WorldFestivalAssociation

INVITATION

 With pleasure we INVITE folk ensembles, choral groups, art schools, majorette teams, orchestras, ballroom dance groups, and modern dance teams (children, youth, and adult groups) to participate in the XII International Music & Dance Festival “Saranda  Fest,” which will be held from 21 - 25 June  in Saranda–Ksamil, Albania 2026.

The intention of our invitation and the festival’s light motive is to present the cultural traditions of different countries and to provide an opportunity for members of groups to come together, establish friendships, and present their culture through dance and music. The idea of the festival is to bring music closer to the people and present it on the streets and squares. The festival is open for folk and choir ensembles, choirs, vocal groups, as well as orchestras and majorettes, regardless of gender and age.

General Rules

-  This is a non-competitive event showcasing traditional and modern dances, brass bands, orchestras, modern dance groups, choral groups, ballroom dance teams, art schools, and majorette teams.

 - Every folklore, choral, majorette, dance, or vocal group has the right to participate.

 - The number of participants is limited (only 3 groups from each country).

 - Each group should consist of up to 70 members including dancers, managers, musicians, and family members.

 - Ensembles should prepare at least 2 folk dances, 10–15 minutes each, performed with orchestra or USB. Choral groups should prepare a free program of about 15 minutes.

 - Performances will be held in the evening hours, leaving the day free for excursions and sightseeing.

 - Groups are required to send a short CV, 5 photos, and a video link.

 - Each group must bring the national flag of their country.

 - Travel options include Wizz Air and Ryanair flights to Tirana, or arrival via Corfu Island with boat transfer to Saranda.

-   Groups should arrange their own transport for arrival and departure.

ACCOMMODATION

Participation Fee:

   - for 3 HB (Half Board): €159 per person (3 nights with breakfast - open buffet)

 - for 4 HB (Half Board): €204 per person (4 nights with breakfast  – open buffet)

 in wonderful  Andon Lapa Hotel Resort & Spa, a 5-star seaside hotel ( the hotel has approvel as 5* hotel but they keep using 4* hotel officialy) featuring outdoor and indoor swimming pools, a private beach, spa center, and gym. The hotel is located 500 meters from the city center.Please see the link: https://andonlapahotelspa.albania-hotel.top/en/

Accommodation will be in double rooms for group leaders and drivers. Additional double rooms are available upon request for €12 per person per day. Single room is €24 additional payment per day.. The Albanian tourist tax of €3 per person per day is an additional charge.

Organizers Provide

 - For every 25 participants, one person is free (24+1).

 - Souvenirs and gifts for each group.

 - Certificates of attendance 

 - Drinks during the performances.

-  Free parking at the hotel.

- Extension of Stay

 If you wish to extend your stay in Saranda after the festival, the price is €53 per person per night

PROGRAM

Day 1 

 13:00 – Arrival in Saranda, hotel accommodation at Andon Lapa Hotel Resort & Spa.

 19:00–21:00 – Dinner at the hotel.

 21:00 – Meeting with festival representatives.

Day 2

 09:00–10:00 Buffet breakfast.

 10:00–16:00 – Beach time or excursions (Saranda city tour, Butrinti, Blue Eye, or Corfu Island). 

17.00 - 19.00 Dinner at the hotel (buffet).

 19:00 – 22.00 Defile and festival evening.

Day 3 

 09:00–10:00 – Buffet breakfast.

 10:30–18:00 – Beach time or excursions (Saranda city tour, Butrinti, Blue Eye, or Corfu Island).

 19:00–21:00 – Dinner at the hotel.

 21:00 – Party with all participants around the swimming pool.

Day 4 

 09:00–10:00 – Buffet breakfast.

 10:30–18:00 – Beach time or excursions (Saranda city tour, Butrinti, Blue Eye, or Corfu Island).

 19:00–21:00 – Dinner at the hotel.

 21:00 – Free time in Saranda.

Day 5 – October 21

 09:00–10:00 – Buffet breakfast.

 11:00 – Departure of participants.

EXCURSIONS

Excursions are extra paid and need to be reserve before arrival

Sightseeing Corfu Island

The excursion includes ferry tickets return Saranda–Corfu–Saranda, bus and guide. Lunch in Corfu is supplementary.

Gjirokastër and Blue Eye (without lunch)

 The excursion includes bus, guide, entrance tickets to the Castle of Gjirokastër, entrance tickets to the Museum of Weapons inside the Castle, entrance ticket to the Blue Eye, and shuttle transfer in the Blue Eye park (return).

Gjirokastër and Blue Eye (with lunch)

 The excursion includes bus, guide, entrance tickets to the Castle of Gjirokastër, entrance tickets to the Museum of Weapons inside the Castle, lunch in Gjirokastër, entrance ticket to the Blue Eye, and shuttle transfer in the Blue Eye park (return).

Butrint Archaeological Park and Ksamil

 The excursion includes bus, guide, and entrance ticket to Butrint. 

Albanian Evening

 The excursion includes bus transfer to Restaurant Foinike in Karahaxh, dinner (Albanian food including 1 bottle of water and 1 glass of wine, beer, or soft drink), and a folkloric group performance.

TRIO PACKAG:

The package includes Corfu Island, Gjirokastër and Blue Eye (without lunch), and Albanian Evening.

HURRY UP!! NUMBER OF SEATS IS LIMITEDon 300 particiapnts or 8 groups!!

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NEWS FROM THE FESTIVAL                                            Published on 22.10.2025

 WONDERFUL FESTIVAL MOOD ON THE FIRST EDITION OF SARANDA MUSIC FEST

From 17 -21 October 2025 was realized International Music & Dance Festival SARANDA MUSIC FEST  Festival was organized by WOFA - World Festival Association with cooperation of Municipality of Saranda.. On the festival participated Folk dance  Ensemble TANTSUSELTS  SOLEKE from Talin, ESTONIA,  Ensemble TEISMA from Riga, LATVIA Ensemble SLOGA, DJENOVICI from Herceg Novi, MONTENEGRO, Group of Grand - Doughters of BISTRITSA GRANNIES from Bistritsa, BULGARIA,Ensemble from Municipality Culture center from Saranda, ALBANIA, Mixed Choir ZAISA from Kaunas, LITHUANIA and Mixed Choir CHERNOMORSKI ZVUTCI from Balchik, BULGARIA..They have great presentation and performances on the festival evening..

The various style of dancing and singing attract a lot of audience on the main promenada in Saranda..

On 17 October was held  meeting with a leaders of the groups where organizers present the programs for festival days

On 18 October was held integration party with all participants in wonderful 4* Hotel Andon Lapa (with  own beach and Spa) where all participants were accommodated..

On 19 October after great parade on the Saranda promenade was festival day where each group has the presentation in front of the many residents  of Saranda and many tourist..After performances on the stage they received Certificates and presents from organizers..

During the spare time they have sightseeing of Saranda and Ksamil , Butrinty amphitheater and also boat trip to Corfu island in Greece..

Reviews from the groups: 

This festival has review of 4 groups and average estimation is EXELLENT - 9,0/10