Veliş Mayor Kolev Hosted International Folklor Festival Participants

In the city of Veliš (Veles), North Macedonia, Mayor Marko Kolev and other members of the municipal administration held a special reception to honor some of the guest groups participating in this year's International Folklor Festival. This meeting highlighted the importance the festival places on social dialogue and cultural exchange, being one of the key events shaping the city's cultural life with local government support. During the meeting, thanks were extended to everyone who contributed to the festival's organization, and Veliš's consistent stance in hosting different cultures was emphasized.

Various folklor groups and representatives who arrived in the city to participate in this year's leg of the festival were present at this kind reception held at the municipality building. Speaking on behalf of the local administration, Mayor Kolev expressed his pleasure at the guests' presence in the city, stating that such events are of great importance for promoting the city and acting as cultural ambassadors on the international stage. In conversations with group representatives, there was an sincere exchange of views about the participants' journeys to Veliš and their experiences during the festival. This interaction went down in history not only as an artistic meeting but also as the most concrete example of the city's hospitality.

The Municipality of Veliš positions the regularly held International Folklor Festival not just as entertainment or an event, but as one of the most effective tools for announcing the city's identity and cultural richness to the world. The support provided by the local administration for the festival's success plays a critical role in sustaining it at international standards. Municipality officials stated that the care shown in meeting the logistical needs of participants, such as accommodation and transportation, resulted in positive feedback regarding Veliš's hospitality. In this regard, it was observed that the festival was appreciated not only for its stage performances but also for its organizational quality behind the scenes.

This official reception, held on July 3, 2026, took place as part of a series of events in the festival's program that strengthened cooperation between local authorities and civil society organizations. Within the scope of the festival, dancers, musicians, and directors visiting Veliš met with the mayor to share their excitement about sharing their own cultures with the people of Veliš. Mayor Kolev added that the combination of the city's historical and cultural texture with an international festival atmosphere is a source of pride for the residents of Veliš. The meeting, which ended with mutual well-wishes and a commemorative photo shoot, was the most concrete reflection of the festival's message of peace and brotherhood.

Such cultural gatherings offer unique opportunities for people from different corners of the world to bond and get to know each other's traditions more closely. The festival held in Veliš successfully fulfills this mission, facilitating the establishment of lasting friendships between participating countries and regions. This meeting, hosted by the mayor, became an important stop that gave officiality to the festival and made participant groups feel morally valued. In the continuation of the events, it is assessed that the shows where the participant groups will take the stage will be even more enthusiastic following this courtesy visit, and that the festival will be completed in line with its objectives.