On 11 July, during the 24th edition of the “Coroana Vârșețeană” International Folklore Festival, the Mayor of Vârșeț, Dragana Mitrović, hosted a cocktail reception at the Town Hall starting at 8:00 PM, followed by the official opening of the Festival in the central square of Vârșeț at 9:00 PM.
The National Council of the Romanian National Minority (CNMNR) was represented at the event by Mariana Stratulat, member of the CNMNR Executive, and Marian Mohan, CNMNR secretary.
In the packed Saint Theodore Square of Vârșeț, the 24th edition of the “Coroana Vârșețeană” International Folklore Festival was officially launched. This edition marks three decades since the festival’s founding, which, through previous editions, has successfully preserved and promoted the rich values of local folklore traditions.
Over the years, the festival has hosted more than 600 ensembles from around the world, showcasing some of the most valuable achievements of the international folklore scene, with performances from groups representing Panama, Georgia, Poland, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Romania, and Serbia.
The Cultural Center of Vârșeț organized the event in collaboration with the Vârșeț Tourist Organization and the Millennium Center. The festival has been supported by the Town of Vârșeț since its inception. After the traditional parade of participants through the main streets of the town, the ensembles were welcomed at the Town Hall, followed by a traditional exchange of gifts.
The festival was then officially opened by the Mayor of Vârșeț, Dragana Mitrović. “The Vârșețean Crown delights with the diversity of customs that music always unites,” she said in her opening speech. “The festival shows us that musical traditions and dances are nurtured by young people and appreciated both in our country and in the most distant corners of the world. Over the years, this festival has created new friendships, which truly represents the spirit of these events.”
In the following days, Vârșeț will host numerous cultural events, allowing visitors to explore the diversity and beauty of cultural traditions from around the world. The festival reaffirms Vârșeț’s position as an important cultural center of the region and a landmark on Serbia’s cultural map. During a meeting held on 12 May this year, the Town Council of Vârșeț appointed Vladimir Bošković, a distinguished cultural worker and choreographer of the “Laza Nančić” Cultural-Artistic Ensemble, as the new Festival Director.
The “Coroana Vârșețeană” International Folklore Festival continues to closely weave tradition with innovation, offering a captivating and inspiring show. It is not only an occasion for celebration for the local community but also a wonderful opportunity to strengthen ties with communities around the world.
Through song and dance, the festival reminds us of the values that unite us and the beauty that emerges from diversity. Regardless of the country we come from or the language we speak, we are all united through music and art.