Participating Groups

Dance, music and living diversity – at the International Folklore Festival ŁUŽICA – ŁUŽYCA – LAUSITZ 2025, ensembles from Lusatia and around the world come together to celebrate the power of culture.

The International Folklore Festival ŁUŽICA – ŁUŽYCA – LAUSITZ 2025 brings together dancers, musicians and artists from Lusatia and around the world. From traditional folk songs to modern interpretations, from spirited dances to delicate melodies – the festival showcases the full spectrum of cultural expression.

Ensembles from Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America are represented – including groups from Colombia, Portugal, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, Croatia, Vietnam, Ukraine and Senegal, as well as from Łužyca | Łužica | Lusatia itself. They bring with them their languages, dances, musical traditions and traditional costumes – ranging from South American vitality and West African drumming to finely tuned vocal ensembles and vibrant stage presentations.

Each edition brings together ensembles from numerous countries, minorities and regions, whose distinctive traditions and styles create an impressive panorama of global folklore. Sorbian groups meet international partner ensembles, emerging talents perform alongside award-winning formations, and rural dance groups encounter urban folklore initiatives.

The result is a colourful interplay of music, movement and encounter – a festival that demonstrates how diverse, vibrant and connecting culture can be.


Presentation of the Groups 2025

Below you will find an introduction to the groups, artists and ensembles of the 2025 festival.
At the end of this page, you will also find an overview of participating groups from previous festival editions, available for viewing and download.

Folklorní soubor Písečan* (CZ)

The Písečan ensemble preserves South Bohemian folk culture through traditional dances, songs and costumes from the Prácheňsko region. It organises the International Folklore Festival in Písek and brings together different generations through dance. This year, it celebrates its 30th anniversary.

Website

Folklorní soubor Šafrán* (CZ)

Founded in 1995, the Šafrán folklore association preserves the dances, songs and customs of North Bohemia. With live music, historical costumes and its junior ensemble Šafránek, the group presents up to 30 performances each year – including appearances abroad – and actively sustains a vibrant folk culture.

Website

KUD Hrvatskih željeznica Varaždin (HR)

The Cultural and Artistic Ensemble of the Croatian Railways Varaždin is among the most longstanding folklore groups in Croatia. Since 1931, it has preserved the cultural heritage of Croatian regions through traditional dances, music and elaborate costumes. Its performances are characterised by lively rhythms, dynamic movements and the authentic interplay of dance and music.

Website

Grupo de Música y Danzas Carmen López de la Universidad del Valle (COL)

The Carmen López Folklore Group of Universidad del Valle is one of Colombia’s leading ensembles. Since 1968, it has showcased Colombia’s cultural as well as colourful diversity through authentic costumes, live music and expressive dance. The group is distinguished by an infectious sense of joy and energy that it conveys in every performance.

Website

Zespół Regionalny Mystkowianie (PL)

The Polish folklore association Mystkowianie was founded in 2014 and preserves the culture of the Lachy Sądeckie, a distinctive ethnic group of the Beskid region. Its repertoire includes dances and songs from the Sądecczyzna area as well as neighbouring groups, including dynamic ritual dances such as the hammer dance “kowol”. The elaborately embroidered costumes reflect historical social distinctions.

Website

Grupo de Danças de Cantares de Perre (PT)

The Grupo de Danças e Cantares de Perre was founded in 1985 and preserves the dance and music traditions of northern Portugal, particularly those of the Minho region. With its elaborate costumes, vibrant repertoire and more than 1,000 performances, the group serves as a cultural ambassador for Portugal.

Website

Pipacsok Néptáncegyüttes (RO)

Founded in 1987, the ensemble Pipacsok (“Poppies”) represents the Hungarian minority culture of the Székler in Transylvania. With more than 700 performances worldwide, it presents authentic dances and costumes and acts as a cultural bridge-builder in Europe and beyond.

Website

Ballet Saly Velingara (SN)

The Saly Velingara Ballet from Senegal preserves and further develops traditional West African dance and music. The group captivates audiences with live percussion, improvised performances, stilt dancing and colourful, symbol-rich costumes. Improvisation is a central element of their shows, making each performance a unique experience.

Website

Folklórny súbor HONT (SK)

The HONT folklore group from Krupina preserves the cultural heritage of the region through lively dances, music and traditional costumes. Particularly characteristic are the Čardáš dances and the richly coloured attire. Their authentic performances reflect the atmosphere of rural celebrations. The group represents the Slovak majority culture.

Website

Kreativ-Verein ORNAMENT* (UA)

The dance group of the creative association Ornament is passionately dedicated to presenting Ukrainian dance and culture. With colourful costumes and expressive movements, the dancers bring the richness and diversity of Ukrainian tradition to the stage.

Website

Lotus Ensemble Berlin* (DE)

The Lotus Ensemble was founded in Berlin in 2000 and presents Vietnamese music, dance and culture on stage. Bringing together generations of Vietnamese and German members, it features traditional instruments and costumes while promoting intercultural exchange.

