WorldFestivalAssociation

 INVITATION 

With pleasure we INVITE you to participate on  XXVI International Choir Festival “St.Kliment Ohridski” `in Ohrid  which will be held on 04– 09 of August  2026.

 The intention of our invitation is to invite you to celebrate together the day of St. Kliment Ohridski, 08 of August, Patron of the Ohrid city, in Ohrid (city of St. Kliment and St.Naum – best students of St. Cyril & Methodius).  The Festival light motive is to present and promote choral music of different countries, exchange experience and to provide an opportunity for the members of groups to get together, to establish friendships and culture presentation.

Nowadays, Ohrid is cultural, spiritual and tourist centre. During this period there are a lot of tourists from Holland, Finland, Poland, Sweden, Germany, Serbia, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Turkey …Due to exceptional beauty and culture heritage  Ohrid Lake and Ohrid city is protected by UNECO. There are a lot of hotels, apartments, a lot of traditional restaurants and café, shops, entertainment. Ohrid&Struga during the summer period lives 24 hours. Ohrid lake coast is 35km with beautifully sands beach, tourist attractions and entertainment. Temperature of the water in the lake is 25C degree and it is suitable for swimming, diving, yachting ….. 

  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”.

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, St.Naum monaster (one of the most beautiful monasteries in Macedonia and an important pilgrimage place. Breathtaking setting on a plateau over Ohrid Lake and Galicica mountain towering from behind. It 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. More information on www.ohridinfo.mk

REGULATIONS

   Every choir, singing formation and orchestras has the right to participate. Children's choirs   Youth choirs and  adult choirs 

Application form must be sent, including a photograph of the choir and the conductor as well as a recent audio recording. The requested materials can be sent by email, recording audio can be put on your web site or send by post.

Festival  is not competitive and has 2 sections:

-Section one – obligatory  performance - Open air, ( is required to perform a 15-20 minute program of their choice at several outdoor public locations)

-Section two – Pop or Folk music (the program must contain choral arrangements of pop or folk songs or motives. The program should last 8-14 minutes.

      All choirs are required to perform in at least two sections.

    By applying to the Festival the choir agrees to respect and to regulate the legal rights of the authors of the works it performs and agrees to give right to the Festival to use any material recorded during the Festival.

Festival program will be held on the outdoor public location - historical places in Ohrid and Struga cities and Centres for culture.

 Program:

Day 1

13:00 Arrival in Ohrid, Welcome by the Organizer, meeting to discuss the program during the Festival, accommodation in a hotel

19:00 - 20:00 Dinner at the hotel

Day 2

09:00 - 10:00 Breakfast

10.00 - 14.00 Tour of Ohrid - visit to cultural monuments (Church of St. Sophia, 3 euro entrance fee, Samuel's Fortress, Ancient Theater, Plaoshnik, 2 euro entrance fee, St. Jovan Kaneo Church, Bridge of Desires...)

18:00 Dinner at the hotel

19:00 Parade (Old Town)

20.00 Official opening of the festival

- Welcome speech 

- Outdoor performance

- Festival evening, Dancing together of all groups

Day 3

09:00 - 10:00 Breakfast

10.00 - 15.30 Boat cruise on Lake Ohrid 20 euros organized ticket for groups, visit to the Water Museum and the most famous tourist resort, the monastery of St.Naum Ohridski

17:00 - 19:30 Dinner at the hotel -Parade of the participating Ensembles

20:00 Singing in the city (acapella)

Day 4

08:00 - 10:00 Breakfast

10.00 - 14.00 Visit to Stara Karšija, the oldest tree called - Cynar, BiljaniniIzvori, Ohrid pearl factory, shopping... or visit to Struga and Kališta

19:00 - 24:00 Macedonian joint dinner, portion of 2 meats with side dish, salad, appetizer, and unlimited drink, 25 euros per person, Live music, entertainment, Awarding of Certificates for participation in the Festival.

Day 5

09.00 Breakfast

11.00 Departure of the participants

OPTIONAL - If you stay more days 

Day 5

09.00 Breakfast

11.00 - 17.00 Beach time or Sightseeing Struga city or Pogradec in Albania

19.00 - 21.00 Dinner in hotel

Free time in the city

DAY 6

 09.00 Breakfast

11.00 Departure of the participants

ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION

To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay, WOFA offers several accommodation options in Ohrid:

Hotel Delago & District Villa - https://macedonian-hotels.mk/hotel/hotel-villa-de-lago-ohrid#google_vignette

Visit Hotel Delago

 Located 100 meters from Ohrid’s main square. 4-star hotel with double rooms and quality meals.

