The new millennium
The new millennium carries the International Folklore Festival back in town at the site of the newly built Cultural Hall next to the lagoon . The festival is still for older and younger Lefkadians, a mince of the soul and the heart . A part of the tradition and culture that made the little town known in Greece and abroad undeniable benefit on multiple levels .
In 2001 the International Folklore Festival loses a legendary figure : it is Thrasyvoulos (Voulis) Vrettos . He was a close associate of Anthonis Tzevelekis , member of the Council of the Cultural Centre of the Municipality of Lefkada for many years and an honorary member. He gave his best for the continuation and enhancement of the Festival which was his first love .
The record of the 39th International Folklore Festival is in many ways a bright and successful. This finding is supported by the facts: 40.000 spectators of the parade on the first Sunday until the closing ceremony 650,000 viewers from the direct transmission of ET1 ( not counting the huge number of viewers around the world by satellite coverage and again the ET1 ) , 780 artists ( dancers , musicians , singers , etc. ) who participated in the 15 disjoint sets , massive influx of local and foreign audiences admittedly fills every night for eight whole days in the open air theater of the Cultural Center enthusiastically applauding and cheering in admiration the groups and art of the performers .
The constant presence especially of Lefkadian public to festival events gives everyone the chance to continue working for the big event and the challenge of the 40th Festival that takes place in the year 2002. The Lefkadian people celebrate, hug and wholeheartedly support their own festival.
From 2003 to 2010 the festival moved again in an outdoor courtyard. Vassilis Thermos Cooler , for many years general curator and member of the Cultural Center , is responsible for the Festival .
In 2004 , a landmark year for Greece because of the Olympic Games, the International Folklore Festival of Lefkada is not just a celebration with traditional dances of the five continents . It is an institution that transforms the Olympic ideals of friendship among people and world peace . It is a link between nations and cultures. It is an international cultural landmark.
In 2005 the International Folklore Festival comes under the auspices of the UN Secretary General Mr Kofi Annan . The INTERNATIONAL FOLKLORE FESTIVAL of Lefkada continues its great contribution to Lefkada and Culture. Its principles and messages are identical to the principles of the United Nations .
From 2006 until today Lefkada is led to new paths through the International Folklore Festival . Great performances , a large number of folk groups from all over the world , diffusion of the festival around the island are some features of the new era .