WorldFestivalAssociation

INVITATION

With pleasure we INVITE Folk Ensembles, Modern Dance Groups, Choral Groups, Orchestras, Brass Bands, and Majorette Teams (children, youth, and adult groups) to participate in the XX International Music & Dance Festival “SEA OF RHYTMS,” which will take place from 21 – 25 May 2026 in Budva, Montenegro.

The intention of our invitation and the Festival light motive is to present the cultural tradition of different countries and to provide an opportunity for the members of groups to get together, to establish friendships and culture presentation through dance and music.The idea of the Festival is to bring the music closer to the people and to present the music on the streets and the squares.The festival is open for folk and choir ensembles, as well as orchestras and majorettes regardless of the members gender and age.

Budva, the lively heart of the Montenegrin coast, is famous for its Riviera of sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife. Its crown jewel is a beautifully preserved Old Town (Stari Grad), a fortified city over 2,500 years old, featuring Venetian-era stone walls, the historic Citadel, and ancient churches. Just offshore, don't miss the picturesque islet of Sveti Stefan, a former fishing village turned luxury resort, which is arguably Montenegro's most iconic sight. Budva seamlessly blends thousands of years of history with a modern, energetic summer atmosphere.

 General Rules:

Non-competitive festival featuring traditional and modern dances, choral groups, majorette teams, orchestras, and brass bands.

Every folklore, choral, modern dance, majorette team, or orchestra has the right to participate.
Children’s ensembles: 2/3 of participants must be 16 or younger
Youth ensembles: 2/3 of participants must be 25 or younger
Adult ensembles: 1/3 of participants must be older than 25

Each group should consist of up to 70 members including dancers, managers, and musicians. Family members may join at the same price.

The number of participants is limited (only 3 groups from each country).
Ensembles must prepare at least 2 dances, 10–15 minutes each, with USB or orchestra.
Performances will be held in the evening, leaving days free for sightseeing.

Application requirements:
– Short CV in English (6–7 sentences)
– 5 photos of the group
– Country flag

Groups must provide their own transport for arrival and departure.

 Accommodation Cost:

Participation Fee:

€112 per person – hotel accommodation, 3 nights / 2 meals daily (Half Board)
€149 per person – hotel accommodation, 4 nights / 2 meals daily (Half Board)
€179 per person – hotel accommodation, 4 nights / 2 meals daily (Half Board)

Additional double room: €10 per person per night

Hotels:
Hotel Empire:https://www.apartmanibudva-dib.com/hotel-empire/
Villas Hotel Park:http://hotelparkbudva.com/me/smjestaj/turisticko-naselje-vile-hotela-park.html
Hotel Lobo: Link

Accommodation on request:
Slovenska Plaza:https://www.hgbudvanskarivijera.com/en/slovenska-plaza-resort
Hotel In
Hotel Park:http://hotelparkbudva.com/me/smjestaj/smjestaj-hotel-park.html

Tourist tax and insurance (€1.50 per person per day) are to be paid additionally.

Transportation: for groups who are coming by plane, we can arrange transport from (Tivat or Podgorica airport) to Budva. (Paid additionaly)

Parking for buses is paid additionally.

On request: Extended stay in Budva at €32 per person per day (Half Board), special festival price.

 Festival organizers provide:

For 30 participants – one free (30 paying + 1 free of charge)

Souvenir and gift for each group

Welcome cocktail

Certificate of attendance

Drinks during performances

Festival promotion (social media, newsletters, posters, flyers)

Insurance: Personal responsibility and health insurance are within the other obligations of the groups. First Aid and Medical Hospital will be available, medical services must be covered by the group

Transportation: for groups who are coming by plane, we can arrange transport from (Tivat or Podgorica airport) to Budva. (Paid additionally).

 Festival program  :

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Day 1
13:00 Arrival in Budva, hotel accommodation, free time (swimming, beach)
19:00 – 20:00 Dinner in hotel
21:00 Welcome reception with group leaders

Day 2
08:00 – 10:00 Breakfast
10:00 – 14:00 Budva sightseeing with local guide and boat cruise to St. Stefan (€14 per person)
17:30 – 19:00 Dinner in hotel
20:00 – 22:00 Festival evening

Day 3
09:00 – 10:00 Breakfast
10:00 – 18:00 Visiting Kotor with guide (€12 per person) or visiting Dubrovnik, Croatia (optional, with own bus) or free beach time
18:00 – 19:00 Dinner in hotel
20:00 – 23:00 Free time

Day 4
08:00 – 10:00 Breakfast
10:00 – 18:00 Excursion options: Kotor, Herceg Novi, Boka Kotorska Bay by boat, Dubrovnik, Sveti Stefan by boat, Aqua Park, or beach time
19:00 – 21:00 Dinner in hotel
21:00 Free time (optional disco or restaurant evening)

Day 5
09:00 Breakfast
11:00 Departure of participants

Optional Stay
Day 6: Breakfast, beach time and free activities, dinner, disco party
Day 7: Breakfast, departure

 COMMUNICATION STEPS

Step 1 — Apply

Fill out the online application form with your group details.

Step 2 — Confirmation

You’ll instantly receive an email confirming we got your application.

Step 3 — Application Number

Within 2 days you’ll receive your Application Number and required materials list.

Step 4 — Review

WOFA reviews your application and checks availability.

Step 5 — Acceptance

If accepted, you’ll receive an Invitation Letter and deposit instructions.

Deposit must be paid within 10 days.

Step 6 — Secure Your Spot

Send us your deposit confirmation. Your participation is officially confirmed.

Step 7 — Finalization

A WOFA coordinator will guide you through the final steps: participant list, travel details, and performance info.

 Important Details

Due to the Old Town location, a stage is not allowed.

Festival location:https://maps.app.goo.gl/XeRZKmf56nnAe2zb8

The official festival program will be provided one month before arrival.

Festival Highlights

See videos of performances on our official YouTube playlist:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8RE8ufsZ3154Go7BFVp8lDE6h4QH-2nB

 Excursion information

Visiting Ostrog Orthodox Monastery: sacred site built into a cliffside.

Tara River Canyon: explore the second deepest canyon in the world.

Shkodra Lake with Lunch: largest lake in Southern Europe with traditional lunch.

Shkodra Lake without Lunch + Boat Ride: panoramic boat ride experience.

Visiting Kotor with Boat Ride: cruise Bay of Kotor and explore UNESCO-listed Old Town.

Visiting Kotor without Boat Ride: walk through historic landmarks in Old Town.

Kotor Cable Car Adventure: panoramic views of Montenegro.

 NEWS FROM THE FESTIVAL                                            Published on 29.05.2025

From 20-25 May 2025 in Budva was held XX International Music & Dance Festival “SEA OF RHYTMS,”  with great success.

At the festival over 250 participants from Poland,Lithuania, Albania, Estonia, Bulgaria,Romania,Georgia

On the welcome reception with the leaders of the groups on 20 May   director of the festival Mr Zoran Strezovski wished them welcome in the beautiful city and explained the detailed program.

On 24 May  festival evening was held on the stage of the city of Budva where all ensembles had their performances. Organizers of the festivals were WOFA - World Festival Association

In 2023 the festival had over 250 participants and 9 ensembles from 6 EU countries..

NUMBER OF SEATS IS LIMITED on 300 participants and 8 ensembles!!

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Reviews from the groups:

This festival has review of 11 groups and average estimation is EXCELLENT - 9,3/10