For five days, the Newborn Kosova experienced a cultural fusion, as around 350 dancers from 9 countries brought to life the histories of their nations through dance.
A variety of languages, folklore, rythms, colors, and dances came together in Prishtina for five days with a common purpose: to showcase the diversity of the world, demonstrating how numerous cultures can blend and unite.
Against the backdrop of Mother Teresa Square in Prishtina, hundreds of enthusiastic citizens congregated to revel in the beauty of traditional national dances performed by nine competing countries. Approximately 350 dancers graced the International Dance and Arts Festival, famously known as the Newborn Festival.
Photo courtesy of Newborn Festival.
On the final night, Sunday, the small stage situated at the end of the street vibrated with the powerful steps of dances that displayed the characteristics of each nation. At the culmination of this night, all the dance groups with their distinct attire converged on the small capital of Kosovo for a collective dance.
Photo courtesy of Newborn Festival.
“Altinkopru Bakhat” ensemble from Turkiye won the first place, the second place by the “Mali Gorzowiacy” from Poland, and the third place by the “Studio Folklore” from North Macedonia. Ensemble “Macehualtin Mitotiani” from Mexico won the award for best parade.
Photo courtesy of Newborn Festival.
The ensembles hailed from North Macedonia, Montenegro, Turkey, Bulgaria, Northern Cyprus, Lithuania, Poland, Panama, and Mexico.
Photo courtesy of Newborn Festival.
The festivities commenced with a parade at “Zahir Pajaziti” Square on the first day, where each ensemble showcased distinctive performances rooted in their regions. Poland’s “Mali Gorzowiacy” ensemble set the vibrant tone for the festival.
Photo courtesy of Newborn Festival.
This is the second edition of the International Dance and Arts Festival held in Kosovo.
“We have reached all the continents of the world to bring their colors and the hues of all nations to our festival,” said Besnik Grajçevci, the Festival Coordinator and also a soloist of “Shota”, during the parade ceremony.
Photo courtesy of Newborn Festival.
The festival was organized by the Shota Ensemble with the support of FIDAF Kosovo, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, and the Municipality of Prishtina.
Photo courtesy of Newborn Festival.
Photo courtesy of Newborn Festival.