WorldFestivalAssociation

INVITATION

With pleasure we invite (folklore ensembles, choir,majorette teams, orchestras, bands...)  (children and youth) on the International XX. „St Stephen’s Days” Folk Dance Festival from 22 August to 25 August Hungary,Kecskemét.

20th August is St. Stephen’s Day in Hungary and it is a public holiday. We celebrate

the foundation of the Hungarian state 1000 years ago. The new bread is blessed on

this day too. Around these days the Hungarians celebrate all around the country with

music, dance. Traditional programs, traditional cuisine, fireworks.

This is the 20th festival when folk groups, folk dance groups arriving at our cities from

all over the world. During the meeting, the groups will able to communicate through

their performances, take part in various games and activities that will reinforce the

message of friendship and cooperation.

Kecskemét:

Comprising all the beauties and values of the Great Plain, Kecskemét is situated in

the middle of Hungary, 85km far from Budapest. It is the 7th largest town of Hungary

with the area of 321 km2 and the population over 112,000. This town is well-known

for its Apricot Pálinka, the beautiful buildings of Art Nouveau style ornamented with

coloured ceramics, and also the "Kodály-method" named after Zoltán Kodály the

world-famous composer who was born in Kecskemét. The seat of Bács-Kiskun

county is usually called "Hírös Town" as Sándor Petőfi, the great Hungarian poet

would call it. The name Kecskemét originates from the word "kecske" - meaning goat,

and "mét" - meaning district.

Thanks to its favourable geographical position Kecskemét has always been the

meeting point of different religions, cultures and traders of all nationalities. The city

was founded at the cross-roads of ancient trading routes. In 1368 it was identified as

a market-town in a charter of King Anjou Louis the Great, so Kecskemét celebrates

its 650th anniversary this year with a series of programs all through the year. The

development of gardening, wine-growing viniculture and fruit-growing all have led to

the development of the city. The most famous product of the town is Apricot Pálinka,

which is made of special tasty apricots. The cultivation of the characteristic fruit of the

region started more than 100 years ago.

Kecskemét is the native town of József Katona, the author of the Hungarian national

drama, and Zoltán Kodály, the world-famous composer, expert of music pedagogy,

musicologist, and researcher of folk music. He founded the first primary music school

of the country in Kecskemét, which bears the name of the master and has become

world-famous together with the Zoltán Kodály Institute of Music Pedagogy.

Due to its advantageous geographical location Kecskemét has developed into the

economic, administrative, educational, and cultural centre of the region. It hosts

several institutions of fine art, unique collections, and renowned festivals.

Participants:

Folklore groups, orchestras, majorettes, modern dance groups, choirs, music bands

from all over the world

•The number of the participants are not limited

•No age limits

Participation fee:

from 135 euro per person

Additional days can be booked on demand (the price depends on the type of

accommodation)

Participation fee includes:

*Accommodation:

Student Hostel

*135 euro per person, 2 + 2 twin rooms, private bathroom

Supplement for a single room is 15 euro per person per day

3*** Hotel

Hotel Három Gúnár https://www.hotelharomgunar.hu/en

*192 euro per person double standard rooms, supplement for s single room is 25

euro per person per day

*199 euro per person triple superior rooms, for a double room is 10 euro per person

per day supplement for a single room is 35 euro per person per day

*Meals: half board for the whole festival (2 meals per day)

*Diplomas and gifts from the city

*Official invitation

The participation fee does not include:

Transport

Insurance

Tourist tax: 2 euro per person per day, payment on the spot

Program:

22 August

Occupying the accommodation from 14.00

Meeting with the group leaders and the organizers during the day

Reviewing the next day’s programs

Dinner, free program

23 August

Breakfast

Free program

18.00: Performance on stage:

Kecskemét, Szabadság square, center of the St Stephen’s week in Kecskemét

Closing ceremony, receiving the gift and diplomas from the city and the organizers

Dinner

24 August

Breakfast

Free program

Recommended optional program (zoo or aqua park in Kecskemét)

25 August

After breakfast, departure.

• This festival has review of 12 groups and average estimation is GOOD   - 7,7/10