WorldFestivalAssociation

INVITATION

We warmly invite folk ensembles and cultural-artistic groups from all over the world to participate in the VII International Folklore Festival in the magnificent city of Istanbul, Turkey, taking place from 23–26 April 2026.

Istanbul, a city straddling Europe and Asia, is a vibrant metropolis steeped in history and culture. Renowned for landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar, the city combines ancient heritage with modern energy, creating the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable cultural exchange.

The festival welcomes folk ensembles and cultural-artistic groups for children, youth, and adults.

 PARTICIPATION INFORMATION

All groups will perform at the festival. Groups arrange their own transportation to Istanbul.

Participating countries (examples) include Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Ukraine, Greece, Turkey, Serbia, Italy, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Russia, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, Armenia, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Slovenia, and North Macedonia.

 ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is provided at selected 3-star or 4-star hotels in Istanbul (e.g., Hotel Sahinler, Buyuk Keban, Hotel Metro, Hotel Martinez, Hotel Ikbal de Luxe, Hotel Lions Royal, Grand Durmaz Hotel, Hotel Vicenza).

 PARTICIPATION FEE

3 nights with breakfast:
145 EUR/person – 3-star hotels
165 EUR/person – 4-star hotels

Additional costs:
Double room surcharge: 5 EUR/person/night
Dinner supplement: 15–20 EUR/person/night (depending on hotel)
Tourist tax, insurance, travel costs, parking, and other vignettes/tolls are not included.

 INCLUDED BY ORGANIZERS

Accommodation with breakfast
Invitation letter, diplomas, and plaques

 PROGRAM

Day 1
Arrival in Istanbul. Optional sightseeing tour: Golden Horn, Bosphorus Bridge, Camlica viewpoint, Besiktas, Dolmabahçe Palace, Taksim, Beyoglu, Galata Bridge and Tower, Historical Peninsula, Sea of Marmara.
Check into the hotel. Meeting of group representatives. Overnight stay.

Day 2
Breakfast. Festival activities: rehearsals and sound checks. Opening of the VII International Folklore Festival. Performances by cultural-artistic ensembles. Diploma presentation. Optional evening gathering. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 3
Breakfast. Optional sightseeing of Istanbul’s historic core: Grand Bazaar, Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia (inside visit), Topkapi Palace, Gulhane Park with guides. Free time for individual activities or shopping. Return to hotel. Overnight stay.

Day 4
Breakfast. Hotel check-out. Free time OR optional “Joyful Istanbul” tour (Miniaturk park, Balat, Fener). Optional afternoon Bosphorus cruise between Europe and Asia. Afternoon departure.

 EXCURSIONS

Optional excursions (extra paid) include:
City Sightseeing Tour (Circular Bus Tour)
Historic Core Tour (Grand Bazaar, Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace exterior)
Joyful Istanbul Tour (Miniaturk, Balat, Fener)
Bosphorus Cruise
Traditional Turkey Night (with dinner and unlimited drinks)