Folklórny festival Východná
Do you like Slovak traditions, folk music, and dances? Do you like searching for cultural events? Then definitely visit the Folklórny Festival Východná. This largest and at the same time oldest festival of ours with international participation is organized annually in the picturesque village of Východná. On the threshold of the summer season, in the first weekend of July, the Nízke Tatry region comes alive with folk traditions and for a few days becomes the center of Slovak culture.
The Folklóry festival is a showcase of the regular and tireless work of many institutions, associations, and individuals who are engaged in the field of traditional folk culture. Over its 66-year history, the festival has become the premier showcase of the traditions of the Slovak nation. On average, 1,400 participants from folklore and singing groups, children's ensembles, soloist musicians, and dancers take care of a rich program every year. The participation of folk craftsmen, artists, and woodcarvers is very significant. Various dance, music, and singing workshops, craft creative workshops, and entertainment programs for children enjoy increasing popularity.
By its existence, the festival significantly contributes to the revival and preservation of precious cultural values. The history of its origin is interesting and a pleasant memory is attached to it. The Kriváň ethnographic troupe from Východná participated in the festivities in the Moravian town of Strážnica in 1952. Their performance was so successful that Kriváň won the award "sweetheart of Strážnica". This experience so enthused and inspired the members of Kriváň that they decided to organize the Festival of Songs and Dances at home in Východná.
The first year of the festivities in Východná took place in 1953 on a makeshift stage and lasted only one day. At the 2nd year, the professional artistic ensemble SĽUK performed as an important guest, and the 3rd year was already a two-day event. Lúčnica presented itself as a guest at that time. Historically significant was the 4th year of the festival, when new thematic programs were added, such as a review of children's folk ensembles, but also a folk dance school or a ceremonial parade of all participants passing through the entire village. The three-day program as we know it today took place only from the 5th year.
Besides the stage, a new amphitheater was built in the 1970s, which was based on the architecture of original Liptov buildings. Gradually, a "horseshoe" for the presentation of folk art elements, dressing rooms, exhibition showcases, and a "spring" with washbasins for visitors were also added. The 28-meter-high Májka observation tower also joined, from which you will be offered an amazing view of the Tatry. The amphitheater acquired its current form with a covered stage in 2006. The first international participation at the festival was the Folklórna skupina Goralov (Podhale) originating from the Polish town of Nowy Targ.
A curiosity is the so-called Ornamentíky, which, at the initiative of ethnographer Jarmila Paličková and Viliam Gruska, were brought by more than 20 village folklore groups in 1974. Ornamentíky are embroidered standards that draw from regional traditions and state the name of the folklore collective or village they come from. At the jubilee 60th year of the Festival Východná, these ornamentíky were hung in the amphitheater. Currently, all folklore collectives have an ornamentík as their business card and present themselves with them at events at home and abroad.
Become a part of this significant cultural event yourself and book your summer holiday in Liptov today. A rich offer of accommodation near the Folklórny Festival Východná can be found on our page accommodation Východná. After the cultural experience, treat yourself to well-being in the thermal pools of our largest water park Tatralandia. A visit to the Dom hore nohami will also be an interesting experience. We believe that you will like Liptov and take home many great experiences.
