The second day of the international folk contest-festival “The Flower of the Sun” brought even more dance, music, and international unity to the Sun City.
At the Šiauliai Culture Center, two competitions took place: the traditional folklore dance contest and the choreographed arrangements folk dance contest. Both contests gathered folk ensembles from different parts of the world, showcasing deep traditions alongside contemporary artistic approaches.
Dancing in the heart of the city and the music of nations
On Vilniaus Street boulevard, near the café “Arkos,” locals and visitors could not only watch but also learn traditional dances presented by ensembles from Ukraine, Hungary, and Lithuania. These open dance workshops invited everyone to join the shared dance circle, regardless of age or nationality.
Meanwhile, the terrace of the “Saulės miestas” was transformed into a concert venue – here the ensembles from Estonia, Latvia, Poland, and Serbia perform. They filled the event with vibrant music and graceful movement.
In the evening, the mass festival dance united participants and spectators into one rhythmic wave, becoming the most vivid highlight of the day.
The day concluded with a grand evening concert and the award ceremony for the contest winners, featuring ensembles from Latvia, North Macedonia, Portugal, Azerbaijan, and Lithuania.
Contest winners recognized for mastery and uniqueness
The winners of the international traditional folk dance contest were those who best conveyed the authenticity, dance heritage, and living tradition of their nations. First place went to the folkl ensemble “Grupo folclórico de Faro” from Portugal. Second place was shared by two groups: the folk dance ensemble “Kincső” from Hungary and the folk ensemble “Danzas Burgalesas Justo del Río” from Spain. Third place was awarded to the folkl ensemble “Lipovec” from Slovakia.
The winners of the choreographed arrangements folk dance contest: first place – the Serbian folk dance and song ensemble “Smederevo,” second – the song and dance ensemble “Krakus” from Poland, and third – the folk ensemble “Oteks Folk” from North Macedonia and the folk ensemble “Danzas Burgalesas Justo del Río” from Spain.
The jury highlighted the high artistic level, the preservation of authentic details, and original interpretations, emphasizing the abundance of remarkable performances from around the world.
The evaluation jury consists of: Loreta Sungailienė, Cătălin Gabriel Oancea, Gabriel Frontera Mestre, Mafalda Silva Rego, Diana Martinaitienė.
More to come tomorrow
The international folk contest-festival “The Flower of the Sun” continues – with more concerts, dances, and festive spirit ahead. Once again, Šiauliai proves to be a welcoming city for world culture and folklore.
