Amid the buzz of the International Market, enjoy two unique stages for performances: Folk in Motion Stage (host: Question Mark) and the Harmony Hub (host: Hasan Gök). Here, you’ll be treated to spontaneous dance showcases, folk performances, workshops and music challenges, offering unforgettable moments of cultural celebration and entertainment.
FOLK IN MOTION STAGE
ANSAMBLI DARDANET (KOS)
Kosovar dance – 12:00
Join us for an unforgettable celebration where folk dances bring history and tradition to life! With vibrant costumes, electrifying music, and rhythmic movements, these performances connect the past and present. Don’t miss this lively spectacle that showcases our rich cultural heritage and unites generations—pure national pride on stage!
BOLIVIA MINKA (BOL)
100 Bolivian dances – 12:20
Bolivia Minka presents 100 traditional Bolivian dances, including the rhythmic Morenada and festive Carnavalito. With vibrant costumes and energetic choreography, this celebration captures the diversity of Bolivia’s rich cultural heritage, offering an unforgettable experience for lovers of dance and folklore.
UFDA DANCE GROUP (PHL)
Filipino folk dance – 12:45
UDFA Dance Group celebrates the connection between the Filipino and Dutch communities through traditional Filipino folk dances. Their performance will highlight the rich traditions of the Philippines, offering a beautiful expression of unity and shared cultural heritage.
MRIYA (UKR)
Ukrainian dance – 13:05
MRIYA, meaning ‘dream’ in Ukrainian, will present an authentic display of traditional Ukrainian folk dance at the Embassy Festival. Their performance brings to life ancient stories and rituals, passed down through generations, using dance and music as a powerful form of storytelling.
DANÇA ANGOLANO (AGO)
Semba & kizomba – 13:25
Dance Angolano will showcase the rich cultural heritage of Kizomba and Semba, introduced to the Netherlands by Vivaldo Neto in 2008. Vivaldo, alongside his wife Belinha, has been passionately teaching these traditional Angolan dances, bringing their rhythms and stories to life in Rotterdam ever since.
ABOVIAN CULTURAL ASSN (ARM)
Armenian dances & songs – 13:50
Get ready to experience the vibrant culture of Armenia! The Abovian Youth Dance Ensemble will perform traditional dances, while the Youth Choir fills the air with beautiful Armenian songs. Together, they’ll bring a lively celebration of heritage to the stage.
BRIDGING THE GAP (IND)
Indian dance – 14:10
The Bridging the Gap Foundation is proud to present a captivating Indian dance performance at this year’s festival. Since 2009, the foundation has connected Dutch and Indian communities through unique cultural events, and this performance promises to offer an exciting glimpse into India’s rich dance traditions.
KURYZARA (ECU)
Andean folklore dance – 14:30
Kuryzara brings the rich traditions of Ecuador and the Andes to life with their stunning folklore dance. Set to the lively rhythms of highland music, the group performs in authentic costumes, offering a colorful and energetic celebration of Ecuadorian heritage at the festival.
CULTURE PARADE
Colorful celebration – 15:00
Get ready to experience a colorful celebration at the Embassy Festival’s Culture Parade! This lively procession brings together people from all over the world, each showcasing their traditional attire and customs. As the parade winds through Lange Voorhout, it culminates in a powerful display of unity and diversity.
SRI LANKAN DANCE (LKA)
Traditional dance – 15:45
Experience the beauty of Sri Lankan traditional dance, a performance that vividly depicts the island’s rich culture. This captivating display of movement brings to life the history, rituals, and traditions of Sri Lanka, offering a glimpse into its vibrant cultural heritage.
IRAMA DIKIR BARAT (MYS)
Traditional Malay musical – 16:05
Discover the captivating world of Dikir Barat, a unique Malaysian art form that combines singing, poetry, synchronized dance, and music. Recognized as a National Heritage since 2009, this performance weaves together quatrains and stories, offering a dynamic and rhythmic celebration of culture
FASHION SHOW BY ANU (TZA)
Fashion – 16:30
Fashion Show by Anu brings the elegance and creativity of Tanzanian design to the stage. This showcase offers a glimpse into contemporary fashion inspired by Tanzanian culture, blending traditional elements with modern flair.
RITMO DOMINICANO (DOM)
Folk Dance on merengue music – 16:50
Ritmo Dominicano brings the vibrant spirit of the Dominican Republic to life with traditional folk dance, set to the infectious beat of merengue music. Get ready for a lively and rhythmic performance that captures the joy and energy of Dominican culture!
MAALEM REDA (MAR)
Moroccan music – 17:20
Maalem Reda will take you on a journey through the heart of Moroccan music. Known for his mastery of traditional rhythms, his performance showcases the rich heritage and deep-rooted sounds of Morocco, bringing an authentic musical experience to the festival.
ZORA (BGR)
Folk dances and costumes – 17:45
ZORA presents Colourful Rug, a performance that celebrates the diversity of Bulgarian folklore. With traditional dances, rhythms, and costumes from across the country, this show gives a vibrant glimpse into Bulgarian wedding rituals and regional dance traditions, offering an unforgettable cultural experience.
