WorldFestivalAssociation

I N V I T A T I O N

With pleasure we INVITE you (folk groups, Choral groups and orchestras majorette teams), (children, youth and adults groups) to participate on XI International  Music & Folk - Dance festival “AMASRA FESTIVAL DAYS ” 31 July,- 03 August 2026 Amasra -Bartin, TURKEY 

    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 trough dance and music in Bartin.

AMASRA (BARTIN PROVINCE) - is called "The apple of the eye of the world", a place where you can swim everywhere.

The historic progress of Bartin continues with the dominance of Roman Empire and Byzantine Empire and later with the dominance of Turkish Seljuks and Candarogullari State between 11th - 13th centuries AD. Bartin was conquered by the Ottoman sultan Yildirim Bayazit in 1392.

The wooden houses of Bartin display the architectural characteristics of the art movements after the Tanzimat Fermani (Reforms Decree). Temperate Black Sea naval climate is experienced in Bartin. Summer seasons are hot while winter seasons are chilly, and lots of rain of course which gives all of its green vegetation of the region. The Bartin River passing through the city gives way to boat trips in the city to catch a glimpse of perfect landscape.

This lovely city hosts strawberry festivals in spring. The city also has beaches of good quality. Inkum, a lovely setting with a holiday village and other facilities, has sandy beaches. Çarkaz, is a fishing village which has an excellent beach while at Kurucasile fishing boats are built. Amasra was founded in 6th century BC and its ancient name was Sesamos. It is one of the highest spots on the Black Sea Coast which displays unimaginable, fascinating beauties while traveling through. The city is located on a peninsula and the eastern side is especially good for swimming. The archaeological museum and Çekiciler Street are of interest, too. As a souvenir you may purchase hand-carved, wooden articles.

There are numerous ancient city ruins inside the borders of historic Paphlagonia region. Ancient cities of Sesamos (Amasra), Kromna (Kurucasile) and Erythinoi (Cakraz) are located inside the borders of Bartin.

The castle, two churches, bedesten, Kuskayasi Road Monument (Unique in the world) and inziva (seclusion) cave inside the city center are among the visual parts of the ancient city. The sections of the ancient city like forum, council palace, road of honor, theatre, acropolis, necropolis are below ground.

Kurucasile was also one of the locations which had the best viewing place for the last total solar eclipse of the 20th century which happened on 11th August 1999.

Festival program will be held on the sea promenada in BARTIN -AMASRA. 

 General rules :

-       is a non-competitive sample of traditional and modern dances, brass bands, orchestras, modern dance groups, choral groups and majorette teams.

-   Every Folklore,Choral group, majorette Team has the right to participate. Children's ensembles   Youth ensembles and adult ensembles 

-         On the festival may participate children,youth and adults folklore dance groups, modern dance groups, vocal groups, instrumental groups and soloists, as well as groups and performers from other art styles.

-         The number of participants are limited (only 3  groups from each country),

-         Each group should consist of most 55 members including dancers, managers , musicians and family numbers,

-         Ensemble should have prepared at least 2 folk dances, 10-15 minutes each with orchestra or USB. For choral groups should prepare free program about 15 minutes The 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.

-         To send us short CV and photos of the group,

-         To take a flag of the country,

-   Groups should have there own transport for arrival and departure

,PARTICIPATION FEE:

-  105€ per person 4 nights with 2 meals per day in Hostel accommodation in 2, 3 and 4 bed rooms

- 115€ per person 4 nights with 2 meals per day in 3* Hotel accommodation with pool in 2 and 3 bed rooms                     

PROGRAM

Day 1 Friday, July 31, 2026

2:00 PM Arrival at Bartın HOSTE or HOTEL 

4:00 PM Free time (Bartın) city tour, guided tour

6:30 PM Dinner, overnight stay

Day 2 Saturday, August 1, 2026

Breakfast 8:30-9:30 AM

10:00 AM Departure to Kurucaşile, 1 hour away, free time for sun and sea activities

6:30 PM Dinner / Kurucaşile

7:30 PM Festival preparations, dressing in local attire. 8:30 PM The festival's opening ceremony will be held with a

procession in front of the municipal facilities. 9:00 PM Group performances. 10:00 PM Return to hostel or hotel

10:30 PM (Bartın) Overnight

3 Days Sunday, August 2, 2026

8:30 AM Breakfast, 9:30 AM Breakfast

10:00 AM Departure to Kurucaşile and free time (sea and sand activities)

6:30 PM Dinner

7:30 PM Dressing in local costume

9:00 PM Group show, performance on stage

10:00 PM Return to hostel or hotel

4 Days Monday, August 3, 2026

Breakfast 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM

10:00 AM Departure to Amasra and free time (sea and sand activities)

6:30 PM Dinner

8:30 PM Festival closing gala, Grant Astra Hotel, entertainment

5      Days Tuesday, August 4, 2026

8:30 AM - Breakfast 9:30 AM, check-out time 12:00 PM

Festival organizers provide:

-         for 22 dancers – one gratis,

-         souvenir and gift for each group,

-         Certificate for attendance,

-         Welcome reception,

-   drinks during performance

-         free parking

- -        advertising of the festival (press release, news letters, posters)

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

 After Groups arrived in Hotel will be given detailed program of the festival and each group will have guide during festival.

    After the festival finish organizers will send you link of the photos and videos from the festival program for each group and photos..

   The festival will organize the transport for the groups coming by plane by picking them  from airport. 

Number of seats is limited on 300!!

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Reviews from the groups: 

This festival has review of 9 groups and average estimation is VERY GOOD - 8,8/10