The inaugural European Folk Day, slated for Saturday, 23rd September 2023, marks a significant milestone in the realm of folk music, dance, and storytelling. This pioneering event, known as the European Folk Day 2023, is a pilot project that originated from the collaborative efforts of the European Folk Network (EFN) members, with co-funding from the MusicAIRE program, courtesy of the European Union. The primary objective of this initiative is to firmly establish the European Folk Day as a momentous occasion within the annual calendar.
Background and Objectives
The concept of the European Folk Day emerged through intensive discussions held within the EFN, aligning seamlessly with one of the network’s core aspirations: to showcase the existence of a substantial population across Europe actively engaged in traditional performing arts, encompassing music, dance, and storytelling.
Participation Criteria for the European Folk Day
The European Folk Day extends an inclusive invitation to individuals, bands, institutions, companies, communities, workshops, and local groups, encouraging their involvement in activities associated with folk music, dance, or storytelling. Whether participating on-site or remotely, anyone who wishes to contribute to this celebration is warmly welcomed, regardless of their affiliation with the EFN.
How to Engage in the European Folk Day
Participation in the European Folk Day can be as straightforward as recording and sharing a video featuring an old or new folk song on one’s preferred social media platform, accompanied by the designated hashtag #europeanfolkday. Alternatively, participants can opt for a more elaborate approach, organizing on-site festivals featuring multiple artists performing in proximity to the 23rd of September. Such events should be actively promoted as integral components of the European Folk Day.
Once the nature of one’s participation has been determined, individuals and groups are requested to provide the relevant details to the EFN through the Participate page on the official website. The information will be meticulously cataloged in a searchable database, alongside a comprehensive map of Europe, accurately depicting the distribution of participation across the continent.
EFN’s Ongoing Communication and Visibility Efforts
In the coming months, the EFN will diligently communicate its progress to a global audience, ensuring that all European Folk Day events receive the visibility they deserve. Interested individuals can stay informed by subscribing to the mailing list dedicated to the Folk Day through the following link: https://mailchi.mp/7a949e23e967/european-folk-day.
(headline image: Alienda, an Asturian contemporary folk band from northern Spain)
More about the European Folk Network
Author: World Music Central News Room
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