MUAY THAI (THA)
Mixed Martial Arts Demonstration – 18:05
In this Mixed Martial Arts Demonstration, fighters showcase their skill in Muay Thai, engaging in intense bouts that display the art’s signature strikes and clinching techniques. Accompanied by traditional music and rituals, this performance offers a fascinating glimpse into the depth of this revered martial art.
KUD TAMO DALEKO (SRB)
Servic love dance – 18:25
Kud Tamo Daleko presents a touching Serbian love dance that tells the story of a boy and girl’s meeting, their blossoming relationship, and eventual engagement. Through graceful movements, this dance beautifully captures the emotions of love and devotion.
INDIAN DANCE (IND)
Indian dance – 19:00
India will be showcasing Bhangra, a traditional Indian dance. Bhangra is a lively folk dance from the state of Punjab, traditionally performed during the harvest season. With its energetic moves and vibrant rhythms, this dance celebrates the joy and hard work of the farming community. Get ready to be swept away by the infectious energy of Bhangra!
PAKISTANI ENSEMBLE (PAK)
Pakistani music – 19:35
The Pakistani Ensemble will present a unique fusion of Pakistani and Western instruments, combining traditional music with contemporary sounds. This captivating performance, featuring both instrumental music and songs, promises to offer an exciting and entertaining experience for all.
HARMONY HUB
LEONARDO PRIETO (MEX)
Bolero -12:00
Don’t miss the incredible Leonardo Prieto, a versatile musician whose talents span contemporary classical and popular music. He’s collaborated with top ensembles and orchestras, and will soon take the stage to perform Bolero—a UNESCO-recognized masterpiece full of passionate rhythms and emotional depth. Experience his stunning tribute to cultural heritage!
MĀRAS MEITAS UN DĒLS (LVA)
Traditional string instrument and dances – 12:35
Experience the magic of Latvian tradition with Koklētāju kopa Māras meitas un dēls, a renowned ensemble dedicated to reviving the enchanting sounds of the kokle! With its gentle, resonant tones, this traditional instrument bridges generations, bringing Latvian folklore to life in performances that will inspire and captivate audiences. A pure celebration of culture and music!
KHAN SHUSHINSKY FDN (AZE)
Mugham band – 13:20
Get ready to be mesmerized by the Khan Shushinsky Foundation’s Mugham band! This Azerbaijani ensemble brings the soul-stirring melodies of Mugham—a UNESCO-recognized cultural treasure—to life. With rich, intricate sounds, their performance is a journey through Azerbaijan’s musical heritage, offering an unforgettable cultural experience you can’t miss!
ITMO DOMINICANO (DOM)
Merengue workshop – 14:15
Feel the rhythm of the Dominican Republic at the ITMO Dominicano Merengue Workshop! Join this energetic, hands-on experience and learn the moves of the iconic merengue dance. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, this vibrant workshop will have you dancing your heart out in no time. Come move, groove, and celebrate Dominican culture!
GOOD VIBES MUSIC CHALLENGE (DNK)
Live music quiz with Jonas Brøg – 14:55
Get ready for the Good Vibes Music Challenge with Jonas Brøg! Test your music knowledge in this live, interactive quiz that’s packed with fun, friendly competition, and good vibes. Whether you’re a music buff or just love a challenge, this is the perfect event to jump into the action and enjoy some great tunes!
ENSEMBLE SAKARTVELO (GEO)
Georgisch koor – 15:50
Get swept away by the powerful harmonies of Ensemble Sakartvelo, led by Ketevan Tsiklauri! This vibrant Georgian choir blends centuries-old traditions with the sounds of authentic instruments like the panduri. Immerse yourself in a captivating performance that celebrates the rich culture and music of Georgia!
KORALI (UKR)
Acapella vocal group – 16:25
KORALI is an acapella vocal group dedicated to promoting Ukrainian choir traditions and culture in the Netherlands. Based in The Hague, this enthusiastic group of singers brings a passion for melody and harmony to the stage, sharing their love for Ukrainian music with every performance.
GOOD VIBES MUSIC CHALLENGE (DNK)
Live music quiz with Jonas Brøg – 17:05
Get ready for the Good Vibes Music Challenge with Jonas Brøg! Test your music knowledge in this live, interactive quiz that’s packed with fun, friendly competition, and good vibes. Whether you’re a music buff or just love a challenge, this is the perfect event to jump into the action and enjoy some great tunes!
XOCHIQUETZAL (MEX)
Mexican dance – 18:05
Xochiquetzal brings the vibrant spirit of Mexico to life through traditional dance, costumes, and theater. Founded in 2005 by Mexican dancers living in the Netherlands, the group showcases 57 dances from 18 Mexican states, celebrating the joy and colorful richness of Mexican culture in every performance.
JAMAICA RED ALERT (JAM)
Jamaican music – 18:45
Wrap up the festival on a high note with Jamaica Red Alert! This DJ set brings the best of Jamaican music, from reggae to dancehall, guaranteed to keep you on your feet. It’s the perfect way to end the night with infectious rhythms and great vibes.