XXXI International Music & Dance festival OHRID - CITY OF LIGHT
Location: OHRID, Macedonia
Director: Z.S.& WOFA
Application Deadline: 1 October, 2025
INVITATION
We warmly invite Folklore Ensembles, Choral Groups, Majorette Teams, Modern Dance Groups, and other performers (Children, Youth, and Adults) to participate in this celebration of cultural heritage through dance and music. The festival’s purpose is to showcase cultural traditions from around the world, fostering unity and friendship among participants.
The festival is non-competitive and provides a unique opportunity to present your culture, make international connections, and enjoy the historical beauty of Ohrid.
PARTICIPATION INFORMATION
Eligibility: Open to all age groups. Children’s ensembles: at least two-thirds under 16; Youth ensembles: at least two-thirds under 25; Adult ensembles: at least one-third over 25.
Non-competitive: Showcasing traditional and modern dances and music.
Group Types: Folklore, choral, vocal, instrumental groups, soloists, and other art styles.
Participant Limit: Maximum of 3 groups per country, each group up to 50 members (including dancers, managers, and musicians).
Performance Requirements: Minimum of 2 folk dances (12–18 minutes each) with live orchestra or USB; choral groups must perform two programs (12–18 minutes each, one acapella in the old city).
Special Awards: Best girl’s and men’s folk costume and best dancing couple.
Submission: Groups must send a short CV, group photos, and bring a national flag.
Transport: Groups must arrange their own transport to and from the festival.
Application: Submission of the application form is required. A 30% deposit is payable upon confirmation (non-refundable). Final payment deadline will be provided upon confirmation.
ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION
To ensure a comfortable stay, WOFA offers several accommodation options, from city-center hotels to lakeside properties, each with various board options.
Hotel Delago & District Villa (main suggestion, strict center, double rooms, limited availability)
Bed & Breakfast (BB)
3 Nights / 4 Days: 99€ per person
4 Nights / 5 Days: 132€ per person
5 Nights / 6 Days: 164€ per person
Additional day: 35€ per person
Half Board (HB – breakfast and dinner)
3 Nights / 4 Days: 114€ per person
4 Nights / 5 Days: 149€ per person
5 Nights / 6 Days: 189€ per person
Additional day: 40€ per person
Bus parking: 20€ per day
Hotel Desaret & International (3-star lakeside with pool)
Half Board (HB)
3 Nights / 4 Days: 119€ per person
4 Nights / 5 Days: 144€ per person
5 Nights / 6 Days: 179€ per person
Additional day: 36€ per person
Full Board (FB – breakfast, lunch, dinner)
3 Nights: 128€ per person
4 Nights: 159€ per person
5 Nights: 194€ per person
Additional day: 41€ per person
Additional double room: 8€ per person per day
Hotel Mizo
Bed & Breakfast (BB)
3 Nights / 4 Days: 104€ per person
4 Nights / 5 Days: 136€ per person
5 Nights / 6 Days: 164€ per person
Additional day: 33€ per person
Half Board (HB)
3 Nights / 4 Days: 119€ per person
4 Nights / 5 Days: 154€ per person
5 Nights / 6 Days: 189€ per person
Additional day: 36€ per person
Hotel De Luks Apartments
Half Board (HB)
3 Nights: 89€ per person
4 Nights: 114€ per person
Full Board (FB)
3 Nights: 104€ per person
4 Nights: 134€ per person
Other central 3 & 4-star hotels available on request (e.g., Hotel Tino Sveti Stefan, Hotel Prestol). Prices depend on hotel and room configuration.
Additional rooms: Extra double room 10€ per person per day, single room 20€ per person per day.
Festival Organizers Provide:
One free package for every 24 dancers
Souvenir and gift for each group
Welcome cocktail
Disco party with drinks
Certificates for attendance
Drinks during performances
Free bus parking
Festival promotion (social media, newsletters, posters)
Tourist tax and insurance: 1€ per person per day (additional)
Insurance:
Personal responsibility and health insurance are the responsibility of each group. First aid and hospital services are available, but medical costs must be covered by participants.
Extended Stay: Additional stay in Ohrid is possible at 35€ per day per person FB or 30€ HB. Special festival programs or evenings in nearby cities can be arranged.
Transport:
Free transfers for groups arriving at Ohrid Airport.
For arrivals at Skopje, Tirana, or Thessaloniki airports (approx. 200 km away), transport cost is covered by the group; assistance with visas available.
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Day 1
13:00 – Arrival in Ohrid and hotel check-in, free activities
14:00 – 15:00 Lunch (for full board option)
19:00 – 21:00 Dinner
21:00 – Welcome reception with group leaders
Day 2
09:00 – 10:00 Breakfast
10:00 – 13:00 Ohrid sightseeing (St. Sofia Church, Samoil Fortress, Antique Theatre, Plaosnik, Kaneo Church, Bridge of Wishes)
14:00 – 15:00 Lunch (if full board)
19:00 – 21:00 Dinner
21:00 – Free time
Day 3
09:00 – 10:00 Breakfast
11:00 – 16:00 Boat cruise on Ohrid Lake, Museum on Water, St. Naum (13€ per person, dancing boat)
18:30 – 19:30 Dinner
20:00 – Ensembles parade (Old Town)
20:30 – Official opening of the festival
Day 4
10:00 – Breakfast and free activities
10:00 – 13:00 Visit Stara Čaršija, Cinar tree, Biljanini Springs, Ohrid Pearl, old paper manufactory, shopping, or Struga city
13:30 – 15:00 Lunch (if full board)
18:00 – 20:00 Dinner
21:00 – 00:00 Party with all participants
Day 5
09:00 – 10:00 Breakfast
11:00 – Departure of participants
Optional Extended Stay
Day 5
09:00 – 10:00 Breakfast
10:30 – 14:00 Visit Struga city (Miladinovci House, Crni Drim River, Kalishta Cave Church) and Vevcani Ethno Village
13:30 – 15:00 Lunch
19:00 – 21:00 Dinner
21:00 – Workshop on different dances
Day 6
09:00 – 10:00 Breakfast
10:30 – 14:00 Free activities or excursions (Ohrid Lake walk, Vevcani Ethno Village, Pogradec city, Albania)
13:30 – 15:00 Lunch
19:00 – 21:00 Dinner
21:00 – Beach party
Day 7
08:00 – 10:00 Breakfast
10:00 – 14:00 Optional Skopje tour (Alexander Monuments, Museum, Macedonian Gate, Stone Bridge)
14:00 – Departure from Skopje
Important details:
Festival organisers provide a stage for the performance.
Location where the Festival take place:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Sbo6nL2WPk1iDTxR8
Festival Highlights
See videos of performances on our official YouTube playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8RE8ufsZ314XlMCPlIopR8k-vDOzb4uG
EXCURSIONS INFORMATION
Day 2 – Sightseeing Tour: St. Sofia Church, Samoil Fortress, Antique Theatre, Plaosnik, Kaneo Church, Bridge of Wishes
Day 3 – Lake Cruise & St. Naum Visit: Scenic boat tour, Museum on Water, St. Naum cultural site
Day 4 – Exploration: Stara Čaršija, Cinar tree, Biljanini Springs, Ohrid Pearl shop, old paper manufactory, or Struga City
Optional Extended Stay Excursions:
Struga & Vevcani Ethno Village: Miladinovci Brothers’ House, Crni Drim River, Kalishta Cave Church, Vevcani Village
Skopje Tour: Macedonian Gate, Stone Bridge, and historic sites