The 13th International Folklore Festival “In the Rhythm of the Jablanica Heart” was held on 16. and 17. August 2025 in Lebane. Ensembles from Serbia, Italy, Romania, the Republic of Srpska and North Macedonia demonstrated their folk traditions in the competition and revue parts of the event. From 6:30 pm, on both the first and second evening, the participants paraded along the main street, traditionally joint into “kolo” dance.
The program began on both evenings at 7:30 pm at the small sports stadium of the “Radovan Kovačević-Maksim” elementary school. It was organized by the “Radan” Cultural Center, the “Jablanicko kolo” ensemble and its patron, the Municipality of Lebane.
The audience had the opportunity to enjoy a variety of dances, songs and folk costumes, which represent the wealth and beauty of folk tradition. The task of the three-member jury was to professionally and objectively assess the authenticity and artistic expression of the folklore ensembles and to announce the most successful participants of the festival. Awards were given in several categories, both on the first and second evenings. In particular, the audience had the task of voting the best ensemble by thunderous applause.
The overall winners of the festival were announced at the very end of the program. In the category “Best domestic or foreign ensemble” the winner was the ensemble “Kočo Racin” from North Macedonia. The best choreography was prepared by the SKUD “Semberija” from the Republika Srpska. The best ensemble of the festival, which is also the winner of the Grand Prix, was the ensemble “Vila” of the SKUD “Železničar” from Novi Sad.
