WorldFestivalAssociation

INVITATION

We warmly INVITE YOU to celebrate children and youth in the magnificent transcontinental city of Istanbul, Turkey. Straddling Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a vibrant metropolis of great museums, historical sites, and rich culture, providing a beautiful backdrop for this special festival from 21-25 April 2026.

PARTICIPATION INFORMATION
The festival welcomes folk dance groups, modern dance groups, singing ensembles, majorettes, and choruses (participants must be 10 years old and above).

General Rules:
Performances lasting 5-15 minutes (USB or live music).
All groups must secure their own medical insurance before attending the festival.
Send group photos for the application.
Groups must arrange their own transport to Istanbul. Transfers are available at an extra cost.

ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION
Accommodation in a 3-star hotel in Istanbul. Rooms feature 2-3 beds, a toilet, and a shower.

Participation Fee:
4 nights / 5 days with half board (breakfast and dinner): 195 EUR per person

Additional Costs:
Lunch Pack: 10 EUR per person per day
Extra day: 45 EUR per person

Included by Organizers:
One free leader for every 30 participants; two free leaders for 45+ participants
Guidance service for excursions
Hotel reservation confirmed upon receipt of 20% deposit of the total fee

PROGRAM INFORMATION
Day 1
Afternoon – Arrival in Istanbul
Evening – Free time, dinner, meeting for group leaders

Day 2
Morning – Breakfast
Day – Excursion: Byzantine historic district (Blue Mosque, St. Sophia, Topkapı Palace, Grand Bazaar)
Evening – Dinner, performance at municipal open-air stage

Day 3
Morning – Breakfast
Day – Shopping center or beach time at the Sea of Marmara
Evening – Festival performances at municipal open-air stage, cultural dance exchange

Day 4
Morning – Breakfast
Day – Optional Bosphorus boat trip or shopping
Evening – Performance at municipal open-air stage

Day 5
Morning – Breakfast
Day – Departure from Istanbul

EXCURSION INFORMATION
Optional Excursions (extra paid) will be available upon arrival:

Byzantine & Ottoman History Tour – Blue Mosque, St. Sophia, Topkapı Palace, Grand Bazaar
Special Bosphorus Boat Trip