XXXI International Music & Folk - Dance Festival “OHRID WAVES”
Location: OHRID, Macedonia
Director: Z.S. & WOFA
Application Deadline: 1 September, 2025
INVITATION
We are pleased to invite children’s, youth, and adult ensembles to participate in the XXXI International Music & Folk-Dance Festival “Ohrid WAVES.” This is a non-competitive festival, open to traditional and modern folk groups, choirs, and performing ensembles of all kinds. The festival combines cultural performances with the natural beauty and historic charm of Ohrid, offering a unique and memorable experience.
PARTICIPATION INFORMATION
Eligible participants include children’s, youth, and adult groups. Each country may be represented by up to three ensembles, with group size limited to 50 persons, including dancers, musicians, and group leaders. Each ensemble should prepare two folk dances, each between 12 and 18 minutes, accompanied live or via USB.
Choral groups must prepare two performances of 12–18 minutes: one a cappella performance inside a historic church, and one on stage with sound equipment. Festival evenings will be held after 20:00, with free time for cultural activities and sightseeing during the day.
Special awards will be presented for the best traditional costumes (female and male) and best dance pair.
All groups must submit a short biography, group photos, national flag, and handle their own transportation to and from Ohrid.
ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION
Participants will be accommodated in selected hotels either in the city center or along the lakefront. All prices are per person. Tourist tax (1 EUR/day/person) is paid separately upon arrival.
Hotel Delago & District Villa (Main recommendation – strict center)
Located just 100 meters from Ohrid’s main square, this 4-star hotel offers quality accommodation in double rooms. Breakfast and dinner included for half board guests. Limited availability.
Bed & Breakfast:
3 nights / 4 days – 99 EUR
4 nights / 5 days – 132 EUR
5 nights / 6 days – 164 EUR
Half Board (breakfast & dinner):
3 nights / 4 days – 114 EUR
4 nights / 5 days – 149 EUR
5 nights / 6 days – 189 EUR
Bus parking: 20 EUR/day
Hotel Desaret & Hotel International (Lakeside, 14.2 km from city center, pool)
3-star lakeside hotel with buffet meals, beach access, and pool. Recently renovated.
Half Board:
3 nights – 119 EUR
4 nights – 144 EUR
5 nights – 179 EUR
Additional day: 36 EUR
Full Board:
3 nights – 128 EUR
4 nights – 159 EUR
5 nights – 194 EUR
Additional day: 41 EUR
Extra double room: 8 EUR/person/day
Hotel Mizo (Lakeside hotel with beach access)
Modern hotel directly on the beach, perfect for relaxing stays.
Bed & Breakfast:
3 nights – 104 EUR
4 nights – 136 EUR
5 nights – 164 EUR
Additional day: 33 EUR
Half Board:
3 nights – 119 EUR
4 nights – 154 EUR
5 nights – 189 EUR
Additional day: 36 EUR
Hotel De Luks Apartments (Modern apartment-style)
Offers both half and full board accommodation. Modern design and service.
Half Board:
3 nights – 91 EUR
4 nights – 119 EUR
Full Board:
3 nights – 109 EUR
4 nights – 139 EUR
Additional Central 3 & 4-Star Hotels
Other options are available upon request. Double, triple, and quadruple rooms available. Prices provided after registration.
Extra charge for double room: 10 EUR/person/day
Extra charge for single room: 20 EUR/day
FESTIVAL PACKAGE INCLUDES
Welcome cocktail for group leaders
Souvenir and gift for each group
Certificate of participation
Drinks during the performance
One free participant per 24 persons
Promotion through newsletters, social media, posters
IMPORTANT NOTES
Macedonian tourist tax is 1 EUR per person/day and is paid additional.
Health and accident insurance is the responsibility of each group. First aid and emergency medical service will be available, but costs must be covered by the group.
TRANSPORT INFORMATION
Groups can arrive via Skopje, Tirana, Thessaloniki, or Ohrid airports. Free transfer is provided only from Ohrid airport. For other airports, transportation can be arranged based on group size and paid separately.
Visa support is available if needed.
Groups wishing to extend their stay can do so for a special price:
Full Board – 33 EUR/day/person
Half Board – 29 EUR/day/person
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Day 1
Arrival in Ohrid after 13:00. Hotel check-in and free time for swimming and walking.
Dinner at hotel between 19:00 and 21:00.
Welcome reception with group leaders at 21:00.
Day 2
Breakfast from 09:00 to 10:00.
10:00 to 13:00 – Ohrid sightseeing: St. Sofia Church, Samoil Fortress (entry 2 EUR), Antique Theatre, Plaosnik (entry 2 EUR), St. Kaneo Church, Gallery of Icons.
Lunch (if full board) at 14:00.
Dinner at 18:00.
19:30 – Parade of ensembles in the Old Town.
20:00 – Festival evening.
Day 3
Breakfast from 09:00 to 10:00.
10:00 to 13:00 – Explore Stara Čaršija, Činar tree, Biljanini Springs, Ohrid Pearl, Old Paper Workshop, and shopping.
Optional visit to Struga.
Lunch at 14:00 (if full board).
Dinner at 19:00.
Free evening.
Day 4
Breakfast at 09:00.
11:00 to 16:00 – Optional boat cruise to Museum on Water and St. Naum Monastery. Swimming at popular beach. Lunch package included.
Dinner at 18:00.
21:00 – Party in the hotel.
Day 5
Breakfast and departure of participants.
OPTIONAL EXTENDED PROGRAM
Day 5
Breakfast at 09:00.
10:00 to 13:00 – Visit to Struga: House of Miladinovci, River Crni Drim, and Kalishta Cave Church.
Lunch at 14:00.
Dinner at 19:00.
21:00 – Second festival evening.
Day 6
Breakfast at 09:00.
10:00 to 14:00 – Free activities (swimming, city walking), or optional visit to Vevcani ethno village.
Lunch at 14:00.
Dinner at 19:00.
21:00 – Beach party.
Day 7
Breakfast at 08:00.
09:00 – Optional guided trip to Skopje, visiting Alexander the Great monument, Museum of Macedonian Struggle, Macedonian Gate, Stone Bridge, Holocaust Memorial Center.
14:00 – Departure from Skopje.