WorldFestivalAssociation

INVITATION

With pleasure we INVITE folk ensembles, choral groups, art schools, majorette teams, orchestras, and ballroom dance groups of children, youth, and adults to participate in the XXVI International Music & Dance Festival “Paralia Summer Fest,” which will take place from 08 – 13 July 2026 in Paralia, Katerini, Greece.

The intention of our invitation and the festival’s main aim is to present the cultural traditions of different countries and to provide an opportunity for the members of groups to meet, establish friendships, and share culture through dance and music. The idea of the festival is to bring music closer to the people, presenting it on the streets and squares. The festival is open for folk and choir ensembles, orchestras, majorettes, and other performing groups, regardless of gender and age.

Paralia is a famous holiday resort on the Aegean coast of Greece with long sandy beaches. The festival program will be held on the main square in Paralia and in Olympic Beach.

General Rules:
The festival is non-competitive, presenting samples of traditional and modern dances and music. Children and youth folklore dance groups, modern dance groups, vocal groups, instrumental groups, soloists, and other performers may participate. The number of participants is limited to three groups per country. Each group should consist of no more than 50 members, including dancers, managers, and musicians. Groups should prepare at least two folk dances, with a total program of 15–20 minutes each (with orchestra or USB). Choral groups should prepare a free program of about 15 minutes.

Performances will take place in the evening hours, leaving daytime free for excursions and city visits. Groups are requested to send a short CV and photos, bring their national flag, and provide their own transport for arrival and departure.

ACCOMMODATION
Participants will be accommodated in hotels and apartments in Paralia and Olympic Beach, with half-board (breakfast and dinner). Hotels are near the beach, including options such as Yakhintos, Katerina, Xenia Zeus, Ifigenia, Despina, London, Phenix, Rainbow Resort, Passion, Kronos, Bambus, and others.

 Participation fee is:

129 EUR per person for 3 HB (4 days / 3 nights, with 2 meals daily)
155 EUR per person for 4 HB (5 days / 4 nights, with 2 meals daily)
189 EUR per person for 5 HB (6 days / 5 nights, with 2 meals daily)

Additional double rooms are available at 12 EUR per person per day.
Additional single rooms are available at 35 EUR per person per day.
Two double rooms will be provided for leaders and drivers.
Tourist tax of 2 EUR per person per day is required.
Extended stay is possible at 39 EUR per person per day (half-board).

FESTIVAL ORGANIZERS PROVIDE
One free participant for every 24 dancers (24+1, 48+2).
Souvenir and gift for each group.
Certificate of attendance.
Welcome reception for group leaders with drinks.
Free parking.
Festival advertising through press, social media, and posters.

Insurance is the personal responsibility of participants. Medical services will be available, but costs must be covered by participants.

PROGRAM
Day 1 – 08 July
13:00 Arrival and hotel accommodation
18:00 – 19:00 Dinner at the hotel
21:00 Welcome reception with group leaders

 Day 2 – 09 July

07:00 – 08:30 Breakfast
11:00 – 17:00 Free time (beach or optional visit to Thessaloniki/Katerini)
18:00 – 19:00 Dinner at the hotel
19:30 Free time, shopping, or night out

Day 3 – 10 July
08:00 – 09:00 Breakfast
09:00 – 16:00 Boat excursion in Thermaikos Gulf
18:00 – 19:00 Dinner at the hotel
21:00 Party at Aloha Beach

Day 4 – 11 July
09:00 – 10:00 Breakfast
11:00 – 17:00 Free time or optional excursion to Meteora
19:30 – 23:00 Festival evening performance on the main square in Paralia

Day 5 – 12 July
08:00 – 10:00 Breakfast
10:30 Departure

Optional Extended Stay:
Day 5 – 12 July (continued)
09:00 – 10:00 Breakfast
10:30 – 14:00 Visit Katerini or relax on the beach
19:00 – 20:00 Dinner at the hotel
20:00 Free time

Day 6 – 13 July
08:00 – 10:00 Breakfast
10:30 Departure

IMPORTANT DETAILS
The organizers provide a stage for all performances.
Festival location:https://maps.app.goo.gl/1e4f43CXsWFTzPVG7
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=PL8RE8ufsZ317rLbYnlnbTJxen4_FTaIEq

 EXCURSIONS

Day 3 – Boat Excursion in Thermaikos Gulf
A boat trip from Paralia port includes a stop at Plaka Beach for swimming, arrival at Variko Beach with grilled fish lunch, Greek salad, and drinks (juice, wine, ouzo), plus additional swimming stops on the way back.

Day 4 – Meteora Visit
An optional visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Meteora, one of Greece’s most famous historical landmarks.

Participants can also enjoy free time on the beach or optional city visits to Thessaloniki and Katerini.