the village of Istibanja near Vinica, featuring traditional music and performances by folk song and dance ensembles from some 20 countries, MIA's Vinica correspondent reports.

The festival will run through Sept. 10 and present stage dances by Turkish, Slovenian, Serbian, Romanian, Cypriot, Bulgarian and Bosnian folklore groups, among others.

Vinica Mayor Mitko Kostadinovski officially opened the festival, praising organizers and participants and wishing them a successful event. 

Kitka Folklore Ensemble's artistic director Stojko Mitkovski and lawmaker Daniela Hristova also spoke at the opening ceremony, pointing out the festival's role in preserving cultural heritage and connecting different cultures.

Beyond the dances, the festival program includes traditional workshops, food tastings and special "National Evenings" where participating countries share their heritage.

The Istibanjsko Zdravozhivo festival is organized by Vinica's Kitka Folklore Ensemble with support from the Municipality of Vinica and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. mr/