The city of Baza is preparing to host a new edition of the International Folklore Festival (FIF), which this year marks its fortieth anniversary. The event will take place on August 15th and 16th, starting at 9:00 PM at the La Alameda football field, with free admission for all attendees. This cultural event, organized by the Municipal Group of Choirs and Dances, is sponsored by the City Council of Baza, the Provincial Council of Granada, and the Caja Rural Foundation, with additional collaboration from Festifolk Spain, FEAF, and Civil Protection.
This year's edition will feature a total of four international and one national group, performing alongside the local ensemble. On Saturday, August 15th, the stage will host the “Virgen de los Peligros” Choirs and Dances group from Murcia, the South African group Real African Warriors, visiting the festival for the first time, and the host, the Municipal Group of Choirs and Dances of Baza. On Sunday, August 16th, performances will include the Show Dance “Cuerpos en Movimiento” from Colombia, the Municipal Ballet of Folklore “Rumicani” from Argentina, and once again, the Baza group.
During the festival's presentation, the mayor of Baza, Pedro J. Ramos, along with the Councilor for Culture, José Gabriel López, and the event director, Diego Alonso, announced new additions for the local group. Notably, a new wardrobe for flamenco dances, financed by the City Council and created by Sandra Bonal and Consuelo Herrera. The Baza delegation will consist of 26 girls, 17 boys, and 10 musicians, plus the wardrobe manager and dance director, totaling 53 people.
The International Folklore Festival of Baza has a long history, having started in 1986 as a national event. It became international in 1989 and, after being held in various city venues, is now consolidated at the La Alameda football field, maintaining strong public support.
The Municipal Group of Choirs and Dances of Baza, founded in 1982, is dedicated to the study and dissemination of traditional Andalusian dances. With a repertoire of over 60 dances, the group has performed at national and international festivals in Italy, Portugal, France, Holland, Greece, Cyprus, and Turkey, among others. It currently comprises over 60 individuals in its dance troupe and rondalla, along with a training school attended by more than 70 students.
Other participating groups include the “Virgen de los Peligros” Choirs and Dances from Aljucer (Murcia), founded in 1976, aiming to promote Murcian popular culture; the Show Dance “Cuerpos en Movimiento” from Colombia, which blends traditional dance, Latin rhythms, and ballroom dancing; and Real African Warriors (RAW) from South Africa, a cultural movement using African folklore to foster identity and opportunities.
The Municipal Ballet of Folklore “Rumicani” from Argentina, founded in 2003, is dedicated to preserving and disseminating Argentine folklore traditions, mixing traditional dances with original creations. They have undertaken international tours in Colombia, Spain, and Portugal.
