Introductory Video
Thank you so much! To all who make the National Folkloric Festival El Grande de Grandes the most anticipated event each year for the folkloric community of Honduras.
History of the Event
On October 29, 2011 members of Ballet Folklórico Oro Lenca organized a new folkloric festival, called "El Grande de Grandes". Since then the event has grown to become the national dance competition par excellence, attracting participants from all over the country.
The competition includes several competitive levels in which elementary, secondary, graduate, and community groups compete. Each group is allowed a performance. The day starts with younger school groups and proceeds through the levels. The prizes are awarded in each category, and the group with the highest number is awarded the overall Grand Prize of the entire competition. Judges are selected from the national dance community
In both 2011 and 2012, its first and second editions, El Grande de Grandes was held in October. In 2013 the date was changed to the last Saturday in July, when La Esperanza was designated as the capital of Creole Folklore and the festival was institutionalized. By executive decree through the Secretary of Culture, Arts and Sports the festival was designated to be held the last Saturday of July of each year and was dedicated to the memory of Rafael Manzanares Aguilar, native son of La Esperanza, designated the father of Honduran folklore.
Starting in 2015, the date was moved to the last Saturday in October to accommodate the performance and training schedules of the Oro Lenca and its members. That is now the currently agreed upon date
Characteristics of the Competition
El Grande de Grandes includes various levels of competion in which primary and secondary school, graduates, and community groups compete. Each group is allowed one presentation. The day commences with the the youngest school groups and proceeds through the levels. Prizes are awarded in each level, and the group amongst all of these that is awarded the most points wins the grand prize for the entire competition. The judges are selected from among recognized authorities in the national dance community.
The Honduran Folkloric Ballet Oro Lenca as host of the event does not participate as a contestant, but presents special exhibitions for the festival. Show performances typically include many dancers and routines in complex choreograpies. These are performed with the accompaniment of the orchestra Más Música Más Esperanza.
Visitors and Tourists Welcomed!
The Honduran public as well as tourists and visitors from all over the world are invited to enjoy this magical and memorable family-friendly event. The competition itself has a modest entrance fee for spectators and draws a large audience of family members and people from the communities where the dancers originate. Vendors on the street sell food, drink and merchandise and are accompanied by music and other presentations in a festive atmosphere in the adjacent park. Many nearby restaurants and hotels also welcome visitors during the weekend of the festival. A wrist stamp allows you to leave and reenter the competition during the day.
