THE FESTIVAL will showcase a range of folk artists.photo: Národné osvetové centrum
THE FOLKLORE festival Východná is proof that folk culture is a living phenomenon. It is constantly moving and evolving into new contemporary forms and styles, its organisers say.
In the five decades of its existence, going to the Východná festival - named after the village it takes place in - has become a pilgrimage for people interested in folk customs. Taking place over three days, the festival will showcase traditional Slovak music, dances, games, traditional clothes, embroidery, and various handcrafts.
This year Východná is part of the Visegrad Four Folklore Festival, and there will be performances from the other V4 member countries - Hungary, Poland, and the Czech Republic - on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
The festival starts on July 4 and around 1,500 performers will perform on the large wooden stage erected at the local amphitheatre through Sunday July 6. Some performances will take places in local churches, the Dom kultúry (House of Culture) and the village's streets.
Local folk groups will open the programme at the festival's main stage on Friday at 17:00. The Slovak Folk-Art Ensemble (SĽUK) will come with its grand dance show Strom (The Tree), created by the renowned choreographer Ján Ďurovčík, at 22:00. The next day, children's ensembles from the V4 countries will start performing at 17:00, followed by their adult counterparts at 18:30. The last day will be highlighted by celebrations marking the anniversary of the eastern Slovak group Kriváň and the birthday of traditional costume designer Melánia Nemcová.
Over the whole festival, visitors can watch craftsmen making traditional musical instruments, and can make some themselves under their supervision. Professional teachers will hold a dance class and a singing class. Amateur dancers can show their skills on the Free Stage for Non-Performers (VPN).
The Východná Folklore Festival will run from July 4 to July 6 in Východná village (20 kilometres east of the northern Slovak town of Liptovský Mikuláš), from 10:00 on Saturday and 7:00 on Sunday. Tickets cost Sk360 for the whole festival, Sk230 for Friday, Sk90 for Saturday afternoon, Sk140 for Saturday evening, and Sk180 for Sunday. For more information call 043/586-4928 or e-mail osvetadk@nextra.sk.
