WorldFestivalAssociation

INVITATION

WOFA – World Festival Association, in cooperation with the Center of Culture in Durrës and the local municipality, invites folk ensembles, choral groups, and majorette teams (children, youth, and adult groups) to participate in the XXI International Music & Dance Festival “MUSIC AND SEA.”

The festival’s aim is to showcase diverse cultural traditions, foster friendships among participants, and bring music and dance closer to the people through performances in public spaces such as streets and squares.

 Festival Information

XXI International Music & Dance Festival “MUSIC AND SEA”
Durres, ALBANIA
All Performing Arts
from 119 €
Director: Z.S. & WOFA
Deadline: 3 August 2025

 General Rules

This is a non-competitive festival featuring traditional and modern dances, choral groups, majorette teams, vocal groups, ballroom dance teams, and art schools. Every folklore, choral group, and majorette team 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 up to 70 members including dancers, managers, musicians, and family members. Ensembles should prepare at least 2 folk dances, 10–15 minutes each, with orchestra or USB. Choral groups should prepare a free program lasting about 15 minutes. Groups must send a short CV (in English) and 3 photos of the group and bring a flag of their country. Groups should arrange their own transport for arrival and departure. Groups from Bulgaria, Poland, and Romania are encouraged to join, and participation will be confirmed upon acceptance of festival conditions.

 Accommodation Information

Participants will stay in hotels such as Kolaverit Resort, featuring outdoor swimming pools and private beaches.

Participation fees are 119 euro for 3 nights (2 meals daily, buffet-style) or 139 euro for 4 nights (2 meals daily, buffet-style). Additional charges: double rooms cost 15 euro per person per day and single rooms cost 25 euro per person per day. Tourist tax is 1 euro per person per day.

Extras: extended stays are available at 29 euro per person (half board, special rate for participants).

Festival organizers provide for every 24 dancers – one gratis, souvenir and gift for each group, certificate for attendance, welcome reception, drinks during performance, free parking, and advertising of the festival (press releases, social media promotion, posters).

 Program Information

Day 1 (Arrival)
13:00 – Hotel check-in and free time (beach).
18:00–19:00 – Dinner at the hotel (buffet).
21:00 – Welcome reception with group leaders.

Day 2 (Festival Opening)
09:00–10:00 – Breakfast.
11:00–15:00 – Sightseeing in Durrës.
18:00–19:00 – Dinner.
19:30–23:00 – Parade to the main square for the opening festival evening (10–15 minute performances by each group).

Day 3 (Culture and Leisure)
09:00–10:00 – Breakfast.
10:30–15:00 – Beach time or optional excursions to Krujë or Tirana.
19:00–21:00 – Dinner.
21:00 – Disco party at the hotel.

Day 4 (Relaxation and Exploration)
09:00–10:00 – Breakfast.
11:00–17:00 – Free time for shopping, beach, or excursions.
17:00–18:00 – Dinner.
Evening – Free time.

Day 5 (Departure)
09:00–11:00 – Breakfast.
11:30 – Departure of 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.