WorldFestivalAssociation

INVITATION

We are pleased to invite folk ensembles, choral groups, orchestras, brass bands, majorette teams, and modern dance groups (children, youth, and adult groups) to participate in the XVI International Folk -Dance & Music Festival “COTE D’AZUR,” taking place in two sessions: October 3–7 and October 8–12, in Diano Marina, San Remo, and Nice, Italy–France.

The festival aims to showcase the cultural traditions of different countries and create opportunities for cultural exchange, friendships, and artistic presentations through dance and music. Participants will perform in iconic locations such as the center of Diano Marina, Sanremo, and the famous Promenade de la Croisette in Cannes.

This prestigious festival is known for featuring top ensembles from around the world. Due to high demand, it will take place in three sessions across spring and autumn, hosting a total of 45 ensembles in each term. All folklore ensembles from Europe and around the globe are welcome to apply, with no limits on age or the number of participants.

PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS
All ensembles must prepare three different performances, each no longer than 12 minutes. Groups must bring a national flag and a display board with their group’s name and country of origin. Groups without live music must bring battery-powered loudspeakers for open-air performances. Participants must send 5–6 photographs and a video clip of their group’s performance for promotion purposes.

Upon receiving the official invitation, groups must pay 30% of the total participation fee within 15 days to confirm their spot. The remaining 70% is payable upon arrival.

ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION
The package price for the festival is €195 per participant for four half-board nights in 3-star hotels located in Diano Marina and San Bartolomeo al Mare. Rooms are available in double, triple, and quadruple options, with breakfast and dinner provided as a buffet.

The package also includes the services of a dedicated group guide, full festival participation, and organizational support.

Not included are group transportation, bus parking fees (if applicable), entry fees for Monaco and Monte Carlo, international travel health insurance, personal expenses, extra charges for single-room accommodation, and local bus transport for participants arriving by plane.

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Day 1 – Arrival and Orientation
12:00–14:00 – Arrival in Diano Marina or San Bartolomeo al Mare and hotel check-in
14:00–18:00 – Optional rehearsal at the festival stage
18:00–19:30 – Free time for sightseeing in Diano Marina or San Bartolomeo al Mare
19:30–21:00 – Dinner at the hotel
21:00 – Organization board meeting with ensemble representatives, journalists, and TV Rai Uno

Day 2 – Excursion Day
08:00–09:00 – Breakfast at the hotel
09:00–18:00 – Optional excursion to Nice, Èze, Monaco, and Monte Carlo, including a visit to the Fragonard perfume factory in Èze, the flower market and Palace of Justice in Nice, and a panoramic tour of Monaco and Monte Carlo
18:00–19:30 – Return to hotel and free time
19:30–21:00 – Dinner at the hotel

Day 3 – Performances in Sanremo and Cannes
08:00–09:00 – Breakfast at the hotel
09:00–10:30 – Preparation for performances
10:30 – Depart for Sanremo
11:30–13:00 – Performance in the pedestrian zone near Ariston and Casino Sanremo
13:00–13:30 – Transfer to Cannes
14:30–16:30 – Performance on the Croisette, Cannes
16:30–18:00 – Return to hotel
19:30–21:00 – Dinner at the hotel

Day 4 – Main Festival Performance in Diano Marina
08:00–09:00 – Breakfast at the hotel
09:00–14:30 – Free time and preparation for main performance
15:00–16:00 – Parade of all ensembles in the center of Diano Marina
16:00–18:00 – Stage performance at the seaside stage
18:00–19:30 – Award ceremony and festival party
19:30–21:00 – Dinner at the hotel

Day 5 – Departure
08:00–09:00 – Breakfast at the hotel
09:00–11:00 – Free time
11:00 – Individual departures

EXCURSIONS INFORMATION
The festival includes a number of optional excursions, providing an opportunity to explore the stunning locales of Italy and France. After breakfast, there is a tour of the French cities of Nice, Èze, Monaco, and Monte Carlo. Highlights include a visit to the Fragonard perfume factory in Èze, the flower market, the Palace of Justice in Nice, and a panoramic tour of Monaco and Monte Carlo.

Free time for sightseeing is also available on the first day, allowing participants to explore Diano Marina and San Bartolomeo al Mare before the festival opening. Transportation and additional entry fees for these excursions are not included in the festival package.

IMPORTANT NOTES
The organizer reserves the right to modify the festival schedule if necessary, with participants being informed within 24 hours of any changes. Limited spots are available due to high demand, so early registration is recommended.