The International Tourism Trade Fair, FITUR, which is due to take place in Madrid from 18 to 22 January 2012, has announced the staging of the second edition of the Interactive Folklore Marathon. Under the heading of Folklore&Art with Us, the main aim of this initiative is to encourage the interaction of members of the public with the exhibitors, thus introducing them to the artistic and cultural heritage of the different communities attending the fair.

In this respect, on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 January, the days on which FITUR is open to the general public, a series of practical dance classes and other workshops devoted to any folklore-related discipline will be organised during two morning sessions. In this respect, exhibitors will be able to offer potential tourists an insight into their traditions, including handicrafts, popular games and cuisine, among other aspects. The Folklore Gala will take place in the afternoons, a show that combines a series of exhibitions by traditional music and dance groups representing different countries and Spanish Regions with performances by members of the public who attend the workshops.

The Interactive Folklore Marathon enables exhibitors at FITUR to approach potential tourists and introduce them to authentic and distinctive aspects of their culture, thus permitting them to enjoy a truly unique experience. Furthermore, participants will benefit from the wide-ranging media exposure provided by the fair in order to boost their visibility and promote their artistic and cultural heritage, an added-value dimension when it comes to providing an incentive for tourists to visit their destinations. All exhibitors who are interested in taking part at the Interactive Folklore Marathon must present their participation request to the organisers of FITUR before 10 December.