The International Folklore Festival was created in 1965 and since then it has gained international prestige as a result of its high professionalism and the authenticity of the peoples’ traditional wealth. In 1978 it was granted membership of The International Council of the Organizers of Folklore Festivals – CIOFF; since 2001 it is a member of the International Festivals & Events Association Europe /IFEA/. Every year representatives of different continents meet at the sea shore to present the folk heritage they bear deep in themselves.

Concerts in Bourgas and its region, a festive parade, a scientific conference, traditional souvenirs exhibition with bazaar, folk crafts workshop, photographing and videotaping of the festival activities are also included in the Programme of the International Folklore Festival.

Bulgarian and foreign folk songs and dances ensembles, folk choirs and orchestras are eligible to apply for participation in the Festival. The number of the ensemble members and the persons accompanying them must not exceed 40 persons altogether. The participants should be of an age over 15. Recitals and participation in mixed performances of 5 and 45 minute duration should be included in each ensemble’s programme. If the programme is performed by playback, the recording should be submitted as a studio CD, mini disc. It is recommended that the ensembles deliver their performances with live orchestras.

Concerts at the stage of the Summer Theatre of Bourgas (seated for 2 300), at open-air stages in the city and its region, a festive defiles, a scientific session in the humanities, traditional souvenirs exhibition with bazaar, folk crafts workshop, photographing and videotaping of the festival activities are included in the International Folklore Festival.

Within the festival days Bulgarian professional ensembles for folk songs and dances deliver performances and provide the possibility of introducing the Bulgarian folk tradition and culture.