WorldFestivalAssociation

INVITATION

Welcome to the XXIII International Folk-Dance & Music Festival “OHRID FEST” taking place from 1–5 July 2025 in Ohrid, Macedonia.

Open to folk ensembles, choral groups, majorette teams, orchestras, ballroom dance groups, modern dance groups, vocal groups, instrumental groups, and soloists, this non-competitive festival offers a unique opportunity for cultural exchange through dance and music in one of the Balkans’ most beautiful historical cities.

Festival Highlights:
Present your cultural traditions and build friendships through music and dance.
Enjoy evening open-air performances and parades in Ohrid’s historic old town, with special awards for the best girls’ and men’s folk costumes and the best dancing couple.
Participants will receive the WOFA Certificate, souvenirs, and official festival photos.
Explore Ohrid’s rich cultural heritage, monuments, and natural beauty through guided excursions and boat trips.

PARTICIPATION DETAILS

Eligibility:
The festival is open to children’s ensembles (at least two-thirds of participants aged 16 or younger), youth ensembles (two-thirds aged 25 or younger), and adult ensembles (at least one-third over 25).
Each group should consist of no more than 50 members, including dancers, musicians, and managers.

Program Requirements:
Groups must prepare at least two folk dances lasting 12–18 minutes each, performed live or on USB.
Choral groups must prepare two performances of 12–18 minutes: one a cappella in historic churches and one with sound equipment on stage.
This festival is a non-competitive celebration of traditional and modern dance and music.

Application Requirements:
Groups must send a short CV and photos for promotion and bring their national flag.
Performances are held in the evening, leaving daytime for sightseeing and excursions.
Groups are responsible for their own transport to and from Ohrid.
Complete the application form and pay a 30% non-refundable deposit.
Final payment deadline: 12 June 2025.
Number of groups is limited to three per country; early registration is advised.

 ACCOMMODATION & PARTICIPATION FEE

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

Extra double room: 10 € per person per day
Extra single room: 20 € per person per day

Tourist tax: 1 € per person per day (additional)

Participation Fee Includes

One free package for every 25 dancers
Souvenirs and gifts for each group
Welcome cocktail for group leaders
Certificate of attendance
Drinks during performances
Festival promotion (posters, flyers, social media)

INSURANCE

Personal responsibility and health insurance are the responsibility of each group.
First aid and hospital services will be available, but medical costs must be covered by the group.

TRANSPORT

Free transfers from Ohrid Airport to hotels and back.
Transport from Skopje, Tirana, or Thessaloniki airports (~200 km) is arranged by the group; the festival team will assist.
Assistance with visa procedures is available on request.

FESTIVAL PROGRAM

Day 1
Arrival in Ohrid, hotel accommodation
Lunch and dinner at the hotel
Welcome reception and meeting with group leaders

Day 2
Breakfast
Guided sightseeing tour of Ohrid (St. Sofia Church, Samoil Fortress, Plaosnik, and more)
Lunch at hotel
Dinner at hotel
Evening parade in the old town
Official festival opening, welcome speech, open-air performance, dancing together

Day 3
Breakfast
Boat cruise on Ohrid Lake to St. Naum Monastery (includes lunch packet, cost 14 € per person)
Dinner at hotel
Second festival evening or optional dance workshop

Day 4
Breakfast
Visit Stara Carsija, oldest tree “Cinar,” Biljanini springs, Ohrid pearl workshop, or visit Struga city
Dinner
Closing ceremony with certificate and gift exchange, disco party, and wine tasting

Day 5
Breakfast
Departure of participants

Optional extra days
Excursions to Struga and Skopje with guided tours
Prices: 26–39 € per person per day, depending on hotel

 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 INFO

Sightseeing in Ohrid: cultural monuments, boat cruise to St. Naum Monastery, optional visits to Struga and Skopje with historical and cultural highlights.