WorldFestivalAssociation

INVITATION

With pleasure we invite folk ensembles, choral groups, brass bands, orchestras, modern dance groups, and majorette teams (children, youth, and adult) to participate in the XXXIII International Music & Folk‑Dance Festival “ISTRA FEST”, 25–29 June  in Pula – Rovinj, Croatia.

The festival’s motive is to present the cultural traditions of different countries, foster friendships, and showcase culture through dance and music on public stages and in historic venues.

 Festival Highlights

• Open to folklore groups, vocal ensembles, orchestras, brass bands, choirs, majorettes, modern & art‑school dance teams
• Performances in Pula’s city center, Roman amphitheater (Pula Arena), and Rovinj’s seaside venues
• Explore Pula’s Roman ruins (Arena, Arch of the Sergii, Hercules Gate) and Rovinj’s Old Town & St. Euphemia church
• Extra excursions: boat trip with lunch, guided city tours (extra cost)

 Participation Details

Eligibility & General Rules

• Non‑competitive festival for traditional & modern dance, brass bands, orchestral, choral, majorette and art‑school groups
• Up to 3 groups per country; max 400 participants (limit 60 people per group)
• Each group max 60 members (musicians, dancers, leaders, family)
• Program duration: 12–15 minutes per group, live orchestra or USB playback
• Submit short CV and photos by e‑mail
• Bring your national flag
• Groups must arrange own arrival/departure transport; airport transfers from Zagreb or Rijeka can be arranged (cost on request)

Application Requirements

• Limited capacity—early registration highly recommended
• Detailed information sent upon confirmation

 Participation Fee & Package

3★ Tourist Resort Duga Uvala – hotel info

• €149 pp (3 nights HB: buffet breakfast & dinner + non‑alcoholic drinks & local beer at dinner)
• €194 pp (4 nights HB)
• €239 pp (5 nights HB)
• Accommodation in triple & quadruple rooms; double rooms +€11 pp/day; single rooms +€30 pp/day
• Resort amenities: private beach, swimming pools

Included:

• Accommodation & daily buffet meals with drinks
• Transfers: airport ↔ resort & resort ↔ performances
• Festival registration, organization & on‑site assistance
• 1 free place per 25 paying participants
• Certificate & souvenir for each group
• Drinks during performances
• Free parking & full promotional support

Optional Extras:

• Excursions (Pula, Rovinj, boat trip): extra paid
• Tourist tax & insurance: €1.60 pp/day

Not Included:

Flights, personal travel insurance, personal expenses

 Festival Program

Day 1 – 25 June

• 14:00 Arrival & free time (beach)
• 18:00–20:00 Dinner at resort
• 21:00 Welcome meeting

Day 2 – 26 June

• 07:00–10:00 Breakfast
• 10:00–15:00 Beach time or excursions
• 18:30–20:00 Dinner
• 21:00 Dance workshop

Day 3 – 27 June

• 07:00–10:00 Breakfast
• 10:00–18:00 Beach time or excursions
• 18:00–20:00 Dinner
• 21:00–23:00 Festival evening performances

Day 4 – 28 June

• 07:00–10:00 Breakfast
• 10:00–18:00 Beach time or excursions
• 18:00–20:00 Dinner
• 21:00 Disco party at resort

Day 5 – 29 June

• 07:00–10:00 Breakfast
• 12:00 Departure

 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:

Due to the exceptional location at the Trf Forum, stage is not allowed 

Location where the Festival take place:https://maps.app.goo.gl/1e4f43CXsWFTzPVG7

Festival Highlights

See videos of performances on our official YouTube playlist:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8RE8ufsZ316recTsk42mNoyRQyfmgnkh

 Insurance & Liability

All participants must hold personal liability and health insurance. First Aid & medical services available; any costs are the group’s responsibility.

 Media & Memories

After the festival, organizers will share a link to photos & videos from the event.

 Application & Payment Details

• Limited to 400 participants
• Early booking advised—spots fill fast
• Detailed payment instructions sent upon confirmation

EXCURSIONS INFORMATION

Boat Excursions

Fish Picnic – Cres Island
Departure from Rabac port (45 minutes’ drive from Duga Uvala). The excursion lasts the whole day from 10:00 to 17:00.
The program includes a ride on a large boat (maximum 160 passengers) with two decks, bar, and toilet. Lunch is grilled fish with salad, bread, and 0.5 L of wine, beer, or juice. Meat or vegetarian options are available.
During the trip there will be beach time at Dragozetići on Cres, music and animation on the return, and sightseeing in Cres town.
Note: Bus transfer to Rabac is not included.

Panorama by Boat
Departure from Rabac port (45 minutes’ drive). The excursion lasts two hours.
It offers a scenic ride along the Istrian Riviera and Kvarner Bay, with views of Cres and Lošinj islands and hidden bays.
Note: Bus transfer to Rabac is not included.

 Sightseeing Tours

Labin by Night
Located in the medieval town of Labin (30 minutes’ drive). The tour includes a guided walk through the old town, stories about its history and architecture, and tasting of olive oil, wine, and grappa.
Note: Bus transfer is not included. Minimum 15 participants required.

Pula
Located 30 minutes’ drive from Duga Uvala. The guided tour includes the Arena amphitheater, Roman and Austro-Hungarian monuments, and street festivals when available.
Note: Entrance tickets and bus transfer are not included. Minimum 15 participants required.

Rakalj Village
A small Istrian village (15 minutes’ drive). The visit includes a spectacular viewpoint on the hill, a presentation of local heritage and culture, and optional traditional food tasting at extra cost.
Note: Bus transfer is not included. Minimum 15 participants required.

Gems of Istria
Visits include Rovinj, Poreč, Motovun, Svetvinčenat, and other coastal and inland villages. The program includes a tailored guided tour with museums and churches.
Note: Entrance tickets and bus transfer are not included. Minimum 15 participants required.

 National Park & Special Tours

Brijuni Croatian National Park
Departure from Fažana (45 minutes’ drive, boat transfer included). The excursion features stunning nature, archaeological sites, and an open-air zoo.
Note: Bus transfer to Fažana is not included. Discounts available for children and elderly participants.

Other Options
Venice Boat Trip – Full day, higher cost.
Plitvice Lakes Trip – Full day, higher cost.