XXII international Music& Dance Festival DURRES PARADISE
Location: DURRES, Albania
Director: Z.S.&WOFA
Application Deadline: 1 August, 2025
INVITATION
We invite folk ensembles, choral groups, brass bands, orchestras, majorette teams and other performing groups (children, youth, and adult groups) to participate in the XII International Music & Dance Festival “DURRES PARADISE” in Durres, Albania.
This non-competitive festival aims to present traditional and modern dances and music, fostering cultural exchange and friendships among participants from different countries, all performed in public spaces like streets and squares.
Festival Information
XII International Music & Dance Festival “DURRES PARADISE”
Durres, ALBANIA
All Performing Arts
Participation Information
Only 3 groups per country can participate. Each group can include up to 70 members, including dancers, musicians, managers, and family. Folk ensembles should prepare 2 dances, 10–15 minutes each, with live or USB accompaniment. Choral groups should prepare a free program of 15 minutes.
Groups must send a short CV, 5 photos, and a video link, and bring their national flag. Each group should arrange its own transport for arrival and departure.
Festival organizers provide for every 24 dancers, 1 participant free of charge, as well as souvenirs, certificates, a welcome reception, complimentary drinks during performances, free parking, and festival promotion.
Accommodation Information
Accommodation will be at the 5-star Hotel Bonita located directly on the beach, with an outdoor pool, spa, gym, and elegant double and triple rooms for participants.
Participation fees are
- 135 EUR per person for 3 nights with 2 meals per day (half-board) or
- 175 EUR per person for 4 nights with 2 meals per day.(two meals per day - open buffet) Additional double rooms are available upon request for an extra 10 EUR per person per night.
Groups can extend their stay for 47 EUR per person per night on a half-board basis.
Tourist tax and insurance are 1 EUR per person per day, paid separately.
Program Information
Day 1
13:00 – Arrival, hotel check-in, and beach time.
18:00–19:00 – Dinner (buffet).
21:00 – Welcome meeting with leaders of the group
Day 2
09:00–10:00 – Breakfast.
11:00–12:00 – Meeting with Festival Director.
18:00–19:00 – Dinner.
19:30–23:00 – Parade and Opening Ceremony in Durres’ main square, followed by each group’s performance (12–15 minutes).(Certificates and presents)
Day 3
09:00–10:00 – Breakfast.
10:30–15:00 – Beach time or Krujë excursion.
18:00–20:00 – Dinner.
21:00 – Party with all participants in Hotel Bonita
Day 4
09:00–10:00 – Breakfast.
10:30–15:00 – Beach time or Tirana excursion.
17:00–18:00 – Dinner.
21:00 – Free time in Durres
Day 5
09:00–11:00 – Breakfast.
11:00 – 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, and free time to relax in nature.