Samsun to Host 36th International Folk Dance Festival from July 21

The 36th International Samsun Folk Dance Festival will take place from 21 to 26 July in the Turkish city of Samsun. Organized by the Samsun Metropolitan Municipality, the six‑day event begins with a parade on Monday and concludes with closing performances on Saturday.

Folk‑dance groups from Mexico, Russia, Bulgaria, Serbia, Slovakia, Bosnia‑Herzegovina, Poland, the Adige Republic, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Georgia and Turkey are slated to perform both in the city centre and in district venues. Mayor Halit Doğan said the festival showcases "friendship, brotherhood and solidarity" as cultures meet through dance.

The programme, including point‑show performances and local community events, is detailed on the municipality’s social‑media channels, inviting residents to experience the diverse traditional costumes, music and dances.