59. National
Festival of Folk Arts

August 20–24, 2025

Slovakia, Želiezovce

Lineup

About us

In 2016, we declared that our goal was to celebrate the 50th anniversary event of the National Festival of Folk Arts (ONF) in a worthy manner. We exceeded our goal, achieving a level of attendance and interest we hadn’t even dared to hope for. This year marks the 59th edition of the ONF, which welcomes visitors to Želiezovce with a diverse program selection in the gathering spaces set up for the occasion in the City (Schubert) Park. The Garam-region festival is realized through the collaboration of several institutions and organizations, taking place from August 20 to 24, 2025.

Held in a picturesque setting at the foot of the Esterházy Castle, the gathering lives up to its name, encompassing more than just a festival. Our cultural heritage plays a crucial role in shaping our sense of identity and our everyday lives. It is present in the cities and villages of Europe, in its natural landscapes and archaeological sites, as well as in literature, the arts, and the objects that surround us.

They include the tales we heard as children, the knowledge passed down by our parents and grandparents, the traditional dishes, and the films in which we recognize ourselves.

The ONF has grown into the largest national gathering of ethnic Hungarians in southern Slovakia and has become one of the country’s most outstanding professional events. The year 2018 marked a milestone in the festival’s history, as it was added to the list of world festivals of CIOFF (International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Art). Founded in 1970, CIOFF is a global organization with 93 national sections and more than 264 world festivals, playing a unique role in introducing and promoting the traditional cultures of its member countries. Through this, it supports the implementation of the objectives set out in UNESCO’s international conventions on cultural diversity and intangible heritage.