Ostrava Welcomes the World of „Folklore Without Borders”
From 11 to 15 August, Ostrava’s streets and squares will once again come alive with music, dance, and vibrant traditional costumes during the 27th edition of the popular Folklore Without Borders festival. This year, more than 100 performers from the Czech Republic and abroad will share their traditions, with guests arriving from Lithuania, France, Armenia, Croatia, and Ecuador.
The deputy mayor, Lucie Baránková Vilamová, welcomed the ensemble's representative. Photo: Lukáš Kaboň.
Local ensembles will include the Hlubina Folk Song and Dance Ensemble, the Helena Salichová Silesian Ensemble, and many others.
The celebrations open on Monday, 11 August at 16:00 on Masaryk Square, before moving to various districts including Ostrava-Jih, Mariánské Hory, and Poruba. The festival will conclude on Friday at Slezskoostravský Castle with performances by children’s groups and a grand closing concert. A photo exhibition in the New City Hall foyer will run until the end of August, showcasing festival moments from 2019–2024.
Deputy Mayor Lucie Baránková Vilamová highlighted the festival’s role in the city’s cultural life:
“Folklore Without Borders has earned a place among Ostrava’s most beloved events. It enriches the festival scene with a unique folkloric dimension that resonates across generations, offering audiences a chance to discover both the similarities and differences between traditions from around the globe.”
A special outreach programme, Together Without Borders, will bring performances to senior homes, a centre for people with disabilities, and the spa colonnade in Klimkovice—ensuring that those unable to attend in the city can still enjoy the spirit of the festival.
Organised in cooperation with the City of Ostrava and several city districts, the festival has been breaking down cultural boundaries since its founding in 1998, uniting people through the shared joy of music and dance.
Folklore Without Borders 2025 – Programme
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Mon 11 Aug |
15:00 |
Cimbalom Band Lopoň – Masaryk Square |
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15:30 |
Parade through city centre – Náměstí Dr. E. Beneše |
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16:00 |
Opening Concert – Masaryk Square |
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Tue 12 Aug |
15:00 |
Cimbalom Band Świerczyni – Ostrava-Jih Square |
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16:00 |
Festival Concert – Ostrava-Jih Square |
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Wed 13 Aug |
15:00 |
Cimbalom Band Perenica – Mariánské Square |
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16:00 |
Festival Concert – Mariánské Square |
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Thu 14 Aug |
15:00 |
Cimbalom Band Perenica – Hlavní třída (roundabout) |
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15:30 |
Parade – Alšovo Square & Hlavní třída |
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16:00 |
Festival Concert – Hlavní třída (roundabout) |
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Fri 15 Aug |
16:00 |
Children’s Ensembles – Slezskoostravský Castle |
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18:00 |
Closing Festival Concert – Slezskoostravský Castle |
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Aug 2025 |
New City Hall foyer |
All day |
Photo Exhibition |