Over 500 Participants Bring Traditions to Albena

Over 500 Participants Bring Traditions to Albena

The 12th International Folklore Art Festival “Na Megdana v Albena” will bring together authentic heritage, stage folklore and different cultures by the sea.

Albena Resort will host the 12th International Folklore Art Festival “Na Megdana v Albena”, which will welcome more than 500 participants this year.

From 2 to 7 September 2026, the resort will once again become a large meeting place for traditions, bringing together representatives from different regions of Bulgaria and different cultural communities. The festival is organised by Ani Stoyanova in cooperation with Albena Resort.

Authentic folklore at the heart of the festival

A major focus of this year’s edition is authentic folklore – songs, dances, customs and traditional costumes from different regions of Bulgaria. The programme will also feature staged folklore, offering a contemporary interpretation of traditional art.

Traditional costumes will have a particularly important place in the festival, with some of them more than 150 years old. They are not only an expression of the beauty of Bulgarian tradition, but also a testimony to cultural memory preserved through generations.

From the Rhodope Mountains to Dobrudzha and from Thrace to the Shopluk region, authentic and staged traditions will meet, each with its own distinctive sound, style and history.

The festival programme will also include people living in Bulgaria who will present Turkish and English cultural traditions. Different cultures will therefore share the same stage, united by music and dance.

66 years of Kukeri tradition

One of this year’s highlights will be the participation of the Kukeri group from the Vasil Levski – 1931 Community Centre in the village of Pobeda, Tundzha Municipality, Yambol Region.

The group was founded in 1960 and celebrates 66 years of history in 2026, during which generations have preserved and passed on the Kukeri tradition.

Their performance will introduce audiences to the power of Bulgarian ritual traditions, masked games and a custom that remains alive today.

Ivelina Koleva as special guest

The special guest of the 12th International Festival “Na Megdana v Albena” will be Ivelina Koleva.

Closely connected to the rich musical traditions of the Dobrudzha region, she will present a special original programme for festival participants and guests, providing one of the musical highlights of the event.

Rhodope bagpipes by the sea

The Epodai Folklore Ensemble from Plovdiv will make a special appearance with a bagpipe performance featuring the characteristic sound of the Rhodope Mountains.

The distinctive Rhodope bagpipe will be heard by the sea as part of the festival’s rich musical programme.

21 years dedicated to dance

Behind “Na Megdana v Albena” is Ani Stoyanova, for whom Bulgarian dance has been part of her life for 21 years.

Her journey began as an amateur dancer with the “Horo” formation at the Military Club in Plovdiv and later continued with the “Megdana” Folklore Club.

The idea for “Na Megdana v Albena” was born in 2014. Over the years, the festival has developed into an established event in Albena’s cultural calendar, with its 12th edition taking place in 2026.

The “Megdana” Folklore Club participates almost every year and will return to the programme on 4 September. Ani Stoyanova herself will also be among the dancers.

Five days of folklore and experiences by the sea

“Na Megdana v Albena” is designed not only as a stage event but as a complete experience. Participants can combine their festival performances with time by the sea, the beach and Albena’s natural surroundings, as well as new encounters, dancing and a variety of events.

On 4 September, following the festival evening, celebrations will continue from 10:00 p.m. at the Albena Tennis Centre with a wine party featuring music, dancing and Geranium white wine provided by Albena.

On 5 September, folklore will move beyond the stage. A festive parade along the resort’s central street will fill Albena with music, dancing and the vibrant colours of traditional costumes.

A special gala evening will take place on 6 September at Rai Restaurant, while the participants are scheduled to depart on 7 September.

“Na Megdana v Albena” brings together history and the present, authenticity and stage interpretation, different generations and cultures.

More than 500 participants. Historic traditional costumes. 66 years of Kukeri tradition. Bagpipes from the heart of the Rhodope Mountains. A special programme by Ivelina Koleva. All of this comes together in one place by the sea.

From 2 to 7 September 2026, Albena will be the place where tradition is not simply presented – it comes to life. Because tradition stays alive when there are people to pass it on.