Azerbaijan’s rich cultural heritage was showcased at an international folklore festival in the French commune of Montoire-sur-le-Loir, featuring traditional dances, music, and cuisine.

Azerbaijan was represented at the festival by the “Rythm” dance group, supported by the State Committee on Work with Diaspora and the Azerbaijani Embassy in France, AZERTAC reported.

Accompanied by the “Balabanchi” music group, they performed traditional Azerbaijani dances in colorful national costumes, impressing the audience with their choreography and cultural spirit.

Alongside Azerbaijan, the festival featured folk ensembles from the United States, South Korea, Uruguay, Tahiti, Mexico, Slovenia, India, Slovakia, New Zealand, and Indonesia’s Sulawesi Island. Nearly 20,000 people attended this year’s event.

A special exhibition stand representing the Embassy of Azerbaijan in France showcased Azerbaijan’s rich cultural heritage through art, carpets, music, cuisine, books, and souvenirs. Visitors explored the country’s history, traditions, and cultural values, and enjoyed traditional Azerbaijani food and wine. The stand attracted strong interest from French and international visitors.

On the festival’s second day, Azerbaijan hosted a cultural dinner featuring traditional dishes such as ovdukh, eggplant chighirtma, and shekerbura. The tables were decorated in Azerbaijani flag colors, with brochures about Azerbaijan for guests. Live performances by the “Balabanchi” group highlighted the country’s rich musical heritage. Through its cuisine, music, crafts, and traditions, Azerbaijan further promoted its culture internationally.

The festival will run until August 16.