WorldFestivalAssociation

INVITATION

We are delighted to INVITE you (Children, Youth, and Adult groups) to participate in the XXXI International Music & Folk – Dance Festival “ LIHNIDOS – CITY OF LIGHT” taking place from 26 – 30 August 2026 in Ohrid, Macedonia.

The festival’s main goal is to present the cultural traditions of different countries, provide an opportunity for group members to meet and create friendships, and showcase culture through dance and music.

Ohrid is a city where rich history meets modern life. With a history of over 2400 years, Ohrid is renowned for its 365 churches, ancient architecture, and vibrant cultural heritage. Historically known as Lychnidos – “the city of light” – Ohrid is a UNESCO Cultural and Natural World Heritage site and one of the oldest human settlements in Europe.

Today, Ohrid is Macedonia’s premier summer resort, offering 35 km of sandy beaches, lake activities, entertainment, and cultural attractions.

Participation Rules

All children, youth, and adult ensembles can participate, including folklore groups, choral groups, modern dance, vocal, and instrumental ensembles.

Each country may send a maximum of three groups for competitive entries and three for non-competitive. Each group can have up to 60 members (dancers, managers, musicians). Groups must prepare at least two dances, 10–15 minutes each, performed live or with USB. Evening performances allow daytime sightseeing and excursions.

Groups must send a short CV and 2–3 photos by email, bring a national flag, and arrange their own transport for arrival and departure.

.Transportation Info:

Participants can arrive by bus or plane, with WIZZ AIR offering direct flights to Ohrid Airport. Arrivals through Skopje, Tirana, or Thessaloniki airports (200 km from Ohrid) can also be coordinated. Groups needing visa assistance can request help with the application process.

ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION
To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay, WOFA offers several accommodation options in Ohrid:

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

Pricing Options:

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 –https://desaret-hotel.macedonia-hotels.com/en/#bkl

Half Board (HB – Breakfast and Dinner)
3 Nights / 4 Days: 119€ per person
4 Nights / 5 Days: 144€ per person
5 Nights / 6 Days: 179€ per person
Additional day: 36€ per person

Full Board (FB – Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
3 Nights: 128€ per person
4 Nights: 160€ per person
5 Nights: 194€ per person
Additional day: 41€ per person

 Hotel Mizo

Visit Mizo –https://hotelmizo.com.mk/en/

Bed and Breakfast (BB)
3 Nights / 4 Days: 104€ per person
4 Nights / 5 Days: 136€ per person
5 Nights / 6 Days: 164€ per person
Additional day: 33€ per person

Half Board (HB – Breakfast and Dinner)
3 Nights / 4 Days: 119€ per person
4 Nights / 5 Days: 154€ per person
5 Nights / 6 Days: 189€ per person
Additional day: 36€ per person

 Hotel De Luks Apartments

Half Board (HB – Breakfast and Dinner)
3 Nights: 82€ per person
4 Nights: 109€ per person

Full Board (FB – Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
3 Nights: 99€ per person
4 Nights: 129€ per person

 Additional Central Hotels

More centrally located 3 & 4-star hotel options are available upon request.

Festival Organizers Provide:
Free accommodation for one in every 25 dancers, certificates, souvenirs and gifts for each group, disco party with drinks, drinks during performances, festival guide, free parking, advertising of the festival.

Insurance: Personal responsibility and health insurance are required. First aid and medical services available must be covered by the group.
Parking for buses is additional.
Participants may extend their stay in Ohrid at 29€ per day per person HB – special participant price.

Festival Program

Day 1
13:00 – Arrival in Ohrid and hotel check-in
14:00 – 15:00 – Lunch at the hotel (if included in package)
19:00 – 21:00 – Dinner at the hotel
21:00 – Welcome reception with group leaders

Day 2
08:00 – 10:00 – Breakfast at the hotel
10:30 – 13:00 – Ohrid sightseeing, including St. Sofia Church, Samoil Fortress, Antique Theatre, Plaosnik, St. Kaneo Church, Bridge of Wishes, and Gallery of Icons
14:00 – 15:00 – Lunch at the hotel
18:00 – 19:00 – Dinner at the hotel
19:30 – Ensembles parade through the Old Town
20:00 – Official opening of the festival: welcome speech, fireworks, open-air performances, and group dancing

Day 3
09:00 – 10:00 – Breakfast at the hotel
10:30 – 14:00 – Visit Stara Čaršija, the oldest tree (Činar), Biljanini Springs, Ohrid Pearl, Old Paper Manufactory, shopping, or optional visit to Struga city
14:00 – 15:00 – Lunch at the hotel and free time for sunbathing
18:30 – 19:30 – Dinner at the hotel
20:00 – Festival parade and second festival evening or optional Macedonian evening party/workshop

Day 4
08:00 – 10:00 – Breakfast at the hotel and free morning activities
10:30 – 15:30 – Boat cruise on Ohrid Lake, visit St. Naum, cultural activities, and swimming
18:00 – 21:00 – Dinner at the hotel
21:00 – 00:00 – Disco party with all participants

Day 5
09:00 – 10:00 – Breakfast at the hotel
11:00 – Departure of participants

Optional Extended Stay

Day 5
09:00 – 10:00 – Breakfast at the hotel
10:30 – 14:00 – Visit Struga city, including the House of Miladinovci Brothers, River Crni Drim, Kalista Cave Church
14:00 – 15:00 – Lunch at the hotel and free time
19:00 – 20:00 – Dinner at the hotel
21:00 – Festival evening in Struga city or Macedonian evening party

Day 6
09:00 – 10:00 – Breakfast at the hotel
10:30 – 14:00 – Free activities (sunbathing, swimming, walking in the city square) or optional visit to Vevčani Ethno Village
14:00 – 15:00 – Lunch at the hotel and free time
20:00 – 21:00 – Dinner at the hotel
21:00 – 00:00 – Beach party

Day 7
08:00 – 09:00 – Breakfast at the hotel
09:00 – 14:00 – Visit Skopje, including monuments of Alexander the Great, museums, Macedonian Gate, Stone Bridge
14:00 – Departure from Skopje

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.

IMPORTANT DETAILS

Festival organisers provide a stage for the performance. 

Location where the Festival take place: 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Sbo6nL2WPk1iDTxR8

Festival Highlights

See videos of performances on our official YouTube playlist:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8RE8ufsZ314XlMCPlIopR8k-vDOzb4uG

EXCURSIONS INFORMATION

Excursions Information
Ohrid Sightseeing: Explore cultural monuments such as St. Sofia Church, Samoil Fortress, Antique Theatre, Plaosnik, St. Kaneo Church, and the Bridge of Wishes ( from 10:00 to 13:00).

Cruise on Ohrid Lake: Enjoy a boat cruise and visit the Museum on Water and the famous St. Naum Monastery (March 22 from 11:00 to 14:00, includes lunch package).

Visit to Struga City: Experience Kalista Cave and the old bazaar (15:00 to 17:00).