WorldFestivalAssociation

INVITATION

With pleasure we invite folk ensembles, choral groups, orchestras, brass bands, majorette teams, and other artistic groups—including children, youth, and adult groups—to participate in the XXIII International Music & Folk-Dance Festival “DURRES HARMONY”, which will be held from 4–8 July 2025 in Durres, Albania.

The aim of the festival is to present the cultural traditions of different countries and to create opportunities for participants to make friendships and share their culture through dance and music. The idea is to bring music closer to the people, with performances on the streets and squares of Durres.

The festival is open to folk and choir ensembles, orchestras, majorette teams, modern dance groups, brass bands, instrumental groups, soloists, and performers from other art styles, regardless of members’ gender or age.

 Festival Highlights

Non-competitive festival showcasing traditional and modern dances and music.

Performances in public squares and streets of Durres, bringing music directly to the audience.

Special welcome party, workshop on learning traditional dances, and excursions exploring Albanian history and culture.

Festival promotion through press releases, newsletters, and posters.

Participation open to all groups, though limited to three groups per country.

 Participation Details

Each group may include up to 70 members, including dancers, musicians, managers, and family members.

Groups must prepare at least two folk dances, each lasting 10–15 minutes, performed with orchestra or USB.

Choral groups should prepare a free program of about 12–15 minutes.

Groups must send a short CV and five photos for festival promotion.

Each group should bring its national flag.

Groups must arrange their own transport for arrival and departure.

No overall limit on participation, but only three groups per country can join.

 Accommodation & Participation Fee

Accommodation is provided in quality hotel resorts in Durres, such as Hotel Sorrente, Hotel Kolavery Resort, Orient Hotel, Hotel Blue Sky, and similar hotels with amenities like swimming pools and private beaches.

Participation fee is 99 EUR per person for three nights with half board (breakfast and dinner).

Participation fee is 129 EUR per person for four nights with half board.

Leaders and drivers will be accommodated in double rooms.

Participants will stay in triple and quadruple rooms with private bathrooms.

Double rooms are available on request for an additional 10 EUR per person per day.

Special rate to extend your stay after the festival: 34 EUR per person per day (half board in 3-star hotels).

Tourist tax and insurance are 1 EUR per person per day, payable additionally.

 Participation Fee Includes

One free package for every 24 dancers.

Souvenirs and gifts for each group.

Certificate of attendance.

Drinks during performances.

Free parking.

Festival promotion through press releases, newsletters, and posters.

 Insurance

Each group is responsible for arranging personal liability and health insurance.

First aid and medical services will be available during the festival, but all medical costs must be covered by the group.

 Festival Program

Day 1 (4 July 2025):
Arrival in Durres around 13:00, hotel check-in and free beach time.
Dinner (buffet) at the hotel from 18:00 to 19:00.
Meeting with the festival director at 21:00.

Day 2:
Breakfast from 09:00 to 10:00.
Free time from 11:00 to 15:00 (beach or optional excursion).
Dinner from 18:00 to 19:00.
Welcome party with all participants at 21:00.

Day 3:
Breakfast from 09:00 to 10:00.
Optional excursion to Kruja from 10:30 to 15:00.
Dinner from 18:00 to 19:00.
Festival evening in Durres Square starting at 19:30.

Day 4:
Breakfast from 09:00 to 10:00.
Free time from 10:30 to 15:00 (beach or other activities).
Dinner (buffet) from 17:00 to 18:00.
Workshop on learning traditional dances at 21:00.

Day 5:
Breakfast from 09:00 to 11:00.
Departure of participants at 11:00.

 Excursions Information

Berat – UNESCO Full-Day Tour (minimum 15 guests):
Includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, transport, certified guide, raki tasting, and visits to Berat Castle, Onufri Museum (optional), Ethnographic Museum (optional), Bachelors & King Mosque, Halveti Tekke, walking tour, coffee break, and optional lunch in the historic Kala neighborhood.

Kruja Half-Day Tour (minimum 15 guests):
Includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, transport, certified guide, and visits to Kruja Castle, the Old Bazaar, Skanderbeg Museum (optional), and Ethnographic Museum (optional), with walking tour and free time for lunch.

Tirana & Kruja Full-Day Tour (minimum 15 guests):
Includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, transport, certified guide, and visits to Mother Teresa Square, Clock Tower, Et’hem Bey Mosque, Skanderbeg Square, Bunk’Art 2 (optional), and Kruja Castle with Old Bazaar and Skanderbeg Museum (optional).

Tirana Half-Day Tour (minimum 15 guests):
Includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, transport, certified guide, and visits to Mother Teresa Square, Bllok Area, Clock Tower, Et’hem Bey Mosque, Skanderbeg Square, and optional visits to History Museum and Bunk’Art 2.

Divjakë-Karavasta National Park Full-Day Tour (minimum 15 guests):
Includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, boat trip on Karavasta Lagoon, all entry tickets, certified guide, visit to the 360° wooden observation tower, Butterfly Museum, and free time to relax in nature.

 Application & Payment Details

Groups must submit a completed application form.

A deposit of 30% of the total amount is required upon confirmation (non-refundable).

Final payment deadline is 15 June 2025.

 Join Us for an Unforgettable Festival in Durres!

Enjoy performances by the sea, discover Albanian culture and history, and celebrate music and dance with groups from around the world.