International Gala IGF GOLD STAR

The ceremonial IGF Gold Star Gala takes place on 27 June 2026 at 17:00 at the Małopolskie Centrum Kultury SOKÓŁ in Nowy Sącz. The event is part of a broader international visit programme covering the Małopolska region from 25-28 June 2026, bringing together researchers, cultural animators, and creators of traditional culture from seven countries.

During the ceremony, Gold Star awards will be presented by the International Federation of Folklore (IGF) - the world's oldest global organization dedicated to fostering understanding between nations through cultural heritage. This distinction is sometimes called the "Oscar of folklore". Among this year's eight laureates from around the world, Poland is represented by Prof. Dr. Hab. Józef Kąś - a dialectologist and lexicographer long associated with the nationwide Congress of Regional Culture organized by MCK SOKÓŁ.

The visiting delegations' programme includes three-day study visits to sites significant for the region's intangible cultural heritage, as well as a trip to the Prešov Region in Slovakia - a partner region of Małopolska directly bordering the Sądecczyzna area.

The organization of the gala and the guests' stay are made possible by the support of the Małopolska Voivodeship. Honorary patronage of the ceremony has been taken by Łukasz Smółka - Marshal of the Małopolska Voivodeship and Witold Kozłowski - Vice-Marshal of the Małopolska Voivodeship. The National Heritage Institute is also a patron of the event.