WorldFestivalAssociation

INVITATION

We INVITE folk ensembles, choral groups, orchestras, brass bands, majorette teams, modern dance groups and other performing groups (children, youth, and adult groups) to participate in the XXV International Music & Dance Festival “DURRES FEST” from 30 August – 03 September 2025, in Durres, Albania.

The intention of our invitation and the festival’s light motif is to present the cultural tradition of different countries and provide an opportunity for the 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 to present it on the streets and in the squares. The festival is open to folk and choir ensembles, as well as orchestras and majorettes, regardless of the members’ gender and age.

Festival Information

XXV International Music & Dance Festival “DURRES FEST”
30 August – 03 September 2025
Durres, ALBANIA
All Performing Arts
from 119 €
Director: Z.S. & WOFA
Deadline: 30 July 2025

General Rules

The festival is a non-competitive showcase of traditional and modern dances, brass bands, orchestras, modern dance groups, choral groups, majorette teams, instrumental groups, and soloists, as well as groups and performers from other art styles. Every group has the right to participate: children’s ensembles, youth ensembles, and adult ensembles. The number of participants is limited to only 3 groups from each country. Each group should consist of no more than 70 members, including dancers, managers, musicians, and family members. Ensembles should prepare at least 2 folk dances, 10–15 minutes each, with an orchestra or USB. Choral groups should prepare a free program of about 15 minutes. The performances will take place in the evening, so you can plan the day for visiting the historical part of the city and excursions. Groups should send a short CV and 5 photos of the group and bring a flag of their country. Groups should have their own transport for arrival and departure.

Accommodation Info

Participation fee is 119 euro for 3 HB per person (3 nights with 2 meals) or 149 euro for 4 HB per person (4 nights with 2 meals). Accommodation will be in Kolavery resort and similar properties, in double rooms (2/2) for leaders and drivers and triple bedrooms for other participants, each with its own toilet. The hotel resort has its own swimming pool and private beach. Additional double rooms are available on request at an additional cost of 10 euro per person per day.

After the groups arrive at the hotel, they will be provided with a detailed program.

After the festival concludes, the organizers will send a link to the photos and videos from the festival program for each group.

Festival organizers provide for every 24 dancers, one participant is free of charge, souvenirs and gifts for each group, certificates for attendance, drinks during performances, free parking, and advertising of the festival (press releases, newsletters, posters).

Tourist tax and insurance are an additional payment.

Insurance

Personal responsibility and health insurance are the group’s responsibility. First aid and medical services will be available, but the group must cover medical expenses.

The festival organizers will arrange transport for groups arriving by plane, picking them up from Tirana Airport. The cost of transportation will be covered by the group and agreed upon based on the number of participants. Wizz Air flights to Tirana Airport are affordable.

Program Info

Day 1
13:00 – Arrival in Durres, hotel accommodation, and free time (beach time).
18:00 – 19:00 – Dinner (buffet) in the hotel.
21:00 – Welcome reception with leaders.

Day 2
09:00 – 10:00 – Breakfast – buffet.
11:00 – 15:00 – Sightseeing in Durres.
18:00 – 19:00 – Dinner – buffet in hotel.
19:30 – 23:00 – Defile on the main street to the square.

Day 3
09:00 – 10:00 – Breakfast – buffet.
10:30 – 15:00 – Beach time or visit the historic city of Kruje (entrance fee: 2 euro).
18:00 – 20:00 – Dinner – buffet in hotel.
21:00 – Party with all participants in the hotel.

Day 4
09:00 – 10:00 – Breakfast – buffet.
10:30 – 15:00 – Beach time or visit the historic city of Kruje (entrance fee: 2 euro).
17:00 – 18:00 – Dinner – buffet in hotel.
21:00 – Free time in Durres.

Day 5
09:00 – 11:00 – Breakfast – buffet.
11:00 – Departure of the participants.

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, and free time to relax in nature.