WorldFestivalAssociation

With pleasure we INVITE you (Folk and Choral groups, orchestras, majorette teams), (children, youth and adults groups) to participate on I “International CESME Folk Dance and Music festival” 07 – 11 September 2024 Cesme, Turkey.

This festival is the perfect occasion for different groups from various countries to gather together so that they could express their culture and nation through dances, music and interesting national costumes.

Çeşme is a coastal town and a popular holiday resort, lapped by the waters of the Aegean Sea, lies west of Izmir province, in Turkey's Aegean region. "Çesme", meaning "fountain" in Turkish, derives from the many sources of water found in the area. It is one of Turkey's most beautiful stretches, surrounded by clear blue seas, with landscapes of cultivated fields of aniseed, sesame and artichokes dotted with fig and gum trees.

The district is famous for its deep blue sea, golden sands and gentle breeze along its peninsula. In the unspoilt bays you can swim in absolute peace. 

The area is competing with Bodrum for its beaches and sea, as well as the nightlife and windsurfing, making it a popular holiday destination in Turkey. It is possible also to get to Greek island Chios (Sakiz) with regular daily ferries. Çesme has an international harbor linked to Izmir with a superb highway (80 kilometers - 50 miles).

Windmills, some of which have been converted into attractive restaurants, dot the hill above Alaçati, a delightful and typical Aegean town. Alaçati lies to the south inland from Ilica and the coast, with several good beaches. Many lovely bays, accessible only by yacht, stretch along the coast southeast of the town and ensure peaceful and relaxing anchorages in this popular sailing region. The sea at Alaçati has ideal conditions for windsurfing since it is exposed to high winds. The wind in Alacati area blows almost 330 days a year thus making it a paradise for windsurfers and kite-surfers. 

Alacati became a popular town in the peninsula in the last 10-15 years. Many of its old stone houses in the town center have been renovated and converted into fine boutique hotels, restaurants, or shops. The interior of these stone houses are remarkably cool in summer months. In many of the cafeterias you can try Turkish coffee with mastic, or eat a mastic cookie or a milk pudding with mastic in it at the pastry shops. Alacati has a typical market with fresh food and vegetables. Not to miss also the Herb Festival organized once a year. There is a modern marina in Alacati with several good restaurants, bars and disco's.

All this beauties in this beautiful Turkish costal city and lot of fun is waiting for you on our festival. Come and join the best festival experience ever. Travel and dance with us in Alacati – Cesme, Turkey…

Program:

07 September 

14.00 Arriving in Cesme, hotel accommodation after the meeting with the festival representatives and free time

18.00 – 20.00 Diner in hotel

21.00 Welcome reception with the leaders of the groups

08 September 

07.00 – 10.00 Breakfast

10.00 – 15.00 Ephesus tour (optional) or free time beach time

17.30 – 18.30 Diner in hotel

19.30 Ensemble parade

20.00 Official festival evening

• Welcome Speech
• Open air performance
• Singing and dancing together

09 September 

07.00 – 10.00 Breakfast

10.00 – 18.00 Visiting Alacati (optional) or free time beach time

17.30 – 18.30 Diner in hotel

20.00 Second festival evening

10 Septembar 

7.00 – 10.00 Breakfast

10.30 – 12.00 Boat tour program (optional) of free time – beach time

19.00 – 20.00 Diner in hotel

21.00 Closing ceremony of the festival, certificates and presents for ensembles by organizer, exchange presents between leaders of ensembles, party at the hotel with all participants until midnight…

11 September 

7.00 – 10.00 Breakfast

12.00 Departure

General rules for participation:

• In the festival can participate folklore groups, orchestras, majorettes, modern dance groups, choirs and music bands from all over the world.
• Non-competitive sample of traditional and modern dances, choral groups, majorette teams, orchestras, brass bands festival.
• Ensemble should have prepared at least 2 dances, 08-12 minutes each with USB or orchestra.
• Folklore groups should take a flag of their country and minimum 4 gifts for the municipality visits and organizers.
• Any group willing to participate must submit an Application form. All filled in and signed applications will mean acceptance of the terms laid by the present regulation.
• The number of the participants are limited (only 3 groups from each country).
• Groups have to send us short CV and few photos of the group by e-mail.
• Until 16th of August 2022 each group should send the list of participants, name/surname, sex, date of birth and passport number.
• Folklore groups should have their own transport for arrival and departure.

Participation fee:

• 129 Euro for 3HB per person (3 nights with 2 meals per day)
• 159 Euro for 4 HB per person (4 nights with 2 meals per day)

It covers hotel accommodation with  2 meals per day in:

4* Hotel Accommodation in Cesme, Turkey

• Addition day can be booked for 38 euro/person/day with half board service
• Groups of 25 persons: One group leader free of charge!

Participation fee includes:

• Participation in the festival concerts,
• Professional sound, stage and light equipment.
• Accommodation in 4* Hotels (3 bedded rooms, supplement for a double room is 5€/person/day, supplement for single room is 10€/person/day),
• Half Board hotel accommodation
• Welcome cocktails with the leaders of the groups
• Souvenir and gift for each group
• Certificate for attendance
• Drinks during the performance

Participation fee does not include:

• Transport (for arrival and departure)
• Optional Tour Programs
• Insurance