The 30th Goral Folk Festival: An Anniversary Uniting a Record Number of Visitors, Spectacular Concerts, and Living Traditions
Ždiar, Bachledova dolina – The Belianske Tatras came alive from August 7th to 9th, 2026, with singing, dancing, and the unmistakable Goral temperament. The jubilee 30th edition of the Goralski Festival Folkowy attracted thousands of visitors to BACHLEDKA, confirming its status as one of the most anticipated summer events. The festival was attended by over 12,900 people who enjoyed a fantastic atmosphere, star performers, and a celebration of rich Goral heritage at an altitude of nearly 1,200 meters.
FRIDAY: EMOTIONS, THEATRE, AND THE UNMISTAKABLE ŠTEFAN ŠTEC
Friday’s program kicked off a three-day marathon of music and entertainment with a mix of folklore and programming for all ages. A pleasant afternoon atmosphere was set by the musical duo Lucia Haladejová and Ferko Jaroš, followed by the popular RAMAGU theatre with a fairytale for the little ones.
The highlight of the first day was undoubtedly the performance by Štefan Štec. He brought the immense power of traditions, thrilling emotions, and the unique energy of folklore to the stage in a breathtakingly modern style. His unmistakable voice resonated perfectly with the mountain environment, ensuring a magical start to the entire event. Friday evening then smoothly transitioned into true Goral entertainment at the PANORAMA restaurant, where the Jendrichovský brothers provided singing and good cheer late into the night.
SATURDAY: CHILDREN’S JOY WITH MIRO JAROŠ AND A MUSICAL EARTHQUAKE WITH KALI AND IMT SMILE
Saturday in Bachledka was marked by huge names, family fun, and a strong connection to folklore. From the morning, the resort filled with families with children, for whom Miro Jaroš had prepared an unforgettable program. Experiencing his energetic, cheerful, and interactive performance right at the top of Spišská Magura was a dream come true for the young visitors and brought a massive wave of joy to the venue.
Traditional culture and the power of authentic dance were then brought to the main stage by the Zemplín Folklore Ensemble (FS Zemplín). However, as evening approached, the program escalated into concerts the likes of which Bachledova dolina has rarely seen in its history. The first musical hurricane was the popular rapper KALI with his show, which energized thousands of fans in attendance.
The absolute peak of Saturday evening and the entire festival was delivered by Slovakia’s most successful band, IMT Smile. Experiencing a concert by Ivan Tásler and his band at a festival outside their own tour is a rare treat for the audience. Beloved hits that connect generations, played beneath the majestic panorama of the Tatra peaks, created an electrifying and touching summer atmosphere that the crowd will never forget.
SUNDAY: ŽDIAR VILLAGE DAY AND A CELEBRATION OF PROUD GORAL HERITAGE
The final day of the event traditionally belonged to local artists and the village of Ždiar itself. Following a ceremonial Holy Mass, the stage filled with the colors of Goral traditional costumes, music, and dance. Performances featured local ensembles like FS Goral and DFS Ždiaranček, joined by FS Kicora from Lendak, FS Maguranka, the singing group GOROLI, FS Šarišan, FS Vagonár, as well as cross-border guests—FS Giewont from Zakopane and FS Biołodunajcanie from Biały Dunajec.
Visitors admired Goral heritage not only on stage but throughout the entire area below the Treetop Walk. Craftsmen and local shepherds introduced families to the traditional way of life. The dominant feature of the venue remained the traditional four-meter straw statues “Goral” and “Goralka,” admired annually by young and old alike, while a new, carved wooden gate—created during a woodcarving symposium—was added, uniting Goral culture and nature into a single work of art.
The organizers sincerely thank all participants, visitors, performers, and event partners for creating this unrepeatable experience. The 30th edition of the Goralski Festival Folkowy once again proved that a love for folklore, mountains, and good music brings people together, and the Goral heart beats stronger than ever in Bachledka.
The event is supported by the National Tourism Promotion Agency of the Slovak Republic – SLOVAKIA TRAVEL. The main mission and priority of the national organization SLOVAKIA TRAVEL is to promote Slovakia as an attractive holiday destination in both the domestic and foreign markets.
