The Paris-based CIOFF is an official partner of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and is accredited with its Intangible Cultural Heritage Committee.
“We’re all set and just waiting for the actual event to happen,” the mayor told reporters.
Miguel said the event will mainly feature 12 international and five national contingents groups, including the city’s famed Hinugyaw Cultural Dance Troupe.
He said the international performance will come from Poland, Mexico, Sri Lanka, Slovenia, Indonesia, Turkey, Thailand, Armenia, India, Japan, Chinese Taipei and Israel.
The other participants from the country are the ECD Dance Company of the Philippines, PNU (Philippine Normal University) Kislap Sining Dance Troupe, Philippine Barangay Folk Dance Troupe and the University of the Philippines Filipiniana.
Each contingent will have 25 members or participants, including musicians, coaches and trainers.
The international folkloric groups will have repertoires of authentic, elaborated or contemporized dances while the local groups will perform repertoires of folk dances representing their local culture.
“The event will be highlighted by a spectacular display of diverse cultural heritage and folk arts of various local and international groups,” he said.
The mayor said the festival will be centered in the city but the participating group will also hold performances in the neighboring localities.
Aside from the performances, the festivity will include exhibits, lectures and workshops, he said.
Miguel said that aside from the performers, they expect ambassadors and their other fellow nationals to visit the area for the festivities.
“The event will be an opportunity for the region to showcase its culture, people and products, and provide impressions that will define the region and the country’s identity,” he said.[]
The mayor made a bid to host the international folkloric festival when he attended the 44th CIOFF World Congress and General Assembly held in Bautzen, Germany.[]
