The Goral Folklore Festival in Ždiar is not only a unique event that introduces you to traditional Goral culture, customs, traditions, and crafts, but also offers an excellent music program.
Gorals, local artists, and folklore groups from three sides of the Tatra Mountains will introduce visitors to their culture, various Goral customs and traditions, history, and crafts, and offer an imaginative program full of familiar faces as well as traditional local Goral artists.
Why should you definitely visit the Goral Folklore Festival?
Because you can enjoy two experiences in one. A celebration of the recognition of the Gorals as a minority and big names in music such as Richard Müller and The Duchons – all at an altitude of almost 1,200 meters above sea level in the beautiful surroundings of Bachledka.
💥 Richard Müller, Katka Knechtová, The Duchons, Gladiator, FS Železiar
🪗 Traditional Goral artists from three sides of the Tatras
🎤 Open-air concerts with a view of the Belianske Tatras
👨👩👧👦 Program for the whole family
🐐 Farmyard, crafts, creative workshops, wooden sculptures
🎊 Historical milestone – recognition of the Gorals as a national minority!
The 29th annual Goral Folklore Festival will be exceptional! In the heart of nature, right next to the Treetop Walk in Bachledka, traditions, music, singing, and dancing will come to life under the majestic peaks of the Tatra Mountains.
Friday, August 8, 2025
Richard Müller
Richard Müller, an icon of the Slovak music scene, will perform on the main open-air stage overlooking the Belianske Tatras. The singer, with his unmistakable voice and charisma, who is one of the most prominent figures in Slovak music, will perform a selection of his greatest hits in the unique atmosphere of the mountain environment. His performance in Bachledka will be more than just a concert – it will be a musical statement that carries emotion, a tribute to life and its melancholy, but also the hope and power of songs that have accompanied us for decades. Richard Müller’s concert will be the highlight of Friday evening, which you simply must experience.
Gladiator
In addition to Richard Müller, the band Gladiator will also perform on Friday, getting Bachledka dancing with their most famous songs.
FS Železiar
The legendary FS Železiar will provide the folklore component of the day.
Saturday, August 9, 2025
The Duchons
Saturday will be all about an emotional return to the golden age of Slovak pop music. The Duchons will pay tribute to the immortal work of the legendary Karol Duchoň in an energetic and authentic show full of unforgettable melodies. Their performance is not just a concert – it is a tribute to a Slovak music legend who brings people together across generations, just as Goral culture does.
Katka Knechtová
The power of the female voice will be brought by Katka Knechtová, whose performance will combine contemporary music with subtle folklore elements that fit perfectly into the environment under the Tatra Mountains.
Zespół TerazMy
From the Polish side of the Tatra Mountains, the ensemble Zespół TerazMy will bring authentic Goral energy and tradition.
Sunday, August 10, 2025
Ždiar Village Day and Goral Folklore
The cultural highlight of the festivities will be Sunday’s program led by local folklore ensembles, which will showcase the diversity and pride of Goral culture in its traditional form. The program will start with a festive Holy Mass and continue with colorful performances by groups such as FS Goral from Ždiar, DFS Goralik from Ždiar, DFS Ždiaranček from Ždiar, FS Kicora from Lendak, DFS Slonecko from Lendak, FS Maguranka from Spišská Stará Ves, FS Goral from Suchá Hora, Zespół regionalny “Podhale Grupa Spiska” from Jurgów, and FS Magura from Kežmarok.
Children can look forward to popular performances by PACI PAC, Zahrajka and Vodníkovci, creative workshops, farm animals that they can feed, and the opportunity to ride a Goral gelding. Craftsmen will demonstrate traditional techniques and woodcarvers will create new sculptures of Goral characters – new works will be added to the already familiar straw figures in front of the Treetop Walk.
Woodcarving symposium and new sculptures of Gorals
Straw sculptures, creative workshops, folk crafts
Farmyard with domestic animals
Riding a Goral gelding
Regional specialties and a unique atmosphere
Whether you are from the region or just planning a trip to the Tatras, this weekend will be all about Goral culture and unforgettable moments!
A place where many friends and acquaintances will meet, accompanied by good music, dancing, and food. This year will be the 29th edition, and since its inception, the Goral Folklore Festival has gained popularity and prestige not only in Slovakia but also abroad.
The capacity of the event is limited, so we recommend securing tickets in advance.
The event is supported by the National Organization for the Promotion of Tourism 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 on both the domestic and foreign markets.
Place: Ždiar-Bachledova dolina, Slovakia
Date: 08.08.2025 – 10.08.2025
Time: from 9.00 a.m.
Price: 33 – 49 €
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