Aviano celebrates 40th Annual International Folklore Festival Published Aug. 1, 2008 AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- Aviano Air Base is doing its part to ensure this year's 40th Annual International Folklore Festival continues to excite and entertain the masses Aug. 8-16 in Aviano and Piancavallo. Base Airmen and civilians are rolling up their sleeves to help setup and teardown the festival area, while the 31st Civil Engineer Squadron is providing minor logistical assistance. "This is a huge event and a great opportunity to see a variety of other countries' cultures and traditions," said Luisa Merlo, 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs specialist. "I encourage all Americans to experience the festival. " This year's celebration features performers from Bulgaria, Macedonia, Uzbekistan, Russia, Colombia, Portugal and Agrigento showcasing the arts of cultural music and dance. The event also includes food and drink vendors. Ms. Merlo made special note, that those planning on drinking should plan ahead and have a designated driver. "We want everyone to have a fun, responsible time," she said. The festival opens with the official welcome reception at the Aviano Town Dome Square on Aug. 8. The remaining events will take place in the sports area in front of the Hotel Posta reserve parking area in Aviano. Hotel Posta is near the Main Square and Aviano Post Office. The following is a schedule of folklore festival events: Aug. 8 9:15 p.m. - Official welcome reception at the Aviano Town Dome Square Aug. 9 10:30 a.m. - Dancing groups arrive in Piancavallo 2:30 p.m. - Folklore dancers perform 9:15 p.m. - Aviano: Theater Aug. 10 9 p.m. - Aviano Festival Area: Miss Italia Sasch 2008 9:15 p.m. - Lignano Terrazza Mare: Folklore dancing groups parade and performance Aug. 11 9:15 p.m. - First Performance - International Folklore Festival Dancing groups: Selections from Aviano, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Uzbekistan, Russia, Colombia, China, Portugal and Agrigento (Sicily) Aug. 12 9:15 p.m. - Second Performance - International Folklore Festival Dancing groups: Selections from Aviano, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Uzbekistan, Russia, Colombia, China, Portugal and Agrigento (Sicily) Aug. 13 9:15 p.m. - Aviano Festival area: "Games with no Borders" Aug. 14 Pordenone Festival Area: 6:30 p.m. - Groups parade in Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Corso Garibaldi, Pordenone 9:15 p.m. - Groups perform in Piazza XX Settembre Aviano Festival Area: 9:15 p.m. - Night of Milonga (music show) Aug. 15 10:30 a.m. - Holy Mass at Aviano Dome with all folk groups 11:30 a.m. - Parade with show at Aviano square and surroundings 9:15 p.m. - Third Performance - International Folklore Festival Dancing groups: selections from Aviano, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Uzbekistan, Russia, Colombia, China, Portugal and Agrigento (Sicily) Aug. 16 9:15 p.m. - "Enzo Iacchetti and Witz Orchestra" show The "Danzerini di Aviano" hosts the annual International Folklore Festival. In its more than 70 years of activity, the organization has obtained both national and international recognition, taking part in numerous tours throughout the world. The group, formed in 1924, inherited its name from one of its main founders. The first documented performances of the "Danzerini di Aviano" are from the middle of the 19th century. The "minstrels of the dance" of Aviano were called to dance in front of the ruler Udine Ferdinand I in 1838 and for Francis Joseph in Pordenone in 1852. The groups' costumes and dances are similar to the costumes worn by people in the local area two centuries ago. In the 18th century, the people of Aviano were renowned for their costumes and cheerful dances performed during wedding parties. For more information on the International Folklore Festival, call 632-7555.