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Festival

XXXII International Music & Dance festival “CULTURAL BRIDGES”

Application Form Price: 129 € Date: 3 - 8 July, 2026
Location: Durres, Albania
Director: S.S. & WOFA
Application Deadline: 1 March, 2026
Groups pay in advance a 10% guarantee fee, which is to be deducted at the final payment.

INVITATION

We are pleased to invite folk ensembles, choral groups, art schools, majorette teams, orchestras, ballroom dance groups, and modern dance teams (children, youth, and adult) to participate in the XXXII International Music & Dance Festival “CULTURAL BRIDGES”, 03–08 July 2026 in Durrës, Albania. This non‑competitive festival brings music and dance into the streets and squares, fostering friendship and cultural exchange.

 Festival Highlights

  • Open to folk, choral, orchestral, majorette, art‑school, ballroom and modern dance groups
  • Outdoor parades and stand‑still performances in Durrës city center & ancient amphitheater
  • Showcase your country’s traditions in public squares and on stage
  • Explore Albania’s heritage: castle walls, museums, theaters, and the Adriatic coast

  Participation Details

 


Eligibility & General Rules

  • Non‑competitive festival sample of traditional & modern dance, brass bands, orchestral, choral, ballroom and majorette teams
  • Up to 3 groups per country; 10 groups total (max 400 participants)
  • Each group max 70 members (performers, managers, musicians, family)
  • Performances in evening hours—plan daytime for sightseeing or excursions
  • Each ensemble to prepare 2 performances (10–15 min each) with live orchestra or USB; choral groups a 15 min free program
  • Submit short CV, 5 photos, and video link
  • Bring your national flag
  • Groups must arrange own arrival/departure transport (Wizz Air & Ryanair to Tirana; optional transfers—see below)

Application Requirements

  • Limited capacity—early registration highly recommended
  • No registration fee beyond chosen package

 


 Participation Fee & Package

Accommodation & Participation Fee

Accommodation is provided in quality hotel resorts in Durres, such as Hotel Sorrente, Hotel Kolavery Resort, Orient Hotel, Hotel Blue Sky, and similar hotels with amenities like swimming pools and private beaches.

Participation fee is 129 EUR per person for three nights with half board (breakfast and dinner).

Participation fee is 159 EUR per person for four nights with half board.

Participation fee is 189 EUR per person for five nights with half board.

Leaders and drivers will be accommodated in double rooms.

Participants will stay in triple and quadruple rooms with private bathrooms.

Double rooms are available on request for an additional 10 EUR per person per day.

Single rooms are available on request for an additional 20 EUR per person per day.

Special rate to extend your stay after the festival: 35 EUR per person per day (half board in 3-star hotels).

Tourist tax and insurance are 1 EUR per person per day, payable additionally.

Included:

  • Accommodation & daily buffet meals
  • Transfers: airport ↔ hotel & hotel ↔ performances
  • Festival registration & on‑site assistance
  • 1 free package per 24 paying participants
  • Souvenir & gift for each group
  • Certificate of attendance
  • Water during performances
  • Free parking
  • Full promotional support (press, social media, posters)

Optional Extras:

  • Additional nights at €46 pp/night (HB)
  • Airport transfers from Tirana or Ohrid (cost depends on group size)
  • Tourist tax & insurance: €1 pp/day, payable on arrival

Not Included:

  • Flights, personal travel insurance, personal expenses

 


 Festival Program

Day 1 – 25 June
13:00 Arrival & check‑in at Hotel Bonita
Afternoon: beach time/free time
19:00–21:00 Buffet dinner
21:00 Welcome meeting

Day 2 – 26 June
09:00–10:00 Breakfast
11:00–12:00 Sightseeing (Tirana or Durrës)
18:00–19:00 Buffet dinner
19:30–21:00 Parade & evening performances at the Amphitheatre

Day 3 – 27 June
09:00–10:00 Breakfast
10:30–15:00 Beach time or excursion to Krujë
19:00–21:00 Buffet dinner
21:00 Dance workshop (optional)

Day 4 – 28 June
09:00–10:00 Breakfast
10:30–15:00 Beach time or second Krujë visit
19:00–21:00 Buffet dinner
21:00 Farewell party by the pool

Day 5 – 29 June
09:00–10:00 Breakfast
11:00 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
The organizers provide a stage for all performances.
Festival location: https://www.google.com/maps/@41.3138911,19.4462747,83m/data=!3m1!1e3?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDkwNy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

 The official festival program will be provided one month before arrival.

Festival Highlights

See videos of performances on our official YouTube playlist:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8RE8ufsZ316vYNOijWI2d2Rjq-OaT24M


Excursions Information

BERAT – UNESCO Full-Day Tour (15 guests required)
Hotel pick up/drop off, transport, raki shot, certified guide. Visit Berat Castle, Onufri Museum (optional), Ethnographic Museum (optional), Bachelors & King Mosque, Halveti Tekke, walking tour, coffee break, optional lunch, and explore Kala neighborhood.

KRUJA Half-Day Tour (15 guests required)
Hotel pick up/drop off, transport, certified guide. Visit Kruja Castle, Old Bazaar, Skanderbeg Museum (optional), Ethnographic Museum (optional), walking tour, free time for lunch.

TIRANA & KRUJA Full-Day Tour (15 guests required)
Hotel pick up/drop off, transport, certified guide. Visit Mother Teresa Square, Clock Tower, Et’hem Bey Mosque, Skanderbeg Square, Bunk’Art 2 (optional), Kruja Castle, Old Bazaar, Skanderbeg Museum (optional).

TIRANA Half-Day Tour (15 guests required)
Hotel pick up/drop off, transport, certified guide. Visit Mother Teresa Square, Bllok Area, Clock Tower, Et’hem Bey Mosque, Skanderbeg Square, History Museum (optional), Bunk’Art 2 (optional). Walking tour and optional museum visits.

Divjakë-Karavasta National Park Full-Day Tour (15 guests required)
Hotel pick up/drop off, boat, transport, all entry tickets, certified guide. Visit the National Park, 360° Wooden Observation Tower, Karavasta Lagoon by boat, Butterfly Museum, free time to relax in nature.

 

Groups pay in advance a 10% guarantee fee, which is to be deducted at the final payment.

"We build bridges from nation to nation"