Since 1997 The CIOFF^® International Folklore Festival PILSEN has been the meeting point for lovers of folklore and traditional art. About 20 adult and children folklore groups from the Czech Republic and abroad (including guests from around the world - Egypt, Mexico, Ecuador, Zimbabwe etc.) take part every year.

Each festival event takes place in the historical centre of Pilsen in the pleasant surroundings of the Smetana Garden (the main festival scene "U Branky"). Hundreds of participants in fancy traditional costumes create an unforgettable atmosphere with traditional dancing, music and singing. The performances appeal to the many dedicated fans who attend the events in large numbers. Since 2006 the live radio broadcast on Czech Radio Pilsen has become a significant element of the festival.

As part of the festival, "Dýšina Folklore Celebrations" were held in the village Dýšina in 2001 - 2003 and an "International Folklore Afternoon" took place in Horní Bříza in 2001 and 2002. Recently, the Folklore Celebrations "Under the Vrčeň Lime Tree" in the picturesque surroundings of the village Vrčeň (from the year 2004) and the Folkore Night in the village Čižice (from the year 2007) have become an important part of the celebrations. In addition, some of the ensembles regularly perform during the "Historical Weekend" held by The Foundation of 700 years of The City of Pilsen.

Moreover, a festive costume parade through Pilsen and a traditional Czech fair are organized every year, as well as exhibits of traditional craft production and gastronomy, an art competition for children "Folk Traditions in the eyes of children" and a number of accompanying programmes (educational performances of foreign folklore for school children, concerts for the elderly, a folklore programme at the ZOO, presentation of regional winners of the "Young Singer" competition ("Zpěváček"), brass bands performances etc.)

Currently the main organizer of the festival is the "Pilsen Folklore scene, o.s." working in conjunction with The City of Pilsen, The Pilsen Region, The Foundation of 700 years of The City of Pilsen, The Ministry of Culture, The Folklore Association of the Czech Republic, The Jiskra Folklore Ensemble, Czech Radio Pilsen and a number of other partners.

Since 2008 the festival is a regular member of the prestigious worldwide organization CIOFF^® which works within the scope of UNESCO organization.

Festival Director:
Mgr. Michaela Vondráčková

Organization and Programme Committee of Pilsen CIOFF^® IFF:
Ing. Jan Čmelák, economist
Vlasta Černá
Ing. Jaromír Konrady
Ondřej Laštovka
Miroslav Škarda
Eliška Vohnoutová
Petra Weinfurtová
Ing. Petr Weinfurt