WorldFestivalAssociation

INVITATION

We invite folklore ensembles from Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Ukraine, Greece, Turkey, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Georgia, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Hungary, Slovenia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Malaysia, Romania, and other countries to join the XII International Folklore Festival in Budapest, Hungary, from 27–29 March 2026.

 GENERAL RULES

This is a non-competitive festival featuring traditional and modern dances, brass bands, orchestras, folk dance groups, choral groups, majorette teams, instrumental groups, soloists, and other art performers.

Every group is eligible to participate, with a limit of 3 groups from each country.
Each group can consist of up to 50 members (including dancers, managers, musicians, and family members).
Groups should prepare a program of 12-15 minutes (live or on USB).
Choral groups should prepare a 12-minute free program.
Groups must send a short CV (5-6 sentences in English), 5 photos of the group, and a video performance link.
Groups must bring a flag of their country.

 ACCOMMODATION & FEES

Participation Fee Includes:
Accommodation in 3★ or 4★ hotels (triple/quadruple rooms), 2 nights with breakfast, organizational costs, diplomas and plaques, letter of invitation, and 1 free spot per 25 participants.

Hotel Options & Rates:
115 € – Hotels such as East City Hotel Budapest
125 € – Hotels such as B&B Hotel Budapest City
145 € – Hotels such as Intercity Hotel Budapest

Additional Costs:
Single/Double room supplement: 5 € per person per night
Extra night: from 55 € (depends on hotel and services)
Dinner at hotel: 20–25 € per person per day
Payment can be made in installments before group arrival

Not Included in Fee:
Travel expenses to/from Budapest, parking, vignettes, tolls, optional excursions and meals not specified, and insurance.

 PROGRAM

Day 1
Arrival in Budapest.
Optional city tour: Citadel, Danube bridges, Heroes’ Square, City Park, Andrássy Boulevard, Parliament, St. Stephen’s Basilica, free time on Váci Street.
Hotel check-in.
Group leaders’ meeting.
Optional evening Danube cruise: “The Danube Princess.”

Day 2
Breakfast.
Preparation and sound check.
Performances by cultural-artistic societies.
Award ceremony with diplomas.
Dinner.
Optional evening: Hungarian csárda (folk dinner) or disco.

Day 3
Breakfast.
Optional half-day excursion: “Three Danube Pearls” – Szentendre, Visegrád, Esztergom.
Optional Buda tour: Chain Bridge, Fisherman’s Bastion, Matthias Church, Royal Palace.
Departure.

 EXCURSION INFO

Optional Excursions & Activities:
Budapest city tour, Szentendre tour, Visegrád tour, Esztergom tour, Danube boat cruise, Hungarian csárda (folk dinner), Campona and Tropicarium visit, disco entry.