XVI. DIDIM INTERNATIONAL FOLK DANCE & MUSIC FESTIVAL
Location: DIDIM, Turkey
Director: .A.G. & WOFA
Application Deadline: 15 June, 2025
INVITATION
We are pleased to invite folk ensembles, choral groups, orchestras, brass bands, majorette teams, and other performing groups (children’s, youth, and adult) to participate in the 11th DIDIM International Folk Dance & Music Festival, taking place in the coastal city of Didim, Türkiye.
Conditions for Participation
- Open to: folk ensembles, choral groups, orchestras, brass bands, majorette teams, and similar performing groups (children, youth, adult).
- Age limit: participants must be 14 years or older.
- No limit on the number of dancers per group.
- Performance format: each group prepares a 5–10-minute program, either on playback or with live instruments.
- Flags & Photos: each group must bring its national flag and send at least three photos of the group along with the application.
- Transport: groups arrange and use their own transport from arrival until departure.
- Free parking is available for the entire festival period.
- Gifts: three commemorative gifts will be provided per group.
- Guide: each group is assigned a guide from arrival through departure.
- Protocol Visits: scheduled meetings with the Governor, the Mayor, and the Chamber of Commerce President.
- Post-Event Materials: after the festival ends, DAHOT will send each group a DVD of the festival program and a photo collection.
- Detailed Program: upon arrival at the hotel, every group receives a more detailed festival schedule.
- Participant List Deadline: submit full participant lists by 30 May 2025.
- The organizer reserves the right to modify the festival program if necessary.
Participation Fee & Accommodation
- €175 per person – covers 5 nights with Half Board (HB) (open-buffet breakfast and dinner each day).
- Accommodation: rooms with 2, 3, or 4 beds, each featuring a private bathroom.
- Hotel options (assigned by the organizing committee; final hotel allocation is at DAHOT’s discretion):
- Grand Didyma Hotel
- Meryemana Hotel
- Pamukkale Hotel
- Efsane Hotel
- Mood Hotel
- “20 + 1” offer: for every 20 paid participants, 1 participant is hosted free of charge.
Insurance
Each group must arrange its own personal responsibility and health insurance.
First aid and hospital services will be available locally, but any related costs must be covered by the group.
Places to Visit (Optional Sightseeing)
1. The Temple of Apollo
– Located a short distance from Didim’s city center. One of the largest ancient temples, it shares a twin-temple design with the Temple of Artemis and features the iconic stone-carved head of Medusa.
2. Altinkum Beach (at Night)
– A Blue Flag-awarded stretch of golden sand about 2 km from the city center. Perfect for evening strolls and night swims in the Aegean.
3. Didim Aqua Park
– Didim’s largest water park, a 10-minute drive from Altinkum, offering slides and attractions for all ages.
4. Didim Beach Clubs
– Beachside venues with small entrance fees, music, refreshments, and a lively atmosphere.
5. Miletus Museum & Ancient Ruins
– Explore Hellenistic-era remains, including the Theatre of Miletus (seating ~ 15,000), Baths of Faustina, Temple of Serapis, and the Ionic Stoa.
6. Boat Trips
– Daily cruises (May through October) depart from Didim’s harbor. Discover hidden beaches, natural bays, and practice water sports like scuba diving or fishing.
7. Didim Market
– Traditional bazaar selling fresh produce, spices, leather goods, textiles, and Turkish Delight.
How to Apply
- Submit the application form, including:
- Group name and category
- Complete participant list (on or before 30 May 2025)
- Three group photos (JPEG format)
- Proof of age eligibility
- Pay a 10% guarantee fee upon approval (deducted from the final payment).
- Finalize the remaining balance by the specified deadline (details provided upon registration).
ℹ️ Only fully completed applications, with photos and participant lists by 30 May 2025, are accepted.
⚠️ If your group must cancel after 30 May 2025, the guarantee fee will not be refunded.
Reviews & Ratings
This festival has been evaluated by 9 international groups, with an average rating of 8.1/10 (“Very Good”).
“A wonderful event full of music, hospitality, and seaside beauty!”
Limited Availability
NUMBER OF SEATS IS LIMITED – early registration is strongly recommended.