«We couldn't be more satisfied and proud of our work. It was an extraordinary 32nd edition." These are the words that come from the cultural and folkloric association "Ortachis". During the night the curtain fell on the Bolotana Folk Festival, an event that from 18 to 20 July catalyzed attention on the small town of Marghine. The public, larger every evening, crowded Piazza del Popolo to pay homage to multiculturalism and celebrate together with people from three continents and seven nations. A hymn to inclusion.
Different sounds and colors
Day after day, the event was enriched with sounds and colors. It happened on Thursday with the concert by Maria Giovanna Cherchi, godmother of the initiative. To continue the next day with the performances of the folk group from Benin, the “Mariara” from Venezuela, the “Milenko Stojković” from Kličevac from Serbia and to end on Saturday with “Suonomar” from Colombia, the folk music ensemble “Radi Radev” of Bulgaria, the “Samba Alegria” of Brazil and the cultural association “Pom'Kanel” of Martinique. Bright costumes, typical music, traditional songs. An explosive mix that filled the narrow streets of the historic center of the town with parades and short performances, a prelude to what would happen on stage. Enraptured spectators, adults and children captured by the irrepressible rhythm of music and dances from far away. Seductive movements and original clothes. Everything about the three-day festival was exhilarating, breathtaking.
A success
«The secret of such success lies in unity of purpose. In the strong bond between the members of the Ortachis association - say the organizers -. Good will, sacrifice and a great desire to always give something new." The truth is that without these people, around fifty in total between "veterans" and young talent, the Bolotana Folk Festival could not exist. Or at least, it couldn't have gotten to today. There are many tasks to carry out throughout the year. They range from bureaucratic issues to the essential task of intercepting resources to finance the initiative. Once again Bolotana gave its best, also on the hospitality front. The foreign representations were welcomed in the center of Marghine.
Looking to 2025
Having finished the 32nd edition, in Bolotana they are already thinking about the next one. The 2024 event was worth remembering, as evidenced by the sold-out event in the area's accommodation facilities. Thanks to the billboard which also featured numerous island artists. From the little accordionist Gabriele Solinas to the more experienced Carlo Boeddu, passing through the folk groups "Tradissiones populares" of Silanus, the "Valenza" of Nuragus, "Santu Predu" of Nuoro, the Tenore "Su Connottu" of Fonni to end with Boes and Merdules of Ottana, the drummers and trumpeters of the Sartiglia of Oristano. True essence of authentic Sardinia. Alongside the "ambassadors" of the island's folk tradition there were also two young artists on the rise. The Roman rapper Icy Subzero and followed by DanyJeey. On the final evening of Saturday 20 July they filled the square with hundreds of young people who danced until late at night.
