WorldFestivalAssociation

INVITATION

With pleasure we INVITE you to the XV International Music & Folk – Dance Festival “OHRID AUTUMN FESTIVAL,” taking place from 22 to 25 October 2025 in the beautiful city of Ohrid, Macedonia. Eligible participants include folk dance groups, choirs, vocal ensembles, majorette teams, brass bands, and orchestras of children, youth, and adults.

The aim of the festival is to present the cultural traditions of various countries and regions while promoting friendships and cultural exchange through dance and music.

Ohrid  - is one of the oldest settlements  in Macedonia. According to famous television game show “who wants to be a millionaire “ in 2007 on British Television, Ohrid is declared as the oldest city in the world, with continuous civilization advancement! Indeed, according to many historians, Lychnidos-the city of light (the ancient name of Ohrid ) was build in the 4th century B.C, but humans have lived there for more than 8.000 years.Here in Ohrid, from its beginning until today, life still goes on, without ending. That is why it‘s also called “the kingdom of archaeologists”.

This small city seemed to be irresistible for great ancient rulers and kings, such as the legendary Phoenician prince Cadmus who build it, Fillip 2 of Macedon who once conquered and reconstructed it, Alexander the Great who enjoyed in it, tsar Samuel who ruled from it and many more.

However, Ohrid is the only place in the world where 2 recognized saints actually lived in the same time - St. Clement of Ohrid (840-916) and St.Naum of Ohrid (830-910), putting an extremely strong stamp of their existence.

These 2 exceptional persons, the best students of Cyril and Methodius, were in fact the most educated persons in the world in their time. Among other achievements, they will always be remembered as establishers of the first University in Europe (893), located in Ohrid Old Town, long before the University in Bologna (1088). Besides that, St. Clement and St. Naum of Ohrid were founders of the Cyrillic Alphabet. As a result of their creativity and incredible work, today more then 200 million people still use this alphabet, mostly in Southeast and Eastern Europe.

Ancient ruins, beautiful amphitheatre, 3 citadel walls, St.Sofia Cathedral, St.Jovan Kaneo church, an important pilgrimage place. Breathtaking setting on a plateau over Ohrid Lake and Galicica mountain towering from behind. St.Naum monaster (one of the most beautiful monasteries in Macedonia)  was founded in the 910 by St.Naum, but the present-day church was built in the 16th c. Of the original church just the side chapel with the grave of St.Naum still stands), gallery of exclusive icons, museums, workshops for hand-made paper, woodcarving and famous Ohrid pearls, are among hundreds sites for tourists worth to visit. There is also a strong Roman connection to the city, since Lychnidos was along the famous route Via Egnatia, build in the 2nd century B.C., connecting the Adriatic and Aegean sea. Considering the number of churches located in the Old town  (365 churches according to the immemorial legend, for local people to celebrate every single day by honouring another saint), Ohrid is called “the Balkan Jerusalem”, successfully playing the role as the biggest pilgrimage spot for all the Orthodox Christians in the world.

 Today Ohrid is a cultural, spiritual and tourist centre. And finally, as the crowning glory of its values, Ohrid and Lake Ohrid have been named a world cultural and natural heritage listed city under the protection of UNESCO since 1980.

Lake Ohrid is one of Europe’s deepest and according to most experts the oldest lake in Europe. The importance of the lake was further emphasized when it was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1979. Feel Ohrid for once in your life and you already know why you will return. For more information visit www.ohridinfo.mk 

Festival program will be held on the main square in Ohrid.

PARTICIPATION INFORMATION

- Participation is open to children’s, youth, and adult groups of folklore, modern dance, vocal, majorette, and instrumental ensembles. There is no age limit.

- Only three groups per country will be accepted.

 - Each group may include up to 50 members, including dancers, musicians, and leaders.

 - Groups must prepare 2 dances (10–15 minutes each) or a 15–20 minute vocal program (with orchestra or USB).

 - Performances will be held in the evening, leaving time for excursions and city sightseeing during the day.

 - Groups must bring a national flag, send a short CV and 2–3 group photos, and arrange their own transport.

Festival Highlights

See videos of performances from last year festivals on our official YouTube playlist:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8RE8ufsZ314XlMCPlIopR8k-vDOzb4uG

ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION

To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay, WOFA offers several accommodation options in Ohrid:

Hotel Delago & District Villa

Visit Hotel Delago

 Located 100 meters from Ohrid’s main square. 4-star hotel with double rooms and quality meals.

