International Folklore Festival “NINULLA” – Kosovo

The festival is organized by SKOFF (National Section for the Organization of Folklore Festivals and Traditional Arts), in close partnership with CIOFF® Kosovo, an official partner of UNESCO.

THE FESTIVAL
The International Folklore Festival “NINULLA” – Kosovo is held every year in the beautiful cities of Gjilan, Ferizaj, and Viti.

The founder of this grand festival, which brings together lovers of art, traditional culture, and folklore, is Mr. Arsim Abazi, who united the support of those who passionately value the sound of folk instruments, artistic vocals, and cultural diversity.

The festival aims to promote and preserve the values of traditional heritage—both within Kosovo and abroad—while fostering cultural exchange between local and international artists.

The event takes place every year from May 4th to May 10th, lasting six days. Each edition gathers 10–15 local and international ensembles, with 5 to 10 artistic performances, attracting over 10,000 visitors annually.

It is managed by an organizational council, led by the festival director and supported by over 30 volunteers.

The festival is dedicated entirely to traditional vocal performances. Participating groups perform only songs accompanied by live folk orchestras, individual soloists, or choral groups, and live music is mandatory.

THE ROUND TABLE
On the opening day, a round table discussion is held with the participation of:

representatives of cultural heritage institutions,

CIOFF® national sections,

ensembles, festivals, individual artists, and guests from around the world.

Its purpose is to strengthen cultural diversity and exchange ideas on the preservation and promotion of traditional heritage.

During the conference, ensembles present their traditional costumes through a cultural parade.

CULTURAL VISITS

The festival program includes cultural and historical visits to significant landmarks, such as:

The Church of Letnica in Viti,

The historic city of Prizren,

The legendary region of Drenica with its history and the Jashari family,

Prishtina, the dynamic capital of Kosovo.

THE PURPOSE OF THE FESTIVAL
The festival aims to create an international folklore platform that includes ensembles from around the world, as well as local ethnic groups and minority communities.

It conveys messages of peace, love, understanding, and coexistence, while safeguarding cultural heritage through intercultural performances.

The stage presents:

lullabies,

wedding songs,

mythical songs,

polyphonic pieces,

choral works,

acapella performances,
all accompanied by authentic traditional folk instruments.

THE FESTIVAL’S MISSION

To preserve and promote traditional folk songs of different peoples, highlighting especially the creations originating from rural and remote villages around the world. These songs, performed in their pure and unprocessed form, find a platform for presentation at this festival.

PARTICIPATION CRITERIA
Performances must be live with traditional folk songs.

Participants must wear traditional costumes.

Processed/arranged songs are not accepted.

Song types include: lullabies, wedding songs, mythical songs, choral, polyphonic, acapella.

Ensembles or artists may be accompanied by orchestras with traditional instruments.

CONTACTS
Artistic Director:

Arsim Abazi
📞 +383 44 710 960
✉️ skoffkosovo@gmail.com
| arsim.abazi@cioff.org

📌 Facebook: International Folklore Festival NINULLA
📌 Instagram: ninulla.internationalfolklore

Director of the Organization:

Arlind Demiri
✉️ skoffkosovo@gmail.com