(ANSA) - GORIZIA, AUG 11 - From August 27 to 30, the Etnos cultural association will present the 54th edition of the World Folklore Festival in Gorizia. Once again this year, the event will bring together audiences and the traditions of distant peoples. The 50th edition of the Folk Traditions Congress and the 59th International Folklore Parade will take place during the same period. The program, presented today in the town hall park, kicks off on Thursday, August 27, in Piazza della Vittoria with official greetings and the lighting of the "fire of friendship"; this will be followed by dances performed by local groups and performances from Croatia, Ukraine, Hungary, the U.S., and Scotland. "We are truly proud and believe that you are an extraordinary tool for promoting traditions," said Mayor Rodolfo Ziberna to the organizers. "What you do is not just about bringing people together and putting on a show—it's also about culture. To speak of folklore is to speak of culture, and this is essential in today's world. It's a huge event that brings together people from many different countries. Being able to organize events of this kind in our community is a tremendous achievement." Regional Councilor Diego Bernardis, chair of the Fifth Committee, placed the event within the broader context of regional folklore festivals: "This festival is the latest in a series of events, such as the one currently taking place in Aviano and Piancavallo. It is an event that is deeply cherished and widely attended by the people of the Isonzo area and throughout the region." (ANSA).