WorldFestivalAssociation

INVITATION

With pleasure we INVITE Folk Ensembles, Choral Groups, Brass Bands, Orchestras, Modern Dance Groups, and Majorette Teams (children, youth, and adult groups) participate in XXV International Music & Dance Festival “DURRES WAVES”, in Durres, Albania from 25-30 August 2026

The intention of our invitation and the 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 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.The festival is open for folk and choir ensembles, as well as orchestras and majorettes regardless of the members gender and age.

Durrës, one of Albania’s oldest and most captivating coastal cities, beautifully merges ancient heritage with vibrant seaside life. Situated on the Adriatic Sea, it is known for its long sandy beaches, lively promenade, and rich history dating back over 3,000 years. The city’s centerpiece, the Roman Amphitheatre—one of the largest in the Balkans—stands as a testament to its glorious past. Strolling through Durrës reveals a blend of Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian influences alongside modern cafés, seafood restaurants, and a bustling marina. With its golden sunsets and Mediterranean charm, Durrës offers the perfect mix of history, leisure, and coastal beauty.

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 three groups per country may 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 (10–15 minutes each) with orchestra or USB accompaniment.

Choral groups should prepare a free program lasting about 15 minutes.

Groups are required to send a short CV and five photos and to bring their national flag.

Own transport must be arranged for arrival and departure.

Participants are encouraged to join historical tours and excursions during the festival.
Groups must arrange their own transportation for arrival and departure.
Budget-friendly flights to Tirana International Airport are available via Wizz Air and Ryanair.

Participation Fees:

- €139 per person for 3 nights (HB – 2 meals per day)
- €178 per person for 4 nights (HB – 2 meals per day)
- €219 per person for 5 nights (HB – 2 meals per day)

Extra nights: €42 per person per night (HB basis), Double room supplement: €10 per person per day Single room supplement: €20 per person per day

Room Options: Double and triple rooms, with additional double rooms available upon request for €10 per room per night. 

Accomodation in 3* hotel resort like Hotel resort Kolavery ( with outdoor swimming pool and own beach), Hotel Sorrento and similar hotels in triple and quadriple rooms and 2/2 rooms for leaders and drivers) 

Festival organizers provide:

For 25 dancers – one gratis

Souvenir and gift for each group

Welcome cocktail with leaders

Certificate for attendance

Drinks during the performance

Advertising of the festival (press release, social media promotion, posters and flayers)

Free parking

Insurance: Groups must have their own personal responsibility and health insurance.

First aid and medical services will be available and covered by the group.

A tourist tax of 1 EUR per person per day is an additional cost.

Transportation: for groups who are coming by plane, we can arrange transport from Tirana airport to Durres. (Paid additionally).

Program Information

Day 1:
13:00 – Arrival in Durrës, hotel accommodation, free time (beach)
18:00 – 19:00 – Dinner at the hotel
Free evening for rest and relaxation

Day 2:
09:00 – 10:00 – Breakfast
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:
09:00 – 10:00 – Breakfast
10:30 – 15:00 – Free time or optional visit to the historic city of Kruja
19:00 – 20:00 – Dinner
20:30 – 23:00 – Festival evening with performances and dance workshop

Day 4:
09:00 – 10:00 – Breakfast
11:00 – Departure of participants

Optional Extended Stay:
10:30 – 15:00 – Beach time
19:00 – 21:00 – Dinner
21:00 – Hotel party

Day 5:
Breakfast and departure

COMMUNICATION STEPS

Step 1 — Apply Fill out the online application form with your group details.

Step 2 — Confirmation You’ll instantly receive an email confirming we got your application.

Step 3 — Application Number Within 2 days you’ll receive your Application Number and required materials list.

Step 4 — Review WOFA reviews your application and checks availability.

Step 5 — Acceptance If accepted, you’ll receive an Invitation Letter and deposit instructions.

Deposit must be paid within 10 days.

Step 6 — Secure Your Spot Send us your deposit confirmation. Your participation is officially confirmed.

Step 7 — Finalization A WOFA coordinator will guide you through the final steps: participant list, travel details, and performance info.

 The official festival program will be provided one month before arrival.

Festival Highlights

See videos of performances on our official YouTube playlist:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8RE8ufsZ316vYNOijWI2d2Rjq-OaT24M

Excursions Information

BERAT – UNESCO Full-Day Tour (15 participants minimum)
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage city of Berat, known for its white Ottoman houses, ancient fortress, and rich history.

KRUJA – Half-Day Tour (15 participants minimum)
Visit the historic town of Kruja, Skanderbeg’s fortress, and the famous Ottoman bazaar.

TIRANA & KRUJA – Full-Day Tour (15 participants minimum)
Discover both Albania’s vibrant capital and the historic city of Kruja, combining culture and history.

TIRANA – Half-Day Tour (15 participants minimum)
Explore Albania’s colorful capital, including Skanderbeg Square and its diverse architectural styles.

Divjakë-Karavasta National Park – Full-Day Tour (15 participants minimum)
Visit the natural beauty of Divjakë-Karavasta National Park, home to the rare Dalmatian pelican and rich ecosystems of wetlands and forests.

NEWS FROM THE FESTIVAL                                            Published on 05.09.2025

From  30-03 September  2025 in Durres  was held  XXV International Music & Dance Festival “DURRES WAVES”,with great success.

At the festival over 300 participants from Portugal, Romania, Bulgaria, and Albania

On the welcome reception with the leaders of the groups on 30 August director of the festival Mr Zoran Strezovski wished them welcome in the beautiful city and explained the detailed program.

On 01 September festival evening was held on the stage of the city of Durres where all ensembles had their performances. Organizers of the festivals were WOFA - World Festival Association

In 2023 the festival had over 250 participants and 6 ensembles from 4 EU countries..

NUMBER OF SEATS IS LIMITED on 300 participants and 8 ensembles!!

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Reviews from the groups:

This festival has review of 5 groups and average estimation is EXCELLENT - 9,1/10