“Asia Folk 2019” festival

The first edition of the festival “Asia Folk 2019” was held in the period 12-17 June, 2019. Large folklore forum was officially opened by the Prime Minister of Mongolia – Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh, who thanked all organizers and especially the World Association of Folklore Festivals – WAFF and the European Association of Folklore Festivals – EAFF – for the opportunity of the Asian Folklore Championship “Asia Folk 2019” to be held for the first time in the capital of Mongolia (Ulan Bator).

The Gala concert, named “Arts and Culture – The Immunity of the Nations” was held on the main square “Sükhbaatar Square” in front of the building of the National Assembly. In celebration of the opening of the large forum, viewers had the opportunity to enjoy the magnificent performance of part of the “Genghis Khan” Opera and to see some of the most popular Mongolian artists.

The final concert and the ceremony for the official awarding ceremony of the “Asia Folk 2019” took place in the Palace of Culture, Mongolia. The Music Ensemble “Tuurgatan” from Dornod Province, Mongolia won the Grand Prix and the gold medal of the Championship “Asia Folk 2019”. The Folklore arts group “Cheong Choong” from South Korea (Seoul) won the second place and silver medal of the Championship.

Mr. Ateha, from the autonomous region of the People’s Republic of China – Inner Mongolia, won the third place and the bronze medal from the competition program. The overall winner won the cash prize of 4,000 Euro and for the second and third places, the groups received 2,000 and 1,000 Euro.

150 folklore artists from Malaysia, China, South Korea, Indonesia, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Russia and Kazakhstan  and over 2000 artists and heritage keepers from Mongolia took part in the folklore contest. The “Asia Folk 2019” was organized under the aegis of the World Association of Folklore Festivals – WAFF, European Association of Folklore Festivals – EAFF, Culture and Arts Authority, the Government Implementing Agency of Mongolia, ArtLar Culture NGO, World Folklore Academy with financial support of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science and Sports of Mongolia.