World Music Lab 🐸 EUROPEAN FOLK DAY
September 23: A Celebration of Folk Traditions across Europe. Take Part!
🌟 Hello!
Spring is approaching, and I’m excited to share that I’ve been invited, along with my colleague Araceli from Mapamundi Musica, and some artists, to participate next week in Marseille, FR, as part of BabelmusicXP 2025, in the following panel discussion arranged by FAMDT:
I’ll be sharing insights from this experience in a follow-up article.
My focus will be on the emerging narratives from local communities and the folk scene, which are at the heart of the European Folk Day. This celebration is open to all folk music enthusiasts, from individual citizens to amateurs and professionals, who recognize this art form — in all its diverse origins — as a vital expression of European cultural identity.
✅ Folk Day: Strengthening a Pan-European Celebration of Folk Traditions
The European Folk Day (EFD) is a flagship initiative of the European Folk Network (EFN), the only pan-European network dedicated to the folk and traditional music sector. EFN brings together 130 members—individuals and organisations—across the continent, providing a collective voice and addressing the needs of its members.
✅ Importance of Folk and Traditional Music in Europe
Folk and traditional music in Europe encompasses customary songs, melodies, dances, and associated performing arts, deeply rooted in local and cultural communities. More than a cultural expression, it is a living heritage that strengthens identity, preserves collective memory and languages, and reflects Europe’s rich cultural diversity.
Today, the genre has expanded to include ‘new traditions,’ blending heritage with contemporary creativity. It plays a vital role in the cultural ecosystem, offering:
A low ecological footprint, making it a sustainable art form.
A high level of social inclusiveness, engaging diverse communities.
Preliminary research highlights the economic and social impact of this sector:
A 2020 University of Newcastle study (surveying 170 cultural organizations) found that folk and traditional music initiatives generate thousands of concerts, festivals, and workshops annually, reaching over 2 million people.
65% of organisations in the sector regularly engage young people under 25, ensuring intergenerational transmission of traditions.
✅ Growth and Challenges of European Folk Day
The pilot edition of European Folk Day launched in 2023 with the support of MusicAIRE, establishing September 23 as an annual day to celebrate folk music across Europe. The event demonstrated strong appeal and engagement, coordinating:
240+ events in 25 countries
Dedicated broadcasts on 26 national radio stations through the European Broadcasting Union (EBU)
Despite the fact that European Folk Day 2024 was self-funded, many folk aficionados, experts, artists, professionals, and organizations actively joined the celebration.
✅ 2025 Celebration
This year, European Folk Day will take place on Tuesday, September 23, with celebrations happening all across Europe from September 19 to 28.
Registering an event is easy — whether it's a personal one as a journalist, artist, or aficionado, or a community one as a band, local group, association, municipality, festival, venue, and more.
👉 Follow this link to register your event.
For any questions or support, contact me at: participate@europeanfolkday.eu
European Folk Day is made by you, with you, and for all of us.
Eric
⚡️ Working together on your music. ⚡️
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👇 ABOUT ME: I’m Eric.
· Over 25 years of experience as a project manager and grant writer for eco-social initiatives across Europe, the Balkans, the Mediterranean, West Africa, Brazil, and Indonesia.
· More than 10 years as a booking agent specializing in folk, world, global, and jazz music artists.
· Experienced facilitator of international cooperation projects.
· Active member of the global music community, including being a WOMEXICAN and a board member of the European Folk Network.
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