XXI International Music & Dance festival FESTIVAL DAYS IN DURRES
Location: DURRES, Albania
Director: Z.S. & WOFA
Application Deadline: 1 August, 2025
INVITATION
We are pleased to invite folk ensembles, choral groups, art schools, majorette teams, orchestras, ballroom dance groups, and modern dance teams (children, youth, and adult groups) to participate in the XXI International Music, Art, Fine & Folk-Dance Festival “Festival Days in Durres”, to be held from September 12–16, 2025, in Durres, Albania.
The festival’s primary aim is to showcase the cultural traditions of different countries, fostering friendship and cultural exchange through dance and music. This non-competitive festival encourages groups to present their traditions in public spaces like streets and squares.
Festival Information
XXI International Music & Dance Festival “Festival Days in Durres”
Durres, ALBANIA
All Performing Arts
General Rules
The festival is open to folk and choir ensembles, orchestras, majorette teams, and modern dance groups, with no restriction on gender or age. Each country is allowed to send up to 3 groups. Groups can have up to 70 participants, including dancers, managers, musicians, and family members. Each group must prepare 2 folk dances (10–15 minutes each) with orchestra or USB for accompaniment. For choral groups, a free program of 15 minutes is required. Groups must send a short CV and photos of the group. Groups must bring their national flag. Each group is responsible for their own transportation to and from the festival.
Accommodation Information
The festival will be hosted at the Bonita Hotel 5*, a resort situated on the beach with an outdoor swimming pool and own beach . The hotel offers double, triple and some quadriple rooms.
Participation fee
- 139 EUR for 3 HB per person (3 nights with 2 meals per day- breakfast and dinner open buffet)
- 184 EUR for 4 HB per person (4 nights with 2 meals per day- breakfast and dinner ,open buffet)
On your request, you can continue your stay in Durrës. Price will be 47 EUR per day per person, half board, and this price is special for participants in the festival.
Additional double rooms are available upon request for an extra 10 EUR per person per day.
Tourist tax is 1 EUR per person per day and must be paid separately.
Program Information
Day 1 – 12.09
13:00 – Arrival in Durres, hotel accommodation, and free time (beach time).
18:00–19:00 – Dinner (buffet) in the hotel.
21:00 – Welcome meeting with group leaders.
Day 2 – 13.09
09:00–10:00 – Breakfast (buffet).
11:00–15:00 – Durres sightseeing.
18:00–19:00 – Dinner (buffet) in the hotel.
19:30–23:00 – Parade and Opening Ceremony at the main square, where each group presents their culture, traditions, songs, and dances (12–15 minutes per group).
Day 3 – 14.09
09:00–10:00 – Breakfast (buffet).
10:30–15:00 – Beach time or visit Kruje.
18:00–20:00 – Dinner (buffet) in the hotel.
21:00 – Party in the hotel.
Day 4 – 15.09
09:00–10:00 – Breakfast (buffet).
10:30–15:00 – Beach time or visit Tirana.
17:00–18:00 – Dinner (buffet) in the hotel.
21:00–23:00 – Discotheque with all participants in the hotel.
Day 5 – 16.09
09:00–11:00 – Breakfast (buffet).
11:00 – Departure of participants.
Optional Extension: Day 5
09:00–10:00 – Breakfast.
10:30–14:00 – Visit Tirana city or free time on the beach.
19:00–20:00 – Dinner in hotel.
21:00–00:00 – Free night in Durres.
Day 6 – 17.09
08:00–09:00 – Breakfast.
09:00–11:00 – Departure.
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.