WorldFestivalAssociation

INVITATION

With pleasure we INVITE (folk ensembles, choral groups, majorette teams, brass bands....) (children, youth and adult groups) to participate in the XX International music & dance festival
“PARLIA MUSIC FEST”
20 - 24 June, Paralia - Olimpic, Katerini.

The intention of our invitation and the Festival light motive is to present the cultural tradition of different countries and to provide an opportunity for the members of groups to get together, to establish friendships and culture presentation through dance and music.
The idea of the Festival is to bring the music closer to the people and to present the music on the streets and the squares.
The festival is open for folk and choir ensembles, as well as orchestras and majorettes regardless of the members’ gender and age.

Paralia is a famous holiday place on the Aegean coast of Greece with many sandy beaches.
Festival program will be held on the main square in Paralia and Olimpic beach.

 General rules:

It is a non-competitive sample of traditional and modern dances and music performed by groups.
Children and youth folklore dance groups, modern dance groups, vocal groups, instrumental groups and soloists, as well as groups and performers from other art styles may participate.
The number of participants is limited to 3 groups from each country.
Each group should consist of up to 50 members including dancers, managers, and musicians.
Each ensemble should prepare at least 2 folk dances, total program of 15 minutes each with orchestra or USB.
Choral groups should prepare a free program of about 15 minutes.
Performances will be in the evening hours, so you can plan the day ahead and use it for visiting the historical part of the city and excursions.
Groups must send a short CV and photos.
Groups should bring a flag of their country.
Groups should have their own transport for arrival and departure.

 Program Proposal

Day 1:
13:00 – Arrival in Paralia, hotel accommodation and free time (beach time)
18:00 – 19:00 Dinner in hotel
21:00 – Welcome reception with group leaders

Day 2:
07:00 – 08:30 Breakfast
11:00 – 16:00 Boat excursion in the blue waters of Thermaikos Gulf

Boat Program:
9:00 – Departure from the port of Paralia
10:30 – 30 min stop on open sea near Plaka Beach (swimming)
11:00 – Small boat transfer to Variko Beach, lunch served at 12:45 (grilled fish, Greek salad, juice/wine/ouzo)
Free time at Variko Beach (walking, swimming, collecting shells)
14:00 – Leaving Variko Beach
15:00 – Stop on open sea for swimming possibility
15:30 – Return to port of Paralia

18:00 – 19:00 Dinner in hotel
21:00 – Welcome party with all participants at Aloha Beach

Day 3:
07:00 – 08:30 Breakfast
11:00 – 16:00 Boat excursion in Thermaikos Gulf, or visiting Meteora or Thessaloniki (optional)
18:00 – 19:00 Dinner in hotel
19:30 – 23:00 Festival evening on the square in Paralia or Olimpic (certificates & presents exchange on stage)

Day 4:
09:00 – 10:00 Breakfast
11:00 – 17:00 Beach time or visit Meteora (famous historical site)
21:00 – Free time in Paralia

Day 5:
09:00 – 11:00 Breakfast
11:30 – Departure of participants

 Optional – If you stay more days:

Day 5:
09:00 – 10:00 Breakfast
10:30 – 14:00 Visit Katerini or free time on the beach
19:00 – 20:00 Dinner in hotel
21:00 – Second festival evening

Day 6:
08:00 – 09:00 Breakfast
09:00 – 14:00 Departure

 Participation Fee:

€149 for 4 HB per person (5 days/4 nights with 2 meals per day)
€171 for 5 HB per person (6 days/5 nights with 2 meals per day)
€199 for 6 HB per person (7 days/6 nights with 2 meals per day)

All double and single rooms are available upon request. Multiple-bed accommodations assigned based on availability.
Accommodation in hotels & apartments with 2 meals per day, full capacity, multiple rooms with private toilets, located in Paralia or Olimpic beach (hotels like Yakhintos, Katerina, Xenia Zeus, Ifigenia, Despina, London, Phenix).
Two double rooms reserved for drivers and leaders.

Air conditioning costs 5–7 euro per room per day depending on accommodation.
Tourist tax is 2 euro per person per day.
For a group of 25 people, one participant is free.
Additional double rooms cost €12 per person per night.
Additional single rooms cost €35 per person per night.

 Festival organizers provide:

One free participant for every 24 dancers.
Souvenir and gift for each group.
Certificate of attendance.
Welcome reception for the leaders (with drinks).
Free parking.
Advertising of the festival (social media, newsletters, posters).

 INSURANCE:

Personal responsibility and health insurance are obligations of the groups. First Aid and Medical Hospital will be available; medical services must be covered by the group.

 On your request, you can continue your stay in Paralia. Price is 35 Euro per day per person HB – special price for festival participants.

Tourist tax is 2 euro per person per day, payable additionally.

 After the festival, organizers will send you a link where you can find and download photos and videos from the festival.

The festival will arrange transport for groups arriving by plane, picking them up from Thessaloniki Airport (75 km from Paralia). The cost will be covered by the group and agreed based on group size.