Hotel Delago – https://delago-hotel.carrd.co/
Visit District

Pricing Options:

BB (Bed & Breakfast): 

3 nights BB – 109 € per person

4 nights BB – 135 € per person

5 nights BB – 169 € per person

Additional night BB – 35 € per person

HB (Half Board – Breakfast & Dinner)

          3 nights HB – 119 € per person

4 nights HB – 149 € per person

5 nights HB – 184 € per person

Additional night HB – 40 € per person

Double room supplement – 10 € per person

Single room supplement – 20 € per person

Double room supplement – 10 € per person
Single room supplement – 20 € per person

Hotel 3* resort Desaret - visit www.hoteldesaret.mk

Type: Lakeside hotel with an outdoor swimming pool.

HB (Half Board – Breakfast & Dinner)
3 nights HB – 119 € per person
4 nights HB – 144 € per person
5 nights HB – 179 € per person
Additional night HB – 36 € per person

FB (Full Board – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
3 nights FB – 128 € per person
4 nights FB – 160 € per person
5 nights FB – 194 € per person
Additional night FB – 41 € per person

Double room supplement – 10 € per person
Single room supplement – 20 € per person Double room supplement – 10 € per person

Ohridati Palace - 3* hotel in the center

3 nights HB – 105 € per person

 4 nights HB – 134 € per person

 5 nights HB – 159 € per person

Additional night – 35 € per person

Double room supplement – 10 € per person

Single room supplement – 20 € per person

Hotel De Luks Apartments HB (Half Board – Breakfast & Dinner)

3 nights HB – 91 € per person
4 nights HB – 119 € per person

FB (Full Board – Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
3 nights FB – 99 € per person
4 nights FB – 129 € per person

 We also offer 4* hotels:

 Hotel Metropol - visit:https://metropol-ohrid.com.mk/

 4 nights / 5 days HB – 194 € per person

5 nights / 6 days BB – 189 € per person

 5 nights / 6 days HB – 235 € per person

Additional night BB – 40 € per person

 Additional night HB – 50 € per person

Double room supplement – 10 € per person / night

Hotel Sileks - visit: https://hotelsileks.mk/

 Single room supplement – 20 € per person

3 nights HB – 158 € per person

 4 nights HB – 209 € per person

 5 nights HB – 250 € per person

3 nights FB – 189 € per person

 4 nights FB – 242 € per person

 5 nights FB – 299 € per person

 Additional night HB – 50 € per person

 Additional night FB – 60 € per person

Double room supplement – 10 € per person

 Single room supplement – 20 € per person

Hotel Granit - visit:https://hotelgranit.com.mk/

3 nights HB – 179 € per person

 4 nights HB – 234 € per person

 5 nights HB – 289 € per person

Additional night BB – 46 € per person

 Additional night HB – 56 € per person

Hotel Lagadin

Visit Hotel Lagadin

BB (Bed & Breakfast)
3 nights BB – 99 € per person
4 nights BB – 129 € per person
5 nights BB – 149 € per person
Additional night BB – 26 € per person

HB (Half Board – Breakfast & Dinner) in triple rooms;

3 nights HB – 124 € per person

4 nights HB – 154 € per person

5 nights HB – 189 € per person

Additional night HB – 35 € per person

Double room supplement – 10 € per person

Single room supplement – 20 € per person

Festival organizer provide:

- One free participation for every 24 dancers (24+1)

 - Certificate of attendance for all performers

 - Souvenirs and gifts for each group

 - Free drinks during performances

 - Free parking

 - Festival promotion via social media, press, posters, and flyers

Note: Tourist tax and insurance is 1 EUR/day/person, paid additionally.

 INSURANCE

Participants are responsible for their own health and travel insurance. First aid and hospital services will be available, but any medical costs must be covered by the group.

TRAVEL & TRANSFER INFORMATION

Free transfer from Ohrid Airport is provided. Wizz air has a cheap flights to Ohrid and Skopje airport.

 Transfers from Skopje, Tirana, or Thessaloniki airports (200 km away) can be arranged for an additional fee.Visa assistance available upon request. 

 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

Day 2 – Ohrid Sightseeing Tour

 Visit landmarks such as St. Sofia Church, Samoil Fortress, Antique Theatre, Plaosnik, St. Kaneo Church, and the Bridge of Wishes.

Day 3 – Lake Cruise to St. Naum 

 Enjoy a relaxing boat ride with a stop at the Water Museum and visiting St Naum church on the other side of the lake

NUMBER OF SEATS IS LIMITED!!

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NEWS ABOUT FESTIVAL                               Published on 09 august2025

THE FESTIVAL OHRID PEARL GATHERED EUROPEAN CULTURES ON ONE PLACE!!

The festival in Ohrid was held from 04 - 08 august  2025. The groups from Poland, Greece, Serbia, Croatia, Bulgaria,Romania  took part in the choral forum.

The opening of the festival was held speach and the groups were welcomed properly.

The festival evening took place in the center of the town. Also the choirs have singing in the church and singing in the city..

The closing ceremony of the event was held  with party together.

 Reviews from the groups: 

This festival has review of 22 groups and average estimation is EXELLNT- 9,0/1