53rd Beltinci International Folklore Festival
Celebration of intangible cultural heritage
From 18 to 21 July 2025, the village of Beltinci hosted the 53rd International Folklore Festival, one of Slovenia’s most prominent events in the field of intangible cultural heritage. With its rich and diverse programme, the festival once again demonstrated the powerful role of folklore creativity in promoting cultural diversity, supporting regional tourism development, and strengthening local identity. This year’s edition placed special emphasis on the topic of creativity and heritage among Slovenians living abroad and in neighbouring countries.
For decades, the Beltinci festival has successfully used folk dance, music, and other forms of intangible cultural heritage to shape a recognizable tourist offering in remote rural area. This year’s programme featured a wide range of events, from a traditional handicrafts fair and exhibition to performances by domestic and international folklore ensembles. These performances attracted numerous visitors from Slovenia and abroad and demonstrated how heritage-based events can contribute to the sustainable development of marginal regions.
Among the contributors to this year’s festival was Saša Poljak Istenič from CULTURALITY partner ZRC SAZU, who participated in the opening round table titled “Creativity and Heritage among Slovenians Abroad and in Neighbouring Countries” and served as the honourable speaker at the closing ceremony. In her address, she emphasized that intangible cultural heritage unites nations and that creativity—such as that expressed through craftsmanship—ensures the sustainability of heritage and enhances its relevance in the modern world.
The invitation of a CULTURALITY project member to the festival highlights the organizer KUD Beltinci‘s awareness of the value of involving experts in heritage-based events Each year, the Beltinci festival continues to prove that heritage is a creative process that brings people together, strengthens communities, and offers innovative opportunities for local development.
Photography: Saša Poljak Istenič and Boštjan Rous
