The CIOFF (International Council of the Organizations of Festivals of Folklore) has been the trade association of UNESCO since 1970. Its role is to help preserving and propagating the values of the traditional cultures, including the spiritual heritage of the folklore (folkdance, folkmusic, costumes, traditions, etc.), as well as to coordinate the 88 CIOFF members. Its functional activity covers the organization of the tours of the folkdance ensembles and the organization of the international barter progames, too. 

As a result of the Organization’s work, the nations are getting to know, understand and accept each other and other’s cultures better.

 The III. World Folkloriada, organized by the CIOFF in 2004, was held in Hungary with the participation of 74 countries and 2500 dancers. The Summerfest Ráckeve Folklore Festival became one of the official festivals of CIOFF in 2002.