When Footsteps Match Each Other in Prnjavor

A CIOFF Evening Celebrating Tradition and Friendship Among Nations

Author’s Note — This article does not seek to explain everything. Its purpose is, above all, to awaken a desire: the desire to rediscover traditional dances, to attend a performance, to support folklore ensembles and, for those of us who belong to it, to proudly represent Serbian culture.

Prnjavor (Mačva, Serbia), 8 August 2025 — At the Cultural Centre of Prnjavor, the stage became, if only for one evening, a crossroads of traditions. Colourful costumes, infectious rhythms, and glances filled with understanding made the entire hall breathe in unison.

About CIOFF

CIOFF (the International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Arts) brings together festivals, ensembles, and enthusiasts of traditional culture with the aim of preserving, promoting, and transmitting the world’s folk traditions. Its hallmark is fostering encounters through the performing arts, grounded in respect for cultural identities and a desire to share humanity’s cultural heritage.

The Hall That Brings People Together

The performance was held indoors, on a stage set in an almost theatrical atmosphere: precise entrances, carefully designed lighting, and flawlessly choreographed transitions. The overall impression? An exceptionally well-organised event that showcased both the performers and the folk traditions that they represented in the best possible way.

Đenka, the host of the evening

Special recognition belongs to Đenka, the host and true thread connecting the entire programme. Dressed in different costumes—sometimes in the colours of Serbia, at other times as a tribute to the guest countries—he introduced each ensemble, paid tribute to the performers, and effortlessly won over the audience with his sense of rhythm and subtle humour. Every one of his appearances was accompanied by the right words, and every conclusion by a sincere smile.

The Ensembles: The Highlights of the Evening

The Argentine Ensemble: The Heartbeat of Unity

A warm, almost familial energy. One can feel a dialogue between generations, a heritage of movement constantly being reimagined. The stamping of heels seems to call out to the audience—and the audience responds. This circle of exchange leaves behind a smile that lingers long after the performance has ended.

Russia - Pure Lines, Breath Suspended

Youthful energy, upright posture, and remarkable precision of movement. The lifts and acrobatic elements approach gymnastic virtuosity without ever losing their folk musicality. Several moments left the audience breathless, followed by resounding applause.

Cyprus - The Art of Balance

Here, elegance lies in the details: carefully used props, measured entrances, and understated exits from the stage. A choreography in which every pause matters and the collective takes precedence over individual display. One island, one soul.

France (Brittany) - Salt of the Wind

Tightly knit circles, joined hands, and a rhythm that enchants. Brittany explains nothing—it simply draws you into the dance. One finds oneself unconsciously following the beat, as if carried away by an inner ball.

Republika Srpska - Pride and Precision

Impeccable lines, precise accents, and exemplary discipline. It is precisely this union of order and joy that gives great ensembles their brilliance: harmony as a promise, and traditional costume as a celebration.

Serbia - Home and Roots

Whenever Serbian ensembles take to the stage, the atmosphere in the hall changes. There is the power of the rhythm, the joy of the circles (kola) forming, and the confidence of steps passed down through generations. It is our home, yet open to all—Serbian hospitality expressed through music and dance.

A Moment in Tribute to Serbia

The highlight of the evening came at the moment when each ensemble performed a motif of the Serbian kolo, integrating it into its own choreographic language. This variation on the theme of the kolo served as a tribute to the host country: respect for tradition paired with the freedom of interpretation. Unity in diversity — the spirit of CIOFF in action.

Why does this matter (for FYSE)?

For the Federation of Young Serbs of Europe, this event represents a bridge: between young people across Europe, between family heritage and the contemporary stage, between the Serbia we carry within us and the curiosity we cultivate. Tradition is not a museum exhibit—it comes alive when it is danced, and it is passed on when we invite others into the kolo.

Thank you

Thank you to CIOFF for the invitation and trust. Thank you to the Cultural Centre of Prnjavor for their warm and attentive hospitality. Thank you to all the ensembles for their generosity. And, above all, thank you to Đenka — your ability to present, connect, and honour both artists and audience gave rhythm to the entire evening.

The kolo - in short

Kolo is a Serbian folk dance performed in a circle or chain, with dancers holding hands and repeating steps that require exceptional rhythmic precision. There are numerous regional variations. Its strength lies in its apparent simplicity and its ability to bring people together.