Brăila Folklore Festival Awards Highlight Romanian and International Talent

The 19th edition of the International Folklore Festival “Song of Love along the Danube” took place in Brăila from 21–23 July 2026. Twenty‑seven competitors from Romania, the Republic of Moldova, Serbia, Ukraine and Bulgaria performed on the Esplanada Danube stage, accompanied by the National Orchestra Lăutarii from Chișinău under maestro Nicolae Botgros.

Award winners included Alice‑Olivia Ghile (Romania, Sălaj) who received the Trofeu, Andreï‑Nicolae Chelba (Romania, Prahova) with Prize I, Simona Florentina Popescu (Romania, Olt) with Prize II, Olena Hamurar (Ukraine) with Prize III, and Jelena Velimirovic (Serbia) who earned the popularity prize. Special recognitions went to Ana Maria Durbăcea for costume authenticity and Simina Maria Popescu for a special prize. Guests such as Veta Biriș, Ion Paladi and Alexandru Brădățan appeared as invited artists.

Alice Ghile expressed gratitude on Facebook, noting her return to competition after a long hiatus and thanking the jury, the orchestra, and the Brăila audience for their support.