On 07.07.2007, while in Bulgaria hundreds of couples were saying “I do” in front of the alter, hoping that the number 7 will bring them happiness in their marriage, under the bright sky of Yalova, Turkey, the dancers from ensemble “Zornitsa” were receiving loud applause from the audience gathered to watch the final competition of the 21 st International Folklore Festival “The Golden Carnation”.

During the competition concert dancers from South Korea, Mexico, Columbia, Jordania, Sweden, Slovakia, Bosnia and Herzegovina , Romania and Bulgaria performed their best dances and were being judged by competent jury from elected members from the dancers of each group. After the end of our “Shopska suite”, and as well as during the whole stay of the group, everybody said with absolute certainty – ensemble “Zornitsa” are number 1 in the classification and the Bulgarian dancers are the best.

The victory was well deserved, in spite of the severe competition and good performances of the groups from Mexico and Columbia, which in the end were classified on second and third place respectively, but still applauded when ensemble “Zornitsa” was pronounced winner of The Golden Carnation. The cup was handed by the vice mayor of Yalova Mr Ibrahim Akai. After all the happy emotions that the group experienced during their seven-day stay in Turkey, the date 07.07.07 will undoubtedly remain unforgettable in the 25 year-old history of “Zornitsa”.


Golden Carnation 2007, Folk Dance Competition

Ivailo Parvanov
Folk Dance Ensemble Zornitsa