WorldFestivalAssociation

INVITATION

With pleasure we INVITE you (Folk ensembles, Choral groups, Brass bands, orchestras, modern dance groups, majorette teams), including children, youth, and adult groups, to participate in the XXII International Music & Folk – Dance Festival “ISTRA FEST” from 03–07 September 2025 in Pula and Rovinj, Croatia.

The Festival’s light motive is to present the cultural tradition of different countries and to provide an opportunity for group members to get together, establish friendships, and share their culture through dance and music.

Festival Information

XXII International Music & Folk – Dance Festival “ISTRA FEST”
03 – 07 September 2025
Pula–Rovinj, CROATIA
All Performing Arts
from €149
Director: K.S. & WOFA
Deadline: 25 July 2025

 Participation Information

In the festival can participate folklore groups, vocal groups, orchestras, majorette teams, modern dance groups, art schools, choirs, and music bands from all over the world. Each ensemble should prepare a program lasting 12–15 minutes with USB or orchestra. Groups should bring a flag of their country. The number of groups is limited.

Groups must send a short CV and photos of the group by e-mail. Twenty days before the festival, each group should send the list of participants including name, surname, sex, date of birth, and passport number.

All groups must arrange their own transport for arrival and departure. For groups arriving by plane, the festival committee can arrange transfers and will inform them of the cost.

 Accommodation Information

Participation fee:
149 Euros per person for 3 nights with half board (2 meals per day – open buffet with drinks including non-alcoholic beverages and local beer for dinner)
194 Euros per person for 4 nights with half board
239 Euros per person for 5 nights with half board

Additional double room costs 11 Euros per person per day. Additional single room costs 30 Euros per person per day.

Hotel accommodation is in a 3* tourist resort with open buffet meals, drinks included for dinner, and facilities such as swimming pools and a private beach. Participants stay in triple and quadruple rooms.

On request, you can extend your stay in Istra for €46 per person per day with half board, a special price arranged only for festival participants.

Tourist tax and insurance are additional, at €1.6 per person per day.

 Festival organizers provide:

For every 25 dancers, one participant stays free of charge. Each group receives a certificate for attendance, a souvenir and gift, drinks during the performance, free parking at the hotel, use of indoor and outdoor swimming pools and private beach, and festival promotion through press releases, social media, posters, and flyers.

INSURANCE: Personal responsibility and health insurance are obligations of the participating groups. First Aid and Medical Hospital services will be available, but medical services must be covered by the groups.

 Program Information

Day 1
14:00 – Arrival and free time.
18:00–20:00 – Dinner at the hotel.
21:00 – Free time.

Day 2
07:00–10:00 – Breakfast.
10:00–15:00 – Beach time or excursions in Pula.
18:30–20:00 – Dinner at the hotel.
21:00 – Meeting with the festival director.

Day 3
07:00–10:00 – Breakfast.
10:00–18:00 – Beach time or excursions in Rovinj.
18:00–20:00 – Dinner at the hotel.
21:00 – Festival presentation at the hotel.

Day 4
07:00–10:00 – Breakfast.
10:00–18:00 – Beach time or excursions in Rijeka.
18:00–20:00 – Dinner at the hotel.
21:00 – Festival evening.

Day 5
07:00–10:00 – Breakfast.
10:00–18:00 – Beach time or excursions in Rijeka.
18:00–20:00 – Dinner at the hotel.
21:00 – Party at the hotel.

Day 6
07:00–10:00 – Breakfast.
11:00 – Departure.

This festival in the beautiful coastal towns of Pula and Rovinj offers a unique experience filled with history, cultural celebration, and connections with fellow artists from around the globe. We look forward to welcoming you to “ISTRA FEST” 2025!

 Excursions Information

Boat Excursions

Fish Picnic Cres Island: Departure from Rabac port (45 min drive from Duga Uvala). Duration: whole day from 10:00 to 17:00. Large boat for up to 160 people, two decks, bar, and toilet. Includes grilled fish lunch (meat or vegetarian option available), salad, bread, 0.5L of wine, beer or juice, beach time at Dragozetići on Cres Island, music and animation on return, and sightseeing in Cres town. Bus transfer to Rabac is not included.

Panorama by Boat: Departure from Rabac port (45 min drive). Duration: 2 hours. Scenic ride along the Istrian Riviera and Kvarner Bay with views of Cres and Lošinj islands and hidden bays. Bus transfer to Rabac is not included.

Sightseeing Tours

Labin by Night: Medieval town of Labin (30 min drive). Includes guided tour, stories about history and architecture, and olive oil, wine, or grappa tasting. Bus transfer not included; minimum of 15 participants required.

Pula: City of Pula (30 min drive). Guided tour including the Arena amphitheater, Roman and Austro-Hungarian monuments, and possible street festivals. Entrance tickets and bus transfer not included; minimum of 15 participants required.

Rakalj Village: Small Istrian village (15 min drive). Includes a spectacular hill viewpoint, local heritage and culture presentation, and optional traditional food tasting at extra cost. Bus transfer not included; minimum of 15 participants required.

Gems of Istria: Visits to Rovinj, Poreč, Motovun, Svetvinčenat, and other locations. Includes tailored guided tours of coastal and inland villages, museums, and churches. Entrance tickets and bus transfer not included; minimum of 15 participants required.

National Park & Special Tours

Brijuni Croatian National Park: Departure from Fažana (45 min drive plus boat transfer included). Includes stunning nature, archaeological sites, and an open-air zoo. Bus transfer to Fažana not included; discounts available for children and elderly participants.

Other options:
Venice Boat Trip: Full day, higher cost.
Plitvice Lakes Trip: Full day, higher cost.