The Folklore Festival Východná is the oldest and the largest nationwide festival with international participation in Slovakia. Annually, on the threshold of the summer tourist season in the attractive environment near the High and Low Tatras, rich folk traditions come to life, and the village of Východná becomes the center of traditional Slovak culture for several days.

FFV is a celebration of folklore and its existence contributes significantly to revival, preservation, creative development and public presentation of the precious values of the Slovak cultural heritage. Folklore is deeply rooted in the traditions and culture of the Slovak nation, thus, every encounter with it can evoke joy and revive not only history but also emotion. Be a part of this celebration and experience the joy of mutual encounter, bringing history and feeling to life.

The basic principle of life is motion. It represents all changes and processes in the universe - in nature as well as human society. Generations of philosophers have tried to define motion. For all of them we can mention Aristotle, who argued that motion is the realization of existence. Motion is, in fact, the transformation of possibility into reality. Therefore, if motion is the fundamental principle of life and everything is in motion, it is essential that traditions are also in motion.

We have a lot to be proud of! We have inherited a wonderful cultural heritage that we must and want to take care of with humility and respect, and continue to maintain and develop.

The leitmotif of the 69th year of the Folklore Festival Východná, Tradition in Motion, is to build on the previous year. To emphasize the dynamics of folklore tradition, which is constantly evolving and adapting to new conditions and younger generations. Everything flows (panta rhei). Even traditional culture cannot be an island that stands still in the midst of the change and evolution of our existence. Tradition in Motion wants to be a witness of the times. It wants to combine not only the presentation of traditional elements of Slovak folklore, but also to provide a space for the expression of new, more modern forms and approaches to the processing of original material. If the tradition is to be alive in new generations, it must also perceive the needs of the younger generation and draw on their energy in maintaining the essence of its value.

The leitmotif Tradition in Motion will help us to create bridges between the past and the present, to soften the occasional tension between traditional and modern forms of folklore art presentation. Intergenerational movement, movement of thought, and movement of opinion will be given as much space as real movement on stage, in the auditorium, and on the dance hall. Understanding this principle will enable the festival to continue its task of preserving and presenting Slovak cultural heritage in the light of current trends and the development of society.

The Folklore Festival Východná 2024 wants to inspire and motivate the young generation of creators and performers, as well as viewers, listeners and visitors to appreciate and actively preserve traditional folklore. We want to underline the importance and beauty of folklore art in all its forms, as well as its vitality and ability to adapt to new conditions and new generations of tradition-bearers and supporters.

Tradition comes from our essence, from our roots. In a very tumultuous and rapidly changing world, it is the anchor, the heart and the cross, because in it we can find hope, love and faith. We need not fear that this essence will be threatened by the influences of a rapidly changing world. Tradition is firmly rooted in us, and it is this inner stability that gives each new generation a sense of security, but also of freedom. Tradition, perceived and interpreted by young hearts, can infuse even an old tree with new sap. This is what we believe in and what we want to encourage.