International Winter Nestia Folklore Festivals 2
Location: Bansko, Bulgaria
Director: V.M. & WOFA
Application Deadline: 15 February, 2026
INVITATION
We invite you to join us in the beautiful winter resort of Bansko, Bulgaria.
Bansko, located in the southwestern part of Bulgaria, 160 km from Sofia, is famous as a winter ski center of Bulgaria and the Balkans, surrounded by Rila and Rhodope mountains.
This mountain resort creates the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable cultural exchange during the festival from 5–9 March 2026.
The festival welcomes children’s, youth, preparatory, performing, veteran, or mixed folklore ensembles, dance groups, zumba groups, majorettes, singing groups, choirs, and orchestras.
Participants come from Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Serbia, Republika Srpska, Montenegro, Poland, Belarus, Estonia, Lithuania, Moldova, North Macedonia, Romania, and other countries.
General rules include performing two different choreographies, performing with live music, CD, USB, or flash, and bringing a board with the group name and national flag. Groups arrange their own transport.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation will be provided at the 4-star Hotel Infinity Winslow, Bansko.
Participation Fee:
179 EUR – 4 nights with half board (breakfast and dinner)
Additional Costs:
Tourist tax included in the price
Included by Organizers:
One free participation per 15 paying participants
Diplomas and souvenirs
Festival organization costs
Final evening with awards: Miss & Mister Festival, best costumes, best dancing couple
Hotel Facilities:
Near Gondola ski station
Accommodation in apartments and studios (double & triple)
Lobby bar, spa, sauna, solarium
Buffet dining
PROGRAM
Day 1:
Arrival
Dinner
Day 2:
Breakfast
Day activities
Dinner
Festival performances
Day 3:
Breakfast
Day activities
Dinner
Festival performances & final evening with awards
Day 4:
Breakfast
Day activities
Dinner
Day 5:
Breakfast
Departure
EXCURSIONS
Optional excursions will be provided upon arrival.