The IGF GOLD STAR Gala 2026: A Red Carpet for Global Traditional Culture
The elegant hall of the Cultural Institute in Nowy Sącz hosted one of the most deeply moving manifestations dedicated to global traditional culture—the IGF GOLD STAR Gala 2026, an event that sustains the prestigious legacy of what were formerly known as the “Oscars of World Folklore.”
Amidst an atmosphere of solemnity and refinement, eight exceptional personalities from eight nations were invited to step onto the symbolic red carpet of global folk culture, greeted by the enthusiastic applause of a distinguished and sizeable audience.
The gala was seamlessly coordinated and presented with characteristic elegance by the Vice-President of the IGF, Małgorzata Broda. The proceedings commenced with welcoming addresses delivered by representatives of the Polish national and local authorities. These were followed by the opening remarks of the President of the IGF, Dr. Dorel Cosma, who underscored the pivotal role traditional culture plays in bridging nations and fostering mutual respect among peoples.
To the strains of traditional Polish music, each of the eight laureates took the stage, introduced via a brief documentary film illustrating their cultural endeavors and the rationale behind the bestowal of this prestigious trophy. Members of the IGF Executive Bureau were invited in turn to present the special distinctions prepared by the Polish organizers and the World Folklore Union (IGF).
A moment of profound emotional resonance was marked by the rendition of the national anthem of each represented country. This symbolic gesture expressed deep reverence for the labor, dedication, and contribution of each laureate to the preservation and promotion of the world’s cultural heritage. It served as a compelling testament that, much like premier sporting competitions, culture possesses the power to unite humanity under the aegis of dignity, identity, and international fellowship.
In his address, IGF President Dr. Dorel Cosma remarked upon the impressive public attendance and the profound respect accorded by the Polish authorities to global folk culture, highly praising the professionalism and hospitality of the organizers.
The IGF GOLD STAR 2026 Trophy was conferred upon the following eminent personalities:
- Veta Ghimpu-Munteanu – A prominent figure within the performance and ethnomusicological landscape of the Republic of Moldova;
- Lucian Stroe – A remarkable cultural manager, researcher, and charismatic animator who restores ancient Romanian rituals to their erstwhile splendor;
- Edgaras Snipaitis – An exceptional choreographer, pedagogue, and manager of traditional culture from Lithuania;
- Kraiyim Jihad – A tireless artist and researcher from Israel, originating from historic Nazareth in Galilee, recognized for his sensitivity and passion for cultural heritage;
- Erden Arcan – An animator of traditional culture from Turkey, as well as a poet, pedagogue, and art photographer;
- Francesco Gatto – An animator and manager of major cultural institutions in the Bergamo region of Italy;
- Lubomír Šimčík – A scholar, ethnomusicologist, and researcher at the University of Prešov, Slovakia;
- Józef Kąś – A university professor, dialectologist, linguist, and prestigious ethnographer at the Jagiellonian University in Poland.
In honor of each laureate, prestigious artistic ensembles from Poland and Slovakia presented musical and choreographic performances of high artistic caliber, transforming the ceremony into a true celebration of European and universal traditions.
In concluding the gala, the President of the IGF extended his gratitude to the organizers for the impeccable execution of the event and their ongoing commitment to promoting global traditional culture. As a token of high esteem, he bestowed the prestigious title of “Knight of World Culture” upon colleagues Małgorzata Broda (Poland) and Jozef Revák (Slovacia) for their exceptional service to culture and international cooperation.
The IGF GOLD STAR Gala in Nowy Sącz demonstrated once more that folklore and traditional culture know no boundaries. They draw people closer, unite nations, and transmit the authentic values of humanity to future generations. On this memorable evening, global folk culture truly claimed its own red carpet.
Rep-Article ‘ By Prof.Dr. Dorel Cosma
