WorldFestivalAssociation

INVITATION

With great pleasure, we INVITE Folk Ensembles, Choral Groups, Brass Bands, Orchestras, Modern Dance Groups, and Majorette Teams (children, youth, and adult groups) from around the world to participate in the XXIII International Music & Folk-Dance Festival “ISTRA MUSIC FEST.”

The festival will be held from July 8–12, 2026, in Pula-Rovinj-Rijeka, Croatia.

This event provides a unique opportunity to showcase your country’s cultural traditions through music and dance, build international friendships, and enjoy the beautiful Istrian region. Participants will perform in a welcoming, non-competitive atmosphere, with opportunities for workshops, excursions, and cultural exchange.

We look forward to welcoming your ensemble to this celebration of music, dance, and global harmony.

Participation Information
We are delighted to invite Folk Ensembles, Choral Groups, Brass Bands, Orchestras, Modern Dance Groups, and Majorette Teams (children, youth, and adult groups) to participate in the XXIII International Music & Folk-Dance Festival “ISTRA MUSIC FEST,” from July 8–13, 2026, in Pula-Rovinj-Rijeka, Croatia.

Festival Highlights:
Cultural Presentation: Showcase traditions through music and dance while building friendships.

General Rules:
Groups should prepare a program of 12–15 minutes (music on USB or live orchestra).
Groups must bring their national flag.
Limited participation: Maximum 60 people per group (up to 3 groups per country, including musicians, dancers, leaders, and family members).
Provide a brief CV and group photos by email.
Transportation: for all of the group who arrive by plane in Trieste, we can arrange tranasport to Pula. (Paid Additionaly)

Accommodation Information
Participation Fee:
159 Euros – 3 HB (3 nights with 2 meals per day – open buffet with drinks, non-alcoholic and local beer, from 08–11 July)
208 Euros – 4 HB (4 nights with 2 meals per day – open buffet with drinks, from 08–12 July)
256 Euros – 5 HB (5 nights with 2 meals per day – open buffet with drinks)
Additional double room: 11 Euros per person per day
Additional single room: 30 Euros per person per day

 Hotel accommodation in 3* Tourist Resort Duga Uvala with 2 meals per day in standard rooms (hotel has own beach and swimming pools) in triple and quadruple rooms.

Festival Organizers Provide:
For 25 dancers – one free
Certificate for attendance
Souvenir and gift for each group
Drinks during performances
Free parking in hotel
Open and close swimming pools and beach
Advertising of the festival (press release, social media promotion, posters, flyers)

Insurance:
Personal responsibility and health insurance are the responsibility of the groups. First Aid and Medical Hospital services are available; costs must be covered by the group.

Extended Stay:
Optional continuation in Istria: 49 Euros per day per person HB.
Tourist tax and insurance: 1.6 Euros per person per day (additional).

Program Information
Day 1
14:00 – Arrival, hotel check-in, and leisure time (beach)
18:00–20:00 – Dinner
21:00 – Meeting with festival representatives

Day 2
07:00–10:00 – Breakfast
10:00–15:00 – Free time or excursions
18:30–20:00 – Dinner
21:00 – Festival Evening

Day 3
07:00–10:00 – Breakfast
10:00–18:00 – Free time or excursions
18:00–20:00 – Dinner
21:00 – Workshop (learn dances)

Day 4
07:00–10:00 – Breakfast
10:00–18:00 – Free time or excursions
18:00–20:00 – Dinner
21:00 – Disco Party

Day 5 (Departure Day)
07:00–10:00 – Breakfast
12:00 – Departure

Optional Extended Stay Program:
Additional days include breakfast, leisure time, dinner, and free evenings.

 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
The official festival program will be provided 1 month before arrival date.

Festival Highlights

See videos of performances on our official YouTube playlist:

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

 Excursions Information

Boat Excursions

Fishpicnic Cres Island
Departure: Rabac port (45 min drive from Duga Uvala)
Duration: Whole day (10 AM–5 PM)
Highlights: Large boat (max 160 pax), 2 decks, bar, toilet. Grilled fish lunch (meat/veggie option), salad, bread, 0.5L wine/beer/juice. Beach time at Dragozetići (Cres), music/animation on return, Cres town sightseeing.
Note: Bus transfer to Rabac not included.

Panorama by Boat
Departure: Rabac port (45 min drive)
Duration: 2 hours
Highlights: Scenic ride along Istrian Riviera & Kvarner Bay, views of Cres/Lošinj islands, hidden bays.
Note: Bus transfer to Rabac not included.

Sightseeing Tours

Labin by Night – Medieval town of Labin (30 min drive). Guided tour, olive oil/wine/grappa tasting. Min. 15 participants.

Pula – Guided tour, Arena amphitheater, Roman/Austro-Hungarian monuments, street festivals (availability dependent). Min. 15 participants.

Rakalj Village – Small Istrian village (15 min drive). Hill viewpoint, local heritage/culture presentation, optional traditional food tasting. Min. 15 participants.

Gems of Istria – Rovinj, Poreč, Motovun, Svetvinčenat. Tailored guided tour of villages, museums, churches. Min. 15 participants.

National Park & Special Tours

Brijuni Croatian National Park – Departure from Fažana (45 min drive + boat). Stunning nature, archaeological sites, open-air zoo. Discounts for kids/elderly.

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