About me
Hello! I’m Simonida, founder of Folk Fest Buscador, and a passionate advocate for folk culture and international cultural exchange.
I am a proud member of CIOFF (International Council of Organizations of Folklore Festivals and Folk Arts), IOV (International Organization of Folk Art), and CID (International Dance Council / Conseil International de la Danse), and I serve as the Head Delegate for the Balkans for the Festifolk World organization.
Journey
I began my journey as a professional folk dancer at the age of six, and for the past 20 years, I have dedicated myself to coordinating, organizing, and advising folk groups for international tours and festivals. This experience has given me a deep understanding of the challenges groups face when seeking reliable, safe, and well-planned opportunities abroad.
Goals
My goal with Folk Fest Buscador is to simplify the process and make it transparent and trustworthy — helping groups find festivals that truly match their size, style, and resources, whether they are small or large ensembles, performing with live music or recorded tracks, traditional or contemporary interpretations. I work to ensure mutual trust and transparency between groups and festival organizers: groups can rely on festivals to provide what is promised, and festivals can expect groups to follow participation rules. Safety, clear communication, and well-planned trips are always the top priority.
Service
Folk Fest Buscador brings together verified open calls, practical guidance on participation, and curated cultural routes, all in one place. I strive to make festivals more visible, increase groups’ chances of successful applications, and act as a trusted partner for both organizers and participant groups.
Folk Fest Buscador is here to ease your search, and I am here to guide you every step of the way — whether you are a director seeking reliable opportunities, a festival looking for quality applications, or a group ready to explore the world.