WorldFestivalAssociation

INVITATION

With pleasure, we INVITE Children’s, Youth, & Adult Choral Groups to participate in the XII International Choir Festival and Competition “St. Stefan” which will be held from 15 – 19 August 2026 in Budva, Montenegro.

The intention of our invitation and the Festival light motive is to present the cultural tradition of different countries and to provide an opportunity for the members of groups to get together, to establish friendships and culture presentation through dance and music.The idea of the Festival is to bring the music closer to the people and to present the music on the streets and the squares.The festival is open for folk and choir ensembles, as well as orchestras and majorettes regardless of the members gender and age.

Budva, the lively heart of the Montenegrin coast, is famous for its Riviera of sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife. Its crown jewel is a beautifully preserved Old Town (Stari Grad), a fortified city over 2,500 years old, featuring Venetian-era stone walls, the historic Citadel, and ancient churches. Just offshore, don't miss the picturesque islet of Sveti Stefan, a former fishing village turned luxury resort, which is arguably Montenegro's most iconic sight. Budva seamlessly blends thousands of years of history with a modern, energetic summer atmosphere.

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 General Rules:

Every choir, singing formation, and orchestra has the right to participate.

Categories include: Children’s Choirs (2/3 of participants must be 16 or younger)

Youth Choirs (2/3 of participants must be 27 or younger)

Adult Choirs (1/3 of participants must be older than 27)

Application requirements: Submit an application form, a photograph of the choir and conductor, and a recent audio recording.

Materials can be sent via email, uploaded online, or sent by post.

The festival features two participation options: Competitive or Non-Competitive.

Competitive participation is judged by an international jury.

A minimum of five choral groups is required for the competition.

Categories: Uniform, Mixed, Children’s Choirs. A statue “St. Stefan” will be awarded as the grand prize.

Sections of the Festival:

Section One – Performances (15-20 minute open-air programs at various public locations)

Section Two – Pop Music (choral arrangements of pop songs, lasting 8-12 minutes)

Section Three – Folk Music (choral arrangements of folk songs or motifs, lasting 8-12 minutes)

All choirs must perform in at least two sections.

By applying, choirs agree to respect and regulate the legal rights of authors of their performed works and grant rights for the festival to use any recorded material.

Participation Conditions:

Limited number of participants (groups up to 50 members including singers, managers, and musicians)

Groups must provide transportation for arrival and departure

Required: Short CV, photos of the choir, and a country flag

Each choir must prepare two performances for two sections (8-14 minutes each)

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 Accommodation Cost:

€135 per person (3 nights / 4 days, 2 meals per day)

€175 per person (4 nights / 5 days, 2 meals per day)

€215 per person (5 nights / 6 days, 2 meals per day)

COMPETITION Participation Fee: Choir Group: +15 EUR per participant if they want to participate

Additional double room is +10 Euro per person for 1 night

On your request, You can continue your stay in Budva for Price of 40 Euro per day per person

It covers hotel accommodation in:

Hotel Empire:https://www.apartmanibudva-dib.com/hotel-empire/

Villas Hotel Park:http://hotelparkbudva.com/me/smjestaj/turisticko-naselje-vile-hotela-park.html

Hotel Lobo: Link

Accomodation with price on Request:

Slovenska Plaza:https://www.hgbudvanskarivijera.com/en/slovenska-plaza-resort

Hotel In

Hotel Park:http://hotelparkbudva.com/me/smjestaj/smjestaj-hotel-park.html

– Tourist tax and insurance (1.50 Euros per person/day) are to be paid additionally after hotel accommodation.

Parking for bus is paid additionally

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 Festival organizers provide:

For 30 dancers – one gratis (30 paying + 1 free of charge)

Souvenir and gift for each group

Certificates of attendance

Refreshments during performances

Festival promotion (press releases, social media promotion, posters, flyers)

Insurance: Personal responsibility and health insurance are within the other obligations of the groups. First Aid and Medical Hospital will be available, medical services must be covered by the group

Transportation: for groups who are coming by plane, we can arrange transport from (Tivat or Podgorica airport) to Budva. (Paid additionally).

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 Program Information

Day 1

12:00 – 14:00 Arrival in Budva and hotel accommodation

18:30 – 20:00 Dinner in hotel

21:00 Welcome reception with leaders and conductors 

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 Day 2

08:00 – 10:00 Breakfast

10:30 – 14:00 Budva sightseeing and boat trip to Sveti Stefan peninsula

19:30 – 20:00 Dinner in hotel

21:00 Official opening of the festival with a welcome speech, singing together, and an open-air acapella performance in the old city

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 Day 3

08:00 – 10:00 Breakfast

11:00 – 14:00 Competition (Hotel Splendid, judged by an an international jury)

20:00 – 21:00 Dinner in hotel

21:00 Festival evening at Tree Cane square

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 Day 4

09:00 – 10:00 Breakfast

09:00 – 18:00 Optional excursions or free activities (visit Kotor, Herceg Novi, Dubrovnik, Aqua Park, or Boka Kotorska Bay)

19:00 – 21:00 Dinner in hotel

21:00 – 00:00 Closing ceremony, certificates of attendance, awards, and exchange of presents

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 Day 5

09:00 – 10:00 Breakfast

12:00 Departure

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 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.

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 Important Details

Due to the Old Town location, a stage is not allowed.

Festival location:https://maps.app.goo.gl/XeRZKmf56nnAe2zb8

The official festival program will be provided one month before arrival.

Festival Highlights

See videos of performances on our official YouTube playlist:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8RE8ufsZ3154Go7BFVp8lDE6h4QH-2nB

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 Excursions Information

Visiting Ostrog Orthodox Monastery

Visit one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in the Balkans, uniquely built into a cliffside, offering spirituality and stunning nature.

Visiting Tara River Canyon

Explore the second deepest canyon in the world, known as the ‘Tear of Europe’, with majestic viewpoints and untouched nature.

Shkodra Lake in Montenegro with Lunch

Discover the largest lake in Southern Europe, enjoy a traditional lunch by the lake, and take in the breathtaking views.

Shkodra Lake in Montenegro (Without Lunch) + Boat Ride

Immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of Shkodra Lake with a boat ride, offering a serene and panoramic view of the landscape.

Visiting Kotor with Boat Ride

Cruise through the mesmerizing Bay of Kotor and explore the UNESCO-listed medieval town of Kotor, filled with history and charm.

Visiting Kotor (Without Boat Ride)

Walk through Kotor’s Old Town, explore historic landmarks, and experience the medieval charm of this coastal gem.

Kotor Cable Car Adventure

Ride the new Kotor Cable Car and ascend to one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in Montenegro.

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NEWS FROM THE FESTIVAL                                            Published on 26.08.2025

From 20-24 August 2025 in Budva was held  XI International Choir Festival and Competition “St. Stefan”” with great success.

At the festival over 300 participants from  Poland, Ukraine, Lithuania, and Greece 

On the welcome reception with the leaders of the groups on 20 August director of the festival Mr Zoran Strezovski wished them welcome in the beautiful city and explained the detailed program.

On 23 August festival evening was held on the stage of the city of Budva where all ensembles had their performances. Organizers of the festivals were WOFA - World Festival Association

In 2023 the festival had over 250 participants and 6 ensembles from 6 EU countries..

NUMBER OF SEATS IS LIMITED on 300 participants and 9 ensembles!!

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Reviews from the groups:

This festival has review of 9 groups and average estimation is EXCELLENT - 9,5/10