On June 28, 2025 the Bulgarian Folklore Ensemble "Rodina", based in the city of Ottawa, celebrated with a large concert the 25th anniversary of its establishment. "Rodina" is the first Bulgarian folklore ensemble in Canada, launched with the aim of uniting the Bulgarian diaspora, preserving the national folklore music and dance and the Bulgarian traditions.

7 years ago, the singing group "Rodina Pee" also became part of the ensemble. It performs songs from all regions of Bulgaria. Over the past years, the formation has established itself as an indispensable and essential part of important events for the celebration of national holidays and for the preservation of the rich Bulgarian cultural and historical heritage. This activity benefits the cohesion of the Bulgarian community in Ottawa Capital Region and helps maintain the interest about the Bulgarian traditions. The ensemble is well known in different cities of Canada and the USA, where it has participated in other cultural events: Montreal, Toronto, Quebec, Niagara Falls, Calgary, Sherbrooke, Chicago, etc.

Considering the overall contribution of “Rodina” for the preservation of the Bulgarian cultural heritage in Canada and on the occasion of its anniversary, Mr. Plamen Georgiev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Bulgaria to Canada handed the Ensemble a honorary plaque awarded by the Executive Agency for the Bulgarian abroad. It was accepted by Ms. Raina Stamatova - the long-time artistic director of “Rodina”.

The concert was held to a full house in the Richcraft Theater of the Shenkman Arts Center in Ottawa. Cultural formations from the Canadian Capital Region also went on stage, presenting original folklore from Mexico ("Viva Mexico Dance Group"), Colombia ("Ballet Esmeraldas de Colombia") and Peru ("Contigo Peru Dance Group"). In addition young Bulgarian talents gave solo performances and presented musical, vocal and instrumental works by Bulgarian and foreign authors for clarinet and violin.