XXII International Music & Folk - Dance Festival ISTRA SUMMER FEST
Location: Pula - Rovinj, Croatia
Director: Z.S.&WOFA
Application Deadline: 15 July, 2025
INVITATION
We invite folk ensembles, choral groups, brass bands, orchestras, modern dance groups, majorette teams, including children, youth, and adult groups, to participate in the XXII International Music & Folk-Dance Festival “ISTRA SUMMER FEST”, which will take place from 2–6 July in Pula, Rovinj, and Rijeka, Croatia.
The festival’s goal is to present the cultural traditions of different countries and to foster friendships and cultural exchange through dance and music.
Festival Highlights
Performances in beautiful coastal cities of Istria.
Open to folk ensembles, choirs, brass bands, orchestras, modern dance groups, and majorette teams of all ages.
Non-competitive program highlighting both traditional and modern dances.
Special dance workshop, disco party, and social evenings.
Promotion through press releases, social media, posters, and flyers.
Participation Details
Groups must prepare a program of 12–15 minutes with USB or live orchestra.
Each country can register up to three groups, with a maximum of 60 participants per group, including musicians, dancers, leaders, and family members.
Groups must send a short CV and photos by email.
Groups must bring their national flag.
Groups arrange their own transport for arrival and departure.
For groups arriving by plane, the festival committee can organize transfers at an additional cost.
Accommodation & Participation Fee
Accommodation will be in the 3-star Tourist Resort Duga Uvala, which has its own beach and swimming pools.
Standard accommodation in triple and quadruple rooms with private bathrooms.
Participation fee is 159 Euros per person for 3 nights with half board (breakfast and dinner buffet, non-alcoholic drinks and local beer at dinner).
Participation fee is 208 Euros per person for 4 nights with half board.
Participation fee is 256 Euros per person for 5 nights with half board.
Double rooms are available for an additional 11 Euros per person per day.
Single rooms are available for an additional 30 Euros per person per day.
For every group of 25 persons, one group leader is free (25+1, 48+2).
Special rate to extend your stay after the festival: 49 Euros per person per day with half board.
Tourist tax and insurance are 1.6 Euros per person per day, payable additionally.
Participation Fee Includes
Accommodation with breakfast and dinner.
One free package for every 25 dancers.
Certificate of attendance.
Souvenir and gift for each group.
Drinks during the performance.
Free parking at the hotel.
Access to swimming pools and the beach.
Festival promotion through press releases, social media, posters, and flyers.
Insurance
Each group is responsible for arranging personal liability and health insurance.
First aid and hospital services will be available, but all medical costs must be covered by the group.
Festival Program
Day 1 (2 July):
Arrival in the afternoon around 14:00, hotel check-in, and free time to relax or visit the beach.
Dinner at the hotel from 18:00 to 20:00.
Meeting with the festival representative at 21:00.
Day 2 (3 July ):
Breakfast from 07:00 to 10:00.
Beach time or optional excursions from 10:00 to 15:00.
Dinner at the hotel from 18:30 to 20:00.
Festival evening performance at 21:00.
Day 3 (4 July):
Breakfast from 07:00 to 10:00.
Beach time or optional excursions from 10:00 to 18:00.
Dinner at the hotel from 18:00 to 20:00.
Dance workshop featuring traditional dances at 21:00.
Day 4 (5 July ):
Breakfast from 07:00 to 10:00.
Beach time or optional excursions from 10:00 to 18:00.
Dinner at the hotel from 18:00 to 20:00.
Disco party at the hotel at 21:00.
Day 5 (optional, 6 July ):
Breakfast from 07:00 to 10:00.
Departure at 12:00, or continuation of stay for additional days.
Excursions Information
Boat Excursions:
Fish picnic to Cres Island, departing from Rabac port (about 45 minutes by bus).
Includes a full-day boat trip, grilled fish lunch (meat/veggie option), drinks, beach time at Dragozetići, music, and sightseeing in Cres town.
Bus transfer to Rabac not included.
Panorama boat tour from Rabac port.
Two-hour scenic ride along the Istrian Riviera and Kvarner Bay, viewing Cres and Lošinj islands and hidden bays.
Bus transfer to Rabac not included.
Sightseeing Tours:
Labin by Night: Guided evening tour of the medieval town, including stories of history and architecture, and tastings of olive oil, wine, or grappa.
Bus transfer not included; minimum 15 participants.
Pula: Guided tour of the Arena amphitheater and historic monuments.
Entrance tickets and bus transfer not included; minimum 15 participants.
Rakalj Village: Visit to a scenic viewpoint and local culture presentation, with optional traditional food tasting at extra cost.
Bus transfer not included; minimum 15 participants.
Gems of Istria: Visits to Rovinj, Poreč, Motovun, Svetvinčenat, and more.
Tailored guided tours of villages, museums, and churches.
Entrance tickets and bus transfer not included; minimum 15 participants.
National Park & Special Tours:
Brijuni Croatian National Park: Departing from Fažana (45 minutes by bus, plus boat transfer included).
Includes nature exploration, archaeological sites, and an open-air zoo.
Bus transfer to Fažana not included; discounts available for children and seniors.
Other options:
Venice boat trip or Plitvice Lakes trip, both full-day excursions at higher cost.
Application & Payment Details
Groups must submit a completed application form.
A deposit of 30% of the total amount is required upon confirmation (non-refundable).