WorldFestivalAssociation

I N V I T A T I O N

    With pleasure we INVITE you (children, youth and adults groups),(Folk ensembles,Choral groups,orchestras, brass bands,majorette teams and modern dance groups) to participate on  International Easter Puglia Mare Festival 19 - 22  April 2026 Bari.MATERA, Arberobello,Italy 

  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 trough dance and music.

MATERA - the oldest city in the world,

• Sassi di Matera: These ancient cave houses carved into limestone cliffs date back thousands of years — one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: Since 1993, the Sassi have been protected for their cultural and historical value.
• Matera Cathedral (Duomo di Matera): Beautifully restored, offering panoramic views over the Sassi.
• Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario: A traditional cave home museum showing how people once lived in the Sassi.
• European Capital of Culture 2019: The city was revitalized and is now full of art, culture, and boutique hotels inside the caves.

Atmosphere: Mystical and cinematic — Matera has been used as a film location for movies like The Passion of the Christ and No Time to Die (James Bond).

ARBEROBELLO Famous for: Trulli — traditional cone-shaped stone houses

Highlights:

• Rione Monti & Aia Piccola: The main districts where hundreds of whitewashed trulli line narrow cobbled streets.
• Trullo Sovrano: The only two-story trullo, now a museum showing traditional life.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: Since 1996, recognized for its unique architecture and preservation.
• Craft shops and local food: You can visit artisan shops, try local olive oil, and eat orecchiette pasta or burrata.

Atmosphere: Charming and fairy-tale-like — walking among the trulli feels like stepping into another world.

                General rules :

- Every  group  has the right to participate. 

-        is a non-competitive sample of traditional and modern dances and music performed by  groups.

-         On the festival may participate children and youth folklore dance groups, modern dance groups, vocal groups, instrumental groups and soloists, as well as groups and performers from other art styles.

-         The number of participants are limited (only 3  groups from each country),

-         Each group should consist of most 70 members including dancers, managers, musicians and family members,

-         Ensemble should have prepared at least 2 folk dances 12-15 minutes each with orchestra or USB.

-         The Choral groups -two parts from 12 – 18 minutes free program. The performances will be in the evening hours so you can plan the day ahead and use it for visiting the historical part of the city and  excursions. Also, we will choose the best girl's and men's folk costume and the best dancing couple

-         To send us short CV and photos of the group,

-         To take a flag of the country,

-              Collectives should have there own transport for arrival and departure,                       

      Program Proposal

Day 1 

  13.00.Arrival in Bari, , hotel accommodation,

Meeting with fetsival representatives

Day 2 

 09.00 -11.00 Breakfast,

 11.00 -19.00  Free time or Sightseeing Bari, Matera and Arberobello with guide (optional)      

 Day 3

 09.00 -11.00 Breakfast,

 11.00 -14.00 Free time 

         17.00 - 20.00 Festival evening

  Day 4 

   09.00 – 10.00 Breakfast  and departure

Participation fee:

- 154 euro for 3 nights/4 days accommodation with breakfast

All groups will be accommodate in 3* hotel with breakfast in triple an dquadriple rooms. Supplement for staying in a double room 10€ per person per day,Supplement for staying in a single room 32€ per person per day. Additional day (50€ breakfast included)

      Festival organizers provide:

- for 24 dancers – one gratis, (24+1)

-         souvenir and gift for each group,

-         Certificate for attendance,

-         drinks during the performance,

-     advertising of the festival (press release, social media promions, posters)

Not include:

• Trip expenses, airport transfers and other transfers if needed, parking
• Tourist guide, accompanying persons, sightseeing, excursions
• Tourist city tax ( 2 – 4€ per person per day
• Optional tours

 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 you.

On your request,  You can continue your stay in Bari under the special price  for the participants on the festivals of 50 euro with breakfast 

 After Groups arrived in Hotel will be given detailed program of the festival and each group will have guide during festival.

    After the festival finish organizers will send you link from whre you can take the photos of the festival.

   The festival will organize the transport for the groups coming by plane by picking them up from airport, during the festival days and back to the airport. You can also arrive to Bari airport from many Eu airports with WIZZ AIR .Also you can arrive by ferry boat from Durres (Albania) , Bar (Montenegro) . The cost of the transportation will be covered by the group and will be additionally agreed according to their number. 

By applying you confirm that you accept all festival conditions. All detailed information  will be supply after your confirmation for participations.

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. 

HURRY UP! NUMBER OF SEATS IS LIMITED ON 400