WorldFestivalAssociation

INVITATION

We invite you to join us in the historic city of Ohrid, North Macedonia. Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1980, is one of the oldest human settlements in Europe. Known as the “Balkan Jerusalem” for its countless churches and spiritual significance, it boasts a stunning location on the shore of Lake Ohrid, Europe’s oldest lake. The city is the birthplace of the Cyrillic alphabet and home to the first European University, founded in 893.

The festival offers a unique opportunity for cultural exchange in a city steeped in history from 04–08 August 2026.

 PARTICIPATION INFORMATION

The festival welcomes mixed, male, and female choirs. Each performance should last 12–15 minutes (a cappella). Groups are asked to bring their national flag. Maximum group size is 50 participants, including performers, directors, and staff.

A brief CV and 2–3 photos must be sent via email for registration. Each group is responsible for its own transport to and from Ohrid.

Festival organizers provide a stage for performances, festival registration, advertising (press releases, social media promotion, flyers, posters), souvenirs, drinks during performances, a festival guide, and free parking. One free accommodation for every 25 paying participants is included. Personal responsibility and health insurance are required. First aid and medical services will be available, but groups must cover them. Tourist tax of 1€ per person per night is payable separately.

 ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION

To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay, WOFA offers several accommodation options in Ohrid.

Hotel Delago, Hotel District & Hotel Lagadin (Main Suggestion)
Hotel Delago –https://delago-hotel.carrd.co/
Hotel Lagadin –https://www.hotellagadin.com.mk/
Hotel District – link available upon request

Bed and Breakfast (BB)
3 Nights / 4 Days: 110€ per person
4 Nights / 5 Days: 130€ per person
5 Nights / 6 Days: 154€ per person
Additional day: 29€ per person

Half Board (HB – Breakfast and Dinner)
3 Nights / 4 Days: 122€ per person
4 Nights / 5 Days: 150€ per person
5 Nights / 6 Days: 180€ per person
Additional day: 35€ per person

Hotel Desaret
Visit Desaret
Half Board (HB) – Breakfast and Dinner: 3 Nights / 4 Days: 119€, 4 Nights / 5 Days: 144€, 5 Nights / 6 Days: 179€. Additional day: 36€
Full Board (FB) – Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner: 3 Nights: 128€, 4 Nights: 160€, 5 Nights: 194€. Additional day: 41€

Hotel Mizo
Visit Mizo
Bed and Breakfast (BB): 3 Nights / 4 Days: 104€, 4 Nights / 5 Days: 136€, 5 Nights / 6 Days: 164€. Additional day: 33€
Half Board (HB): 3 Nights / 4 Days: 119€, 4 Nights / 5 Days: 154€, 5 Nights / 6 Days: 189€. Additional day: 36€

Hotel De Luks Apartments
Half Board (HB) – Breakfast and Dinner: 3 Nights: 82€, 4 Nights: 109€
Full Board (FB) – Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner: 3 Nights: 99€, 4 Nights: 129€

Additional centrally located 3 & 4-star hotels are available upon request.

 PROGRAM INFORMATION

Day 1 – Arrival
Arrival in Ohrid after 13:00, hotel accommodation, and free activities. Lunch from 14:00–15:00 (if full board selected). Dinner from 19:00–21:00. Welcome reception with group leaders at 21:00.

Day 2 – Sightseeing and Free Time
Breakfast 09:00–10:00. Sightseeing 10:00–13:00 including St. Sofia Church, Samoil Fortress, Antique Theatre, Plaosnik, St. Kaneo Church, and Bridge of Wishes. Lunch 14:00–15:00. Dinner 19:00–21:00. Free time at 21:00.

Day 3 – Boat Cruise and Opening Ceremony
Breakfast 09:00–10:00. Boat cruise 11:00–16:00 on Lake Ohrid, visiting the Museum on Water and St. Naum Monastery. Dinner 18:30–19:30. Ensembles parade in Old Town at 20:00, followed by official festival opening at 20:30.

Day 4 – Local Exploration and Festival Party
Breakfast at 10:00, followed by visits to Stara Čaršija, Činar (oldest tree), Biljanini Springs, Ohrid Pearl, Old Paper Manufactory, or optional visit to Struga 10:00–13:00. Lunch 13:30–15:00. Dinner 18:00–20:00. Festival party 21:00–00:00.

Day 5 – Departure
Breakfast 09:00–10:00, departure of participants at 11:00.

Optional Extended Program
Day 5 includes breakfast 09:00–10:00, visit to Struga city (Miladinovci House, Crni Drim River, Kalista Cave Church) and Ethno Village Vevčani 10:30–14:00. Lunch 13:30–15:00. Dinner 19:00–21:00. Evening workshop 21:00–23:00.

Day 6 includes breakfast 09:00–10:00, free activities 10:30–14:00 (walking around Lake Ohrid, city square, Vevčani or Pogradec). Lunch 13:30–15:00. Dinner 19:00–21:00. Beach party 21:00–00:00.

Day 7 includes breakfast 08:00–10:00, optional excursion to Skopje 10:00–14:00 visiting Alexander the Great monuments, museum, Macedonian Gate, Stone Bridge. Departure from Skopje at 14:00.

 EXCURSIONS INFORMATION

Ohrid – St. Naum Boat Trip: Scenic boat ride across Lake Ohrid to St. Naum Monastery.

St. Naum with Wine and Macedonian Traditional Food Tasting in Ostrovo: Enjoy authentic Macedonian cuisine.

St. Naum Boat Trip with Food Tasting and Crni Drim Springs Boat Ride: Explore turquoise waters and lush greenery.

Horseback Riding Tour: Experience scenic Ohrid Lake on horseback.

Visiting Struga: Discover the charm of this lakeside town.

Ohrid Guide Tour: Guided cultural and historical tour of Ohrid.

Skopje & Canyon Matka Tour: Optional excursion; groups need to arrange their own bus. Matka Canyon is a natural escape 15 km from Skopje with a serene lake and dramatic cliffs.