If you have ever been mesmerized by a folk festival where dancers from across the globe share their traditions in a whirlwind of color and music, you have likely experienced the work of CIOFF® . But what exactly is this organization, and why is it so vital to our global culture? The Guardians of Living Heritage CIOFF®  (the International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Arts ) is an international non-governmental organization (NGO) in Official Partnersh