XXIV International Music & Dance Festival DURRES WAVES
Location: DURRES, Albania
Director: Z.S.&WOFA
Application Deadline: 15 July, 2025
INVITATION
With pleasure we INVITE folk ensembles, choral groups, orchestras, brass bands, majorette teams and other performing groups (children, youth and adult groups) to participate in the XXIV International Music & Dance Festival “DURRES WAVES” from 24 to 28 August 2025 in Durrës, Albania.
The intention of our invitation and the festival’s 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 to present their culture 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.
Festival Information
XXIV International Music & Dance Festival “DURRES WAVES”
24 – 28 August 2025
Durres, ALBANIA
All Performing Arts
from 149 €
Director: Z.S. & WOFA
Deadline: 20 July 2025
General Rules
The festival is non-competitive and includes traditional and modern dances, brass bands, orchestras, modern dance groups, choral groups, majorette teams, instrumental groups, soloists, and performers from other art styles. Participation is open to children’s, youth and adult ensembles. Only 3 groups from each country are allowed to participate. Each group may consist of up to 70 members, including dancers, managers, musicians, and family members. Folk ensembles must prepare at least two folk dances, each lasting 10–15 minutes, with orchestra or USB accompaniment. Choral groups should prepare a free program lasting approximately 15 minutes. Groups are required to send a short CV and 5 photos of their group, and they must bring a flag of their country. Own transport must be arranged for arrival and departure. Groups are encouraged to take part in the historical tours and excursions available during the festival.
Accommodation Information
Accommodation will be provided at popular hotel resorts in Durrës, offering comfortable facilities for the participants.
Participation fee is 149 euro for 4 HB per person (5 days / 4 nights with 2 meals – open buffet) in resorts like Hotel Kolavery, Hotel Orient, Hotel Skampa. For leaders and drivers rooms are 2/2, then triple and quadruple rooms for other participants. Additional double rooms are on request and cost 10 euro per person per day additional payment. Hotel resorts have their own swimming pool and private beach.
After the festival ends, participants can extend their stay at the hotel at a special rate of 34 euro per person (half board).
Festival organizers provide for 24 dancers – one gratis, souvenir and gift for each group, certificate for attendance, drinks during performance, free parking and advertising of the festival (press release, newsletters, posters).
Tourist tax and insurance are 1 euro per person per day and are additional payment.
Insurance
Personal responsibility and health insurance are mandatory for each group. The festival will ensure First Aid and medical services on-site, but these services must be covered by the group.
Program Information
Day 1 (Arrival)
13:00 – Arrival in Durrës, hotel accommodation and free time (beach time).
18:00 – 19:00 – Dinner (buffet) at the hotel.
Free time for rest and relaxation.
Day 2 (Festival Activities Begin)
09:00 – 10:00 – Breakfast (buffet).
11:00 – 15:00 – Free time for beach or excursions.
18:00 – 19:00 – Dinner.
21:00 – Meeting with the festival director at the hotel.
Day 3 (Festival Performances and Workshops)
09:00 – 10:00 – Breakfast (buffet).
10:30 – 15:00 – Free time for beach or a visit to the historic city of Kruje.
19:00 – 20:00 – Dinner.
20:30 – 23:00 – Festival evening with performances and a workshop on different dances.
Day 4 (Departure or Extension)
09:00 – 10:00 – Breakfast (buffet).
11:00 – Departure of participants.
Optional Extended Stay
10:30 – 15:00 – Beach time.
19:00 – 21:00 – Dinner (buffet) in the hotel.
21:00 – Party at the hotel.
Day 5
Breakfast and departure.
Excursions Information
BERAT – UNESCO Full-Day Tour (15 guests required)
Hotel pick up/drop off, transport, raki shot, certified guide. Visit Berat Castle, Onufri Museum (optional), Ethnographic Museum (optional), Bachelors & King Mosque, Halveti Tekke, walking tour, coffee break, optional lunch, and explore Kala neighborhood.
KRUJA Half-Day Tour (15 guests required)
Hotel pick up/drop off, transport, certified guide. Visit Kruja Castle, Old Bazaar, Skanderbeg Museum (optional), Ethnographic Museum (optional), walking tour, free time for lunch.
TIRANA & KRUJA Full-Day Tour (15 guests required)
Hotel pick up/drop off, transport, certified guide. Visit Mother Teresa Square, Clock Tower, Et’hem Bey Mosque, Skanderbeg Square, Bunk’Art 2 (optional), Kruja Castle, Old Bazaar, Skanderbeg Museum (optional).
TIRANA Half-Day Tour (15 guests required)
Hotel pick up/drop off, transport, certified guide. Visit Mother Teresa Square, Bllok Area, Clock Tower, Et’hem Bey Mosque, Skanderbeg Square, History Museum (optional), Bunk’Art 2 (optional). Walking tour and optional museum visits.
Divjakë-Karavasta National Park Full-Day Tour (15 guests required)
Hotel pick up/drop off, boat, transport, all entry tickets, certified guide. Visit the National Park, 360° Wooden Observation Tower, Karavasta Lagoon by boat, Butterfly Museum, free time to relax in nature.