III International Competition and Festival of Folklore, Dance, and Music ”ZAKOPANE DAYS”
Location: Zakopane, Poland
Director: V.M.& WOFA
Application Deadline: 1 November, 2025
INVITATION
We invite you to participate in the International Festival and Competition “Winter Inspiration”, taking place at Kino Sokół in Zakopane, Poland. The stage (13×7) is centrally located near the famous Krupówki Street in the heart of the resort.
The festival aims to promote cultural exchange among amateur and professional teams from around the world. It welcomes participants in various genres, including folk or stylized dance, classical, contemporary, modern, jazz, artistic, street, ballroom, performance, children’s dance, bellydance, and other dance styles, as well as vocal, instrumental, vocal-instrumental, and choral groups, folklore ensembles, ritual theaters, folk art groups, theatrical and fashion collectives, and other creative genres.
COMPETITION INFORMATION
The festival is competitive. Participants may apply in multiple categories with separate fees for each.
Performance time limits:
Soloists, duets, trios – up to 4 minutes
Small groups (4–10 participants) – up to 6 minutes
Large ensembles (11+ participants) – up to 9 minutes
Age Categories:
Mini Kids: 4–6 years
Kids: 7–9 years
Children: 10–13 years
Junior: 14–17 years
Adults: 18+ years
Senior: 50+ years
Mixed groups
Awards:
Grand Prix – Diamond Champion (large cup, medals, Grand Prix diploma)
Small Grand Prix (cup, medals, diploma)
I, II, III, IV prizes (individual diplomas, medals, group cup)
Participation and Debut diplomas for groups scoring below 4th place
Evaluation Criteria:
Vocalists – vocal technique, interpretation, repertoire, and presentation
Instrumentalists – technique, interpretation, repertoire, and presentation
Dance groups – dance technique, choreography, artistic impression
Dance soloists – technique, interpretation, choreography, presentation
ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION
The festival offers accommodation in Zakopane for all participating groups.
Fee:
150 EUR per person for 3 days / 2 nights (half-board, 3–4 person rooms)
Leaders accommodated in 2–3 person rooms
For groups of 20 participants, 1 leader is free (20+1 offer)
Meals:
Breakfast and dinner included, starting with dinner on the day of arrival and ending with breakfast on the day of departure.
Additional Services:
On request, organizers can arrange transportation from the airport to the hotel, hotel to the concert hall, welcome services, and hotel upgrades for an additional fee.
Not Included:
Festival participation fee, optional excursions, museum tickets, personal expenses, and local transportation
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Day 1
Arrival and hotel check-in
City tour through Zakopane’s main street (Krupówki) with Tatra Mountain views
Dinner and rest
Day 2 – Competition Day
Breakfast and stage rehearsals
Opening ceremony and competition performances
Closing ceremony and award presentation
Return to hotel and dinner
Day 3
Breakfast and check-out
Free day for excursions or relaxation
Optional visits to Kasprowy Wierch, Morskie Oko, or local thermal pools
EXCURSIONS INFORMATION
Zakopane offers many opportunities for participants to explore the natural and cultural beauty of the region.
City Tour:
Guided walk through Krupówki Street, local shops, cafes, galleries, and panoramic views of the Tatra Mountains.
Optional Excursions:
Kasprowy Wierch or Gubałówka ascent for Carpathian views
Visit to Zakopane Aquapark or Thermal Pools
Excursion to Morskie Oko, Poland’s largest mountain lake
Cultural Events:
Joint events such as the opening and closing ceremonies, parade, concerts, and workshops will be organized. Presence at these events is mandatory.