Niqozi 2015- Promoting Folk Traditions

The Ministry of Culture and Monument Protection of Georgia and The Folklore State Center of Georgia combined forces to hold the very first Georgian folk songs and traditional chant festival for children and adults, in celebration of International Children’s Day.

The number of participants was surprisingly high, with over 500 young folk singers showing interest and dedication towards Georgian folk music. Among the audience we could easily recognize some professional folk music performers who willingly shared their experiences with the young debutants. The festival has multiple objectives, such as extending interest towards traditional Georgian music in the younger generation as well as reviving local territories like those in the conflict zone.

Mr. Giorgi Gabunia, Deputy Administrator of the Folklore State Center of Georgia has announced that the conservation of traditional values such as music is exceptionally important to Georgians in the process of globalization. Music was not the only priority of the festival, as an exhibition and sale of local art pieces was held near the festival area.

Niqozi is also host of an annual animation festival and now the number of local and exciting events has been raised as the folk and traditional song festival gained annual form and will draw attention for many years to come.