XXVI. INT. ISTANBUL HARMANFOLK FOLK DANCE-MUSIC FESTIVAL / COMPETITION
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Director: B.U. & WOFA
Application Deadline: 10 September, 2026
INVITATION
We invite you to join us in the magnificent city of Istanbul, Türkiye, for an unforgettable cultural competition and festival from 20–24 November.
Istanbul, a city that bridges Europe and Asia, offers a stunning blend of historic Byzantine and Ottoman architecture, vibrant bazaars, and breathtaking views of the Bosphorus. This legendary city provides the perfect stage for artistic exchange and competition.
FESTIVAL WELCOMES
Chorus groups, folk music and instrumental groups, folk dance ensembles, modern dance and sport dance groups, brass bands, majorettes, and solo/duet performers (all age categories).
CATEGORIES
Chorus (Children, Youth, Adult, Veteran)
Folk Music & Folk Instrumental
Folk Dance (Traditional & Modern)
Modern Dance (Ballet, Sport, Hip-Hop)
Solo & Duet (Folk Dance, Modern Dance, Sport)
Brass Band & Majorette
GENERAL RULES
Competition performances: 6–8 minutes.
Non-competition performances: 10–12 minutes.
Each group performs twice during the festival.
Maximum of 2 categories per group.
Groups must bring their own music (CD or live).
Groups arrange their own transport to Istanbul.
AGE CATEGORIES
Children: 3–8 years
Youth: Up to 16 years (up to 18 years allowed with 20% flexibility)
Adult: 16+ years (under 16 allowed with 20% flexibility)
Veteran: 50+ years (from 46 years allowed with 20% flexibility)
AWARDS & FEES
No entry fee for competition participation.
All participants receive certificates and medals.
Trophies, plates, and souvenirs for each group.
1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes per category.
Istanbul Cup awarded to the highest-scoring group.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation in selected hotels in central Istanbul.
3★ Hotel Package (4 nights / 5 days):
180 EUR per person – breakfast and dinner included.
4★ / 5★ Hotel Package (4 nights / 5 days):
220 EUR per person – breakfast and dinner included, plus swimming pool, sauna, sports salon, and Turkish hamam.
Rooms:
3★ hotels: 2–4 bed rooms
4★ / 5★ hotels: 2–3 bed rooms
Limited number of twin/double rooms available.
Single rooms available at additional cost.
Lunch packets available upon request.
TRANSPORTATION & PAYMENTS
Transportation (per person per day):
12–18 participants: 12 EUR
19–54 participants: 10 EUR
Solo/Duet (1–4 persons): 20 EUR
Includes airport, excursion, and performance transfers.
Deposit: 600 EUR per group (non-refundable, paid in advance).
Final payments are made in cash upon arrival.
PROGRAM
Day 1 – Arrival
Arrival in Istanbul, hotel check-in and registration.
Day 2 – Historical Tour & Festival
Visit Blue Mosque, Saint Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar.
Evening performances.
Day 3 – Free Time & Competition
Free time or city exploration.
Evening performances.
Day 4 – Bosphorus Day
Optional Bosphorus boat tour or shopping.
Optional performances at local schools.
Day 5 – Departure
Breakfast, check-out by 10:00, departure.
EXCURSIONS (OPTIONAL, EXTRA PAID)
Bosphorus Boat Tour – 15 EUR per person
Historical Istanbul Tour
Shopping Tours
Extended tours to Cappadocia or Pamukkale (upon request)