WorldFestivalAssociation

INVITATION

We warmly invite youth choral groups of all types, including male, female, and mixed choirs, to participate in the XI International Ohrid Youth Choir Festival, taking place in Ohrid, Macedonia. This festival, organized by the Association of Culture and Art “Models” and the Youth Culture Center in cooperation with national institutions, the Ohrid Municipality, and the World Festival Association, provides an exceptional opportunity for young singers to perform in inspiring historical locations, build international friendships, and showcase their cultural heritage.

The festival is non-competitive, open to all choirs with no age limit. Each group may include up to 50 members, including singers, managers, and musicians. Groups are required to bring their national flag, arrange their own transport, and maintain personal health insurance.

 PARTICIPATION INFORMATION

Every participating choir must submit an application form, including a recent photograph of the choir and conductor, and an audio recording (via website link or postal mail).

The festival includes three sections: Section One – Open-air performances (15–20 minutes in public locations), Section Two – Pop Music (8–12 minutes of choral arrangements), Section Three – Folk Music (8–12 minutes of choral arrangements). Each choir must perform in at least two sections.

The festival provides one free participant for every 24 registered, souvenirs, a certificate of attendance, and a festival statue for each choir. Groups are responsible for transport, legal rights to music performed, and insurance. 

 ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION

WOFA offers a selection of city-center and lakeside hotels, each with Bed & Breakfast (BB), Half Board (HB), and Full Board (FB) options.

Hotel Delago & District Villa – Main recommendation for central location, limited availability. Double rooms with breakfast and dinner included. Rooms allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Bed & Breakfast Rates: 3 nights/4 days – 99 € per person, 4 nights/5 days – 132 € per person, 5 nights/6 days – 164 € per person. Additional day: 35 € per person.

Half Board Rates: 3 nights/4 days – 114 € per person, 4 nights/5 days – 149 € per person, 5 nights/6 days – 189 € per person. Additional day: 40 € per person.

Bus parking is available for 20 € per day.

Hotel Desaret & International – 3-star lakeside hotel with outdoor pool, partially renovated, located 14.2 km from Ohrid city center.

Half Board Rates: 3 nights/4 days – 119 € per person, 4 nights/5 days – 144 € per person, 5 nights/6 days – 179 € per person. Additional day: 36 € per person.

Full Board Rates: 3 nights – 128 € per person, 4 nights – 159 € per person, 5 nights – 194 € per person. Additional day: 41 € per person. Extra double room: 8 € per person/day.

Hotel Mizo – Lakeside hotel with BB and HB options.

BB Rates: 3 nights/4 days – 104 € per person, 4 nights/5 days – 136 € per person, 5 nights/6 days – 164 € per person. Additional day: 33 € per person.

HB Rates: 3 nights/4 days – 119 € per person, 4 nights/5 days – 154 € per person, 5 nights/6 days – 189 € per person. Additional day: 36 € per person.

Hotel De Luks Apartments

Half Board Rates: 3 nights – 89 € per person, 4 nights – 114 € per person.

Full Board Rates: 3 nights – 104 € per person, 4 nights – 134 € per person.

Additional 3 and 4-star hotels are available on request. Extra double room: 10 € per person/day, extra single room: 20 € per person/day. Tourist tax and insurance: 1 € per person/day.

Extended stay options are available for 30 € per person/day HB or 35 € per person/day FB. Special festival programs can be organized for extra days.

 PROGRAM INFORMATION

Day 1: Arrival in Ohrid after 13:00, hotel check-in, free activities. Lunch 14:00–15:00 if 3-meal option chosen. Dinner 19:00–21:00. Welcome reception with choir leaders at 21:00.

Day 2: Breakfast 09:00–10:00. Guided sightseeing 10:00–13:00 including St. Sofia Church, Samoil Fortress, Antique Theatre, Plaosnik, St. Kaneo Church, and Bridge of Wishes. Lunch 14:00–15:00. Dinner 19:00–21:00. Evening free time.

Day 3: Breakfast 09:00–10:00. Boat cruise on Ohrid Lake from 11:00–16:00, including Museum on Water and St. Naum (13 € per person). Dinner 18:30–19:30. Parade of ensembles in Old Town 20:00. Official opening 20:30.

Day 4: Breakfast 10:00–11:00. Sightseeing 10:00–13:00 including Stara Čaršija, Cinar tree, Biljanini Springs, Ohrid Pearl, old paper manufactory, or Struga city. Lunch 13:30–15:00. Dinner 18:00–20:00. Festival party 21:00–00:00.

Day 5: Breakfast 09:00–10:00. Departure 11:00.

Optional Extended Stay: Includes visits to Struga, Vevcani Ethno Village, workshops, and evening parties. Day 6 may include beach parties, workshops, or city tours. Day 7 may include guided tours to Skopje city before 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.

 EXCURSIONS INFORMATION

Excursions include Ohrid city sightseeing, lake cruise to St. Naum with Museum on Water visit, and optional swimming. Extended excursions include Struga city tour, Vevcani Ethno Village, and optional trips to Skopje city.

 IMPORTANT DETAILS

Festival provides a stage for all performances, souvenirs, certificates of attendance, one free participant per 24 registered, drinks during performances, and free bus parking. Festival advertising through social media, newsletters, and posters is included.

Important details:

Location where the Festival take place: 

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Sbo6nL2WPk1iDTxR8

Festival Highlights

See videos of performances on our official YouTube playlist:

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

Personal responsibility and health insurance is required for all participants. First aid and hospital services will be available, but all medical costs must be covered by the group. The official festival program will be provided one month before arrival.

The festival provides free airport transfers from Ohrid Airport. Groups arriving from Skopje, Tirana, or Thessaloniki airports must cover transportation costs, with assistance provided by festival organizers. Visa assistance is also available.