WorldFestivalAssociation

 INVITATION

 With pleasure, we invite you to participate in the XXII International Christmas Choir Festival “St. Kliment Ohridski,” taking place from 05 – 08 December 2025 in the historic city of Ohrid, N.Macedonia.

 Ohrid  - is one of the oldest settlements  in Macedonia. According to famous television game show “who wants to be a millionaire “ in 2007 on British Television, Ohrid is declared as the oldest city in the world, with continuous civilization advancement! Indeed, according to many historians, Lychnidos-the city of light (the ancient name of Ohrid ) was build in the 4th century B.C, but humans have lived there for more than 8.000 years.Here in Ohrid, from its beginning until today, life still goes on, without ending. That is why it‘s also called “the kingdom of archaeologists”.

This small city seemed to be irresistible for great ancient rulers and kings, such as the legendary Phoenician prince Cadmus who build it, Fillip 2 of Macedon who once conquered and reconstructed it, Alexander the Great who enjoyed in it, tsar Samuel who ruled from it and many more.

However, Ohrid is the only place in the world where 2 recognized saints actually lived in the same time - St. Clement of Ohrid (840-916) and St.Naum of Ohrid (830-910), putting an extremely strong stamp of their existence.

These 2 exceptional persons, the best students of Cyril and Methodius, were in fact the most educated persons in the world in their time. Among other achievements, they will always be remembered as establishers of the first University in Europe (893), located in Ohrid Old Town, long before the University in Bologna (1088). Besides that, St. Clement and St. Naum of Ohrid were founders of the Cyrillic Alphabet. As a result of their creativity and incredible work, today more then 200 million people still use this alphabet, mostly in Southeast and Eastern Europe.

Ancient ruins, beautiful amphitheatre, 3 citadel walls, St.Sofia Cathedral, St.Jovan Kaneo church, an important pilgrimage place. Breathtaking setting on a plateau over Ohrid Lake and Galicica mountain towering from behind. St.Naum monaster (one of the most beautiful monasteries in Macedonia)  was founded in the 910 by St.Naum, but the present-day church was built in the 16th c. Of the original church just the side chapel with the grave of St.Naum still stands), gallery of exclusive icons, museums, workshops for hand-made paper, woodcarving and famous Ohrid pearls, are among hundreds sites for tourists worth to visit. There is also a strong Roman connection to the city, since Lychnidos was along the famous route Via Egnatia, build in the 2nd century B.C., connecting the Adriatic and Aegean sea. Considering the number of churches located in the Old town  (365 churches according to the immemorial legend, for local people to celebrate every single day by honouring another saint), Ohrid is called “the Balkan Jerusalem”, successfully playing the role as the biggest pilgrimage spot for all the Orthodox Christians in the world.

 Today Ohrid is a cultural, spiritual and tourist centre. And finally, as the crowning glory of its values, Ohrid and Lake Ohrid have been named a world cultural and natural heritage listed city under the protection of UNESCO since 1980.

Lake Ohrid is one of Europe’s deepest and according to most experts the oldest lake in Europe. The importance of the lake was further emphasized when it was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1979. Feel Ohrid for once in your life and you already know why you will return. For more information visit www.ohridinfo.mk 

 PARTICIPATION INFORMATION

- The choirs mixed, mails or womens are invited to participate

 - Each choir must prepare program of duration 12–15 minutes

 - Singing performance will be held in the evening, allowing time for excursions and sightseeing during the day.

 - Maximum number of participants per group: 50 members, including performers, directors, and staff.

 - Each group must send a brief CV and 2–3 photos, and bring their national flag.

 - Groups are responsible for their own transportation to and from Ohrid. 

Participation fee:

- 99 EUR per person for 3 nights with Half Board (HB) — includes breakfast and dinner in standard 3* hotels

- 115 euro for 3 nights with HB (breakgast and dinner) in 4 star hotels includes breakfast and dinner open buffet

Hotels like Delux Apartments, Hotel De Lago, Klimetica, Mizo hotel, Montenegrin hotel and other similars hotel..

Extended Stay:

 Additional night: 29 - 26 EUR per person (HB)(depends of the hotel category

 Tourist tax: 1 EUR per person per day (additional charge)

  Bus parking free 

 PROGRAM

Day 1 

 13:00 – Arrival in Ohrid and hotel accommodation

 19:00 – 20:00 – Dinner at the hotel

 20:00 – Meeting with the festival director

Day 2 

 09:00 – 11:00 – Breakfast

 11:00 – 14:00 – Ohrid sightseeing (St. Sofia Church, Samoil Fortress, Antique Theatre, Plaosnik, St. Kaneo Church, Bridge of Wishes)

 18:30 – Festival Evening – Choir performances in the city (a cappella)

Day 3 

 09:00 – 10:00 – Breakfast

 11:00 – Singing performance in the church

 13:00 – 16:30 – Boat cruise on Lake Ohrid with visit to Museum on Water and St. Naum Monastery (optional)

 18:00 – 20:00 – Dinner at the hotel

 21:00 – 00:00 – Social gathering or Macedonian evening

Day 4 

 09:00 – Breakfast

 11:00 – Departure of participants

 COMMUNICATION STEPS

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

Step 2 — ConfirmationYou’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.

Festival Highlights

See videos of performances on our official YouTube playlist:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8RE8ufsZ314XlMCPlIopR8k-vDOzb4uG

 EXCURSIONS

Excursions are optional and provide participants a chance to explore Ohrid’s cultural treasures:

Ohrid City Tour (included)

 Visit landmarks like St. Sofia Church, Samoil Fortress, Antique Theatre, Plaosnik, and St. Kaneo.

Lake Ohrid Cruise to St. Naum (optional) 

 Boat tour with visit to Museum on Water and Monastery of St. Naum

Reviews from the groups: 

This festival has review of 12 choirs and average estimation is EXELLNT- 8,8/10