50th edition of the RFI: “A huge popular success”

Friborg vibrated to the rhythm of the whole world on the occasion of the 50th edition of the International Folklore Meetings (RFI). Therefore, Eight days of festivities that brought together thousands of spectators, 320 international artists, 150 premises and more than 400 volunteers. However, For Stéphane Renz, president of the organizing committee, the results are clear: “A feeling of pride, joy and success.”

From June with the RFI Kids, then crescendo until mid-August, the craze has continued to grow. In addition, The “Special 50th” weekend, the traditional day and the birthday film launched the festivities.

The RFIs are an intergenerational meeting place: “A 94 -year -old lady told us that she had not missed any edition since 1975”. In addition, says Stéphane Renz with emotion.

A edition rich in challenges – 50th edition rfi: "a huge

As every year. the biggest challenge is to ensure the arrival of the 11 50th edition rfi: “a huge groups from the five continents. Certain projects, such as the arrival of the tribe of Papouasie-Nouvelle-Guinée, have taken several years to materialize. The group obtained “its visas two weeks before leaving after a process of almost five years of administrative work”. rejoices the president.

Among the highlights of the publishing: the New Zealand group. Their haka before the confrontation between Friborg-Gottéron and the HC Thurgau attracted the 5,000 people present at the BCF Arena.

“A huge popular success” – 50th edition rfi: "a huge

Even if the organizers do not like to “talk about record”. the figures speak for themselves: three full gala shows in Saint-Léonard, a ticket office closed several days in advance. The overall crowds are estimated between 20,000 and 30,000 people over the week.

Despite some showers that led to the cancellation of the night-up night parade in Basse-Ville. Additionally, the 2025 edition is perceived as a “immense popular success”.

This year. the organizers 50th edition rfi: “a huge were delighted with the multiple collaborations, especially that with Friborg-Gottéron: “It was a beautiful image of what Sport and Culture can create together”, underlines Stéphane Renz.

Other significant partnerships have emerged. notably with the orchestra of the city of Basel, which accompanied a Ukrainian group that could not come with its own set.

A 100% volunteer demonstration

The soul of the RFI also lies in its volunteer work. For 50 years, the whole organization has been provided by volunteers, explains the president.

Each year, more than 400 volunteers are getting their hands dirty to ensure the smooth running of the festivities. According to him, “when you touch your finger at RFI once or twice, you start to grab the virus.”

A virus that is transmitted from generation to generation: volunteers “come to make lunches. sandwiches when they are small, and then suddenly, they are found 50th edition rfi: “a huge in sector leaders, twenty or thirty years later”, continues Stéphane Renz.

2026 under the sign of “fiber”

The theme of the 51st edition is already known! This is “fiber”, Both as a textile matter and as a symbolic link between peoples.

“We will try to surf this beautiful dynamic, while returning to a slightly more traditional edition,” concludes Stéphane Renz.