Website

Serbski folklorny ansambl Slepo | Sorbian Folklore Ensemble Schleife*

The Sorbian Folklore Ensemble Schleife preserves the regional musical culture in traditional Schleife costumes. Featuring bagpipes and a three-stringed fiddle, it maintains traditional playing styles and presents both inherited melodies and artistic stage adaptations.

Website

Serbski folklorny ansambl Wudwor | Sorbian Folklore Ensemble Höflein

Founded in 1980, the group from Wudwor/Höflein brings together dance, music and song. Its repertoire focuses on Sorbian dances and songs, complemented by Slavic and contemporary pieces. Performances usually take place in a variety of traditional costumes, with a preference for Sorbian festive attire.

Website

Přezpólni

In the past, visiting young men were known as “přezpólni” – welcome guests in inns, where they sang and drank. The male vocal group of the same name now brings these almost forgotten folk songs back to the stage with powerful voices.

Website

Serbska rejowanska skupina Smjerdźaca | Sorbian Folk Dance Group Schmerlitz

Die Liebe zu Volkstänzen und –liedern, besonders zum sorbischen Volk ist das Credo der Schmerlitzer. Schon seit der Gründung treten sie in Trachten aus den verschiedenen Regionen der Łužica auf und sorgen für den Erhalt des sorbischen Kulturerbes.

Website

Serbska folklorna skupina Sprjewjan | Sorbian Folklore Group Sprjewjan

Sprjewjan combines Sorbian folk music with modern sounds and tells stories from everyday life. The group uses both traditional and contemporary instruments and frequently performs together with the Sorbian Folk Dance Group Schmerlitz.

Website

Serbski ludowy ansambl | Sorbian National Ensemble*

Founded in 1952, the Sorbian National Ensemble preserves and promotes Sorbian culture through ballet, choir and orchestra. Its repertoire includes folkloric stage productions, dance theatre, musical fairy tales, choral programmes and concerts.

Website

Ludowa rejowańska kupka Stara lubosć | Folk Dance Circle Alte Liebe*

A love of dance and a deep interest in the traditions of the Sorbian people have shaped Alte Liebe into a vibrant and expressive dance group. Its repertoire includes both Sorbian and Brandenburg folk traditions.

Website

Łužičanska rapsodija*

As the youth dance group of the Sorbian National Ensemble, Łužičanska rapsodija is part of its junior studio. It is dedicated to traditional Sorbian dances as well as choreographies from neighbouring Slavic countries.

Website

"Hochoza-special" 27.6.2025

Lutzketaler Musikanten

The brass band from Łužyca has been performing under the motto “Brass music with swing” since 2002. With nine members, the group plays at festivals, parades and concerts, appearing in traditional costumes.

Website

Fünf an der Feier

Dynamic, humorous and always close to the audience, the five musicians shape their performances with great energy. They bring a colourful mix of Sorbian folklore, world music and chanson to the stage.

Website

"Chrósćicy-special" 28.6.2025

Bubliczki (PL)

Founded in 2007 and rooted in Kashubian musical culture, the band blends Balkan, Turkish and Arabic influences into an explosive mix of Balkan brass, klezmer, ethno-folk and oriental sounds.

Website

Cimbálová muzika Dušana Kotlára | Dušan Kotlár’s Cimbalom Ensemble (CZ)

Dušan Kotlár founded his cimbalom ensemble in 1981. Over time, the group has built up an extensive repertoire, including folk songs from Bohemia, Moravia and Slovakia, as well as country, jazz and well-known melodies from the classical tradition.

Website

RADA Synergica

The Leipzig-based female trio RADA synergica presents world music and traditional songs in characterful arrangements, performed with wit and sensitivity. Their harmonious multi-part vocals and instrumental versatility build bridges between cultures and religions.

Website

Jankahanka

The Sorbian rock and pop band combines traditional music with modern rock and consistently sings in Sorbian in order to preserve the culture. Their second album, Wokomiki, was released in April 2025.

Instagram

Popsorben

The musicians from Dresden and Łužica delight audiences with unique polka interpretations of pop, hip-hop and techno. Since 2017, they have been creating a lively atmosphere at town festivals, music festivals and celebrations.

Website

Kula Bula

The “Sorbian Rolling Stones”, with their Sorbian roots, captivate audiences with a blend of Sorbian music, swing, jazz and folklore, refined with elements of rock and funk. Virtuoso instrumentation and Sorbian vocals define their dynamic and engaging style.

Website

Šwintuchi

With plenty of brass in their luggage, the Sorbian brass band Šwintuchi breathes new life into old Sorbian folk melodies – fresh, cheeky and full of energy. The young musicians also enjoy venturing into the world of pop music from time to time.

Weiterlesen

* Some groups do not perform on all days of the festival.


Overview of Participating Groups and Ensembles 1995–2025

Participating Groups and Ensembles 1995–2025

Participating Groups and Ensembles 1995–2025

Participants 1995-2025 .pdf (8,49 MB)