Half Board (HB – breakfast & dinner)

 3 nights / 4 days: 106 EUR

 4 nights / 5 days: 139 EUR

 5 nights / 6 days: 169 EUR

Hotel Tino Sv Stefan 4*

 Visit Hotel Tino Sv Stefan

 Includes access to pools and spa, with weekend live music and cultural performances.

Half Board (HB)

 3 nights / 4 days: 132 EUR

 4 nights / 5 days: 168 EUR

 5 nights / 6 days: 210 EUR 

Hotel Mizo 3*

Visit Hotel Mizo

 Lakeside hotel with beach access.

Half Board (HB)

 3 nights / 4 days: 119 EUR

 4 nights / 5 days: 154 EUR

 5 nights / 6 days: 189 EUR

 Additional day: 36 EUR

Hotel De Luks Apartments

 Ideal for longer stays with meal options.

Half Board (HB)

 3 nights: 82 EUR

 4 nights: 109 EUR

Additional Central 3 & 4-Star Hotels

 Hotel Plaza

 Hotel Internacional

 Hotel Montenegrin Inn

 More centrally located options available upon request.

 Festival organizer provide:

- One free participation for every 24 dancers

 - Certificate of attendance for all performers

 - Souvenirs and gifts for each group

 - Free drinks during performances

 - Free parking

 - Festival promotion via social media, press, posters, and flyers

Note: Tourist tax and insurance is 1 EUR/day/person, paid additionally.

 INSURANCE

Participants are responsible for their own health and travel insurance. First aid and hospital services will be available, but any medical costs must be covered by the group.

TRAVEL & TRANSFER INFORMATION

Free transfer from Ohrid Airport is provided.

 Transfers from Skopje, Tirana, or Thessaloniki airports (200 km away) can be arranged for an additional fee.Visa assistance available upon request.

Extended Stay: Groups can extend their stay at 23 EUR/day/person (HB) to 36 euro (depends of the accommodation)  Custom programs and performances in other cities can also be arranged.

 PROGRAM

Day 1 – Arrival

 13:00 – Hotel check-in

 19:00–21:00 – Dinner

 21:00 – Free time

Day 2 – Festival Opening

 09:00–10:00 – Breakfast

 10:00 – Director’s Meeting

 10:30–13:00 – Ohrid Sightseeing

 18:30–19:30 – Dinner

 20:00 – Ensemble Parade and Festival Evening

Day 3 – Excursion & Optional Activities

 09:00–10:00 – Breakfast

 11:00–16:00 – Boat cruise to St. Naum & Water Museum (dancing boat option)

 18:30–19:30 – Dinner

 20:00 – Free evening or optional Macedonian cultural night at a local restaurant

Day 4 – Departure

 10:00 – Breakfast

 11:00 – Departure

 COMMUNICATION STEPS

Step 1 — Apply :Fill out the online application form with your group details.

Step 2 — Confirmation: You’ll instantly receive an email confirming we got your application.

Step 3 — Application Number: Within 2 days you’ll receive your Application Number and required materials list.

Step 4 — Review": WOFA reviews your application and checks availability.

Step 5 — Acceptance: If accepted, you’ll receive an Invitation Letter and deposit instructions. Deposit must be paid within 10 days.

Step 6 — Secure Your Spot Send us your deposit confirmation. Your participation is officially confirmed.

Step 7 — Finalization: A WOFA coordinator will guide you through the final steps: participant list, travel details, and performance info.

 EXCURSIONS

Day 2 – Ohrid Sightseeing Tour

 Visit landmarks such as St. Sofia Church, Samoil Fortress, Antique Theatre, Plaosnik, St. Kaneo Church, and the Bridge of Wishes.

Day 3 – Lake Cruise to St. Naum

 Enjoy a relaxing boat ride with a stop at the Water Museum and visiting St Naum church on the other side of the lake

NUMBER OF SEATS IS LIMITED!!

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NEWS ABOUT FESTIVAL                               Published on 23 October 2024

THE FESTIVAL OHRID AUTUMN FINISHED WITH GREAT FESTIVAL MOOD!!

The festival in ohrid was held from 20-23 October 2024. The groups from Greece, Serbia, Croatia, Bulgaria took part in the folklore forum.

The opening of the festival was held on April 21, after the leaders of the group were welcomed properly.

The festival evening on 22  October took place in the center of the town. 

The closing ceremony of the event was held on 23 October with party together.

Reviews from the groups: 

This festival has review of 12 groups and average estimation is EXELLNT- 9,0/10