World Folklore Festival

The third edition of the World Folklore Festival animated Vieste from August 6 to 9, 2025, with Piazza Marina Piccola transformed into a grand stage overlooking the Adriatic. For four evenings, nine nations from four continents showcased the richness of their folk traditions: Italy (with the local Pizzeche e Muzzeche group), Mexico, Honduras, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Martinique, and Georgia.

The 2025 edition had a particularly institutional scope, with the participation of ambassadors, authorities, and representatives from the guest countries, making Vieste a small world capital of folk culture for a few days. The event, artistically directed by the Pizzeche e Muzzeche Folk Group with the co-organization of the Samarkanda Association, combined dance performances, parades in the historic center, fashion, and gastronomy.

Wednesday, August 6 — Opening

• International press conference.
• Show cooking with the international president of Gambero Rosso.
• Evening opening ceremony in Piazza Marina Piccola with performances by all participating groups.

Thursday, August 7 — Fashion and Folklore

• Fashion show by Uzbek designer Aliya Dineeva, featuring creations inspired by Uzbek tradition.
• Performances by international groups in the square.

Friday, August 8

• Parade of groups through the historic center and grand evening gala with performances by international delegations in Piazza Marina Piccola.

Saturday, August 9 — Grand Finale

• Notte della Tarantella – International Edition, with the participation of Italian and foreign groups.

Participating nations 2025: Italy, Mexico, Honduras, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Martinique, Georgia.