WorldFestivalAssociation

 INVITATION

We are pleased to INVITE folk ensembles, choral groups, orchestras, brass bands, majorette teams, and other performing groups (children, youth, and adult groups) to participate in the XXIII International Music & Folk-Dance Festival “MUSIC & SEA” from July 8 to 13, 2025, in Durrës, Albania.

The festival aims to present the cultural traditions of various countries and provides an opportunity for groups to foster new friendships and showcase their cultures through music and dance. The festival is open to participants regardless of age or gender.

 Festival Information

XXIII International Music & Dance Festival “MUSIC, SAND & SEA”
9 – 14 July, 2025
Durres, ALBANIA
All Performing Arts

 General Rules

Non-competitive festival for traditional and modern dance ensembles, brass bands, orchestras, modern dance groups, choral groups, majorette teams, instrumental groups, and soloists. Each group may consist of up to 70 members, including dancers, managers, musicians, and family members. Groups should prepare at least 2 folk dances, each 10–15 minutes in length, with orchestra or USB music. Choral groups should prepare a 15-minute free program. Required materials: Short CV and 5 photos of the group, and a flag of the country. Each group should arrange its own transport for arrival and departure. Limited participation: A maximum of 3 groups per country.

Accommodation Information

The festival offers accommodation in comfortable resorts such as Hotel Kolavery, Hotel Orient, and Hotel Blue Sky.

129 euro for 3 HB (3 nights with 2 meals) per person.
164 euro for 4 HB (4 nights with 2 meals) per person.

For leaders and other participants (e.g., drivers), rooms are available as 2/2, triple, or quadruple rooms with a private toilet. Additional double rooms can be requested for 8 euro per person per day. Additional double rooms are available upon request for an additional 15 euro per person per day. Hotel resorts feature their own swimming pool and private beach.

If desired, you can continue your stay in Durrës after the festival at a special rate of 39 euro HB in 3* hotels.

Tourist tax and insurance are 1 euro per person per day and must be paid additionally.

 Program Information

Day 1
13:00 – Arrival in Durrës, hotel accommodation, and free time (beach time).
18:00 – 19:00 – Dinner (buffet) in hotel.
21:00 – Meeting with the festival director in hotel.

Day 2
09:00 – 10:00 – Breakfast.
11:00 – 15:00 – Beach time or excursions.
18:00 – 19:00 – Dinner.
21:00 – Welcome party with all participants.

Day 3
09:00 – 10:00 – Breakfast.
10:30 – 15:00 – Beach time or visiting the historic city of Krujë and its monuments and museum.
18:00 – 19:00 – Dinner in hotel.
19:30 – Festival evening in the square in Durrës.

Day 4
09:00 – 10:00 – Breakfast.
10:30 – 15:00 – Beach time.
17:00 – 18:00 – Dinner.
21:00 – Workshop for learning different dances.

Day 5
09:00 – 10:00 – Breakfast.
10:30 – 15:00 – Beach time.
17:00 – 18:00 – Dinner.
21:00 – Farewell party.

Day 6
09:00 – 11:00 – Breakfast.
11:00 – Departure of participants.

 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, and free time to relax in nature.