WorldFestivalAssociation

INVITATION

“ST. KLIMENT OHRIDSKI” choir festival is the most significant and dedicated choir festival in the region. Organizers of the festival are: Association of Culture and Art “Models”, Youth Culture Center in cooperation with Municipality of Ohrid and World Festival Association.

With pleasure we INVITE you (Children’s, Youth & Adults Choral groups) to participate in the XXXI International Choir Festival “St. Kliment Ohridski” in Ohrid which will be held on 04 – 08 August 2025.

The intention of our invitation is to celebrate together the day of St. Kliment Ohridski, 08 August, Patron of Ohrid city, in Ohrid (city of St. Kliment and St. Naum – best students of St. Cyril & Methodius). The festival’s light motive is to present and promote choral music of different countries, exchange experience, and provide an opportunity for group members to connect, establish friendships, and present their culture.

 PARTICIPATING CONDITIONS

The number of participants is limited. Each group should consist of no more than 70 members including singers, managers, and musicians. The age of participants is not limited.

Choirs should have prepared at least 2 performances for two sections, 8-14 minutes each, with or without instruments. Groups must send a short CV and photos by mail and bring the flag of their country. Choir groups are responsible for their own transport for arrival and departure.

 REGULATIONS

Every choir, singing formation, and orchestra has the right to participate — children’s choirs, youth choirs, and adult choirs.

To apply, the application form must be sent including a photograph of the choir and conductor, as well as a recent audio recording. Requested materials can be sent by email, uploaded to the group’s website, or sent by post.

The festival is non-competitive and has 3 sections:

Section one – obligatory performance – open air. Groups perform a 15-20 minute program of their choice at several outdoor public locations.
Section two – spiritual music, with choral arrangements of spiritual songs lasting 8-14 minutes.
Section three – pop or folk music, with choral arrangements of pop or folk songs lasting 8-14 minutes.

All choirs are required to perform in at least two sections.

By applying, choirs agree to respect the legal rights of the authors of the works performed and grant the festival the right to use any material recorded during the event.

Festival program will be held at outdoor public locations — historical places in Ohrid and Struga cities and cultural centers.

 ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION

To ensure a comfortable and memorable stay, several hotel options are available in the center and on the lakeside.

Hotel Delago & District Villa (Main recommendation – strict center)
Located just 100 meters from Ohrid’s main square, this 4-star hotel offers double rooms with breakfast and dinner. Availability is limited.
Link:https://delago-hotel.carrd.co/

Prices:
Bed & Breakfast (BB)
3 nights / 4 days: 99 EUR
4 nights / 5 days: 132 EUR
5 nights / 6 days: 164 EUR

Half Board (HB – breakfast & dinner)
3 nights / 4 days: 114 EUR
4 nights / 5 days: 149 EUR
5 nights / 6 days: 189 EUR

Bus parking: 20 EUR/day

 Hotel Desaret & Hotel International (Lakeside, 14.2 km from city center, pool)

Link:https://desaret-hotel.macedonia-hotels.com/en/

Half Board (HB)
3 nights: 119 EUR
4 nights: 144 EUR
5 nights: 179 EUR
Additional day: 36 EUR

Full Board (FB)
3 nights: 128 EUR
4 nights: 159 EUR
5 nights: 194 EUR
Additional day: 41 EUR

Extra double room: 8 EUR/person/day

 Hotel Mizo (Lakeside hotel with beach access)

Link:https://hotelmizo.com.mk/en/

Bed & Breakfast (BB)
3 nights: 104 EUR
4 nights: 136 EUR
5 nights: 164 EUR
Additional day: 33 EUR

Half Board (HB)
3 nights: 119 EUR
4 nights: 154 EUR
5 nights: 189 EUR
Additional day: 36 EUR

 Hotel De Luks Apartments (Modern apartment-style hotel)

Half Board (HB)
3 nights: 91 EUR
4 nights: 119 EUR

Full Board (FB)
3 nights: 109 EUR
4 nights: 139 EUR

 Additional Central 3 & 4-Star Hotels

For other options, please contact us. Various room types (double, triple, quadruple) are available. Prices will be provided upon request after application.

Extra double room: 10 EUR/person/day
Extra single room: 20 EUR/person/day

 INSURANCE

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

 TRANSPORTATION

The festival organizes transport for groups arriving by plane, with pickups from Ohrid airport and return transfers. Transport during festival days will also be arranged. You can also arrive via Skopje, Tirana, or Thessaloniki airports (about 200 km from Ohrid). Transportation costs are covered by the group and will be agreed upon according to group size. Transfers from Ohrid airport to hotels are free of charge. Visa assistance can be provided if necessary.

 PROGRAM INFORMATION

Day 1
12:00 – 14:00 Arrival in Ohrid, hotel accommodation, swimming in Ohrid Lake.
14:00 – 15:00 Lunch in hotel.
19:00 – 21:00 Dinner in hotel.
21:00 Welcome reception with group leaders.

Day 2
08:00 – 10:00 Breakfast.
10:00 – 14:00 Ohrid sightseeing, visiting cultural monuments including Samoil Fortress, Antique Theatre, Plaosnik, St. Kaneo Church.
18:00 – 20:30 Dinner in hotel.
21:00 Official opening of the festival.

Day 3
09:00 – 10:00 Breakfast.
10:00 – 14:00 Visit St. Sophia Church (with singing), Stara Čaršija, Biljanini Izvori, Ohrid Pearl, manufactory of old paper, shopping.
14:00 – 15:00 Lunch in hotel.
18:30 – 20:30 Dinner in hotel.
21:00 Festival evening – singing in the city (a cappella).

Day 4
09:00 – 10:00 Breakfast.
11:00 – 15:30 Boat cruise on Ohrid Lake, visiting Museum on Water and St. Naum Monastery, swimming at popular beach (Optional).
19:00 – 20:00 Dinner in hotel.
21:00 Party in hotel.

Day 5
09:00 – 10:00 Breakfast.
12:00 Departure of participants.

OPTIONAL – If you stay more days…

Day 6
09:00 – 10:00 Breakfast.
10:30 – 14:00 Visit Struga city (Optional - House of Miladinovci brothers, river Crni Drim, Kalista Church).
14:00 – 15:00 Lunch in hotel and free activities (swimming, bathing).
20:00 – 21:00 Dinner in hotel.
21:00 Singing in Struga city or Macedonian evening party.

Day 7
09:00 – 10:00 Breakfast.
10:30 – 14:00 Free activities (sunbathing, swimming in Ohrid Lake, walking in city square) or visit Vevcani Ethno Village (Optional) .
14:00 – 15:00 Lunch in hotel and free time.
20:00 – 21:00 Dinner in hotel.
21:00 – 00:00 Party in hotel.

Day 8
08:00 – 09:00 Breakfast.
09:00 – 14:00 Departure to Skopje city with guides, visiting monuments of Alexander the Great, Museum of Macedonian Struggle, Macedonian Gate, Stone Bridge, Memorial Centre of Holocaust.
14:00 Departure from Skopje city.

 EXCURSIONS INFORMATION

Ohrid is a cultural, spiritual, and tourist center with a stunning lakeside and rich historical and natural attractions. During the festival, participants can enjoy guided excursions to significant cultural sites including Samoil Fortress, Antique Theatre, St. Kaneo Church, and St. Naum Monastery. Participants will also have opportunities for swimming, shopping, and enjoying local cuisine at traditional restaurants. Optional excursions to nearby cities and attractions are available for those wishing to extend their stay.