WorldFestivalAssociation

INVITATION

With pleasure we INVITE folk ensembles, choral groups, art schools, majorette teams, orchestras, ballroom dance groups, and modern dance teams (children, youth, and adult groups) to participate in the XI International Music & Dance Festival “Saranda Music Fest,” which will be held from May 27–31, in Saranda–Ksamil, Albania.

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

General Rules
This is a non-competitive event showcasing traditional and modern dances, brass bands, orchestras, modern dance groups, choral groups, ballroom dance teams, art schools, and majorette teams.
Every folklore, choral, majorette, dance, or vocal group has the right to participate.
The number of participants is limited (only 3 groups from each country).
Each group should consist of up to 70 members including dancers, managers, musicians, and family members.
Ensembles should prepare at least 2 folk dances, 10–15 minutes each, performed with orchestra or USB. Choral groups should prepare a free program of about 15 minutes.
Performances will be held in the evening hours, leaving the day free for excursions and sightseeing.
Groups are required to send a short CV, 5 photos, and a video link.
Each group must bring the national flag of their country.
Travel options include Wizz Air and Ryanair flights to Tirana, or arrival via Corfu Island with boat transfer to Saranda.
Groups should arrange their own transport for arrival and departure.

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation will be provided at Andon Lapa Hotel Resort & Spa, a 4-star seaside hotel ( the hotel has approvel as 5* hotel but they keep using 4* hotel officialy) featuring outdoor and indoor swimming pools, a private beach, spa center, and gym. The hotel is located 500 meters from the city center.

Package Options
3 HB (Half Board): €155 per person (3 nights, 2 meals per day – open buffet)
4 HB (Half Board): €199 per person (4 nights, 2 meals per day – open buffet)
5 HB (Half Board): €245 per person (5 nights, 2 meals per day – open buffet)

Accommodation will be in double rooms for group leaders and drivers.

Additional double rooms are available upon request for €10 per person per day.

Additional single rooms are available upon request for €20 per person per day.

Triple rooms are also available. The Albanian tourist tax of €1 per person per day is an additional charge.

Organizers Provide
For every 25 participants, one person is free (24+1).
Souvenirs and gifts for each group.
Certificates of attendance for each participant.
Drinks during the performances.
Free parking at the hotel.

Extension of Stay
If you wish to extend your stay in Saranda after the festival, the price is €46 per person per night for Half Board.

PROGRAM

Day 1 – October 17
13:00 – Arrival in Saranda, hotel accommodation at Andon Lapa Hotel Resort & Spa.
19:00–21:00 – Dinner at the hotel.
21:00 – Meeting with festival representatives.

Day 2 – October 18
09:00–10:00 – Buffet breakfast.
10:00–16:00 – Beach time or excursions (Saranda city tour, Butrinti, Blue Eye, or Corfu Island).
17:00–19:00 – Defile and festival evening.
20:00–21:00 – Dinner at the hotel.

Day 3 – October 19
09:00–10:00 – Buffet breakfast.
10:30–18:00 – Beach time or excursions (Saranda city tour, Butrinti, Blue Eye, or Corfu Island).
19:00–21:00 – Dinner at the hotel.
21:00 – Party with all participants around the swimming pool.

Day 4 – October 20
09:00–10:00 – Buffet breakfast.
10:30–18:00 – Beach time or excursions (Saranda city tour, Butrinti, Blue Eye, or Corfu Island).
19:00–21:00 – Dinner at the hotel.
21:00 – Free time in Saranda.

Day 5 – October 21
09:00–10:00 – Buffet breakfast.
11:00 – Departure of participants.

EXCURSIONS

Corfu Island
The excursion includes ferry tickets return Saranda–Corfu–Saranda, bus and guide. Lunch in Corfu is supplementary.

Gjirokastër and Blue Eye (without lunch)
The excursion includes bus, guide, entrance tickets to the Castle of Gjirokastër, entrance tickets to the Museum of Weapons inside the Castle, entrance ticket to the Blue Eye, and shuttle transfer in the Blue Eye park (return).

Gjirokastër and Blue Eye (with lunch)
The excursion includes bus, guide, entrance tickets to the Castle of Gjirokastër, entrance tickets to the Museum of Weapons inside the Castle, lunch in Gjirokastër, entrance ticket to the Blue Eye, and shuttle transfer in the Blue Eye park (return).

Butrint Archaeological Park and Ksamil
The excursion includes bus, guide, and entrance ticket to Butrint.

Albanian Evening
The excursion includes bus transfer to Restaurant Foinike in Karahaxh, dinner (Albanian food including 1 bottle of water and 1 glass of wine, beer, or soft drink), and a folkloric group performance.

TRIO PACKAGE
The package includes Corfu Island, Gjirokastër and Blue Eye (without lunch), and Albanian Evening.