Castrovillari International Folklore Festival adds Georgian dance ensemble to 2026 lineup

The 40th edition of the International Festival of Folklore and the Pollino Park will take place in Castrovillari, Italy, from 19 to 23 August 2026. Organized by the cultural association E.I.F. APS and directed artistically by President Antonio Notaro, the five‑day event will showcase folk groups from five continents in the newly restored Piazza Gallo, the festival’s main venue.

The program begins with the Brazilian troupe Bacnaré – Balletto della Cultura Negra di Recife and now includes the Georgian popular dance ensemble ERISA from Kutaisi, led by choreographer Paata Karkashadze. The festival is supported by the municipality of Castrovillari, the Pollino National Park, the Calabria region and private sponsors, and is affiliated with several Italian folklore federations.