XXXI International Music & Dance festival CULTURAL BRIDGES
Location: DURRES, Albania
Director: Z.S.&WOFA
Application Deadline: 1 July, 2025
INVITATION
We are pleased to invite folk ensembles, choral groups, art schools, majorette teams, orchestras, ballroom dance groups, and modern dance teams (children, youth, and adult) to participate in the XXXI International Music & Dance Festival “CULTURAL BRIDGES”, 25–29 June 2025 in Durrës, Albania. This non‑competitive festival brings music and dance into the streets and squares, fostering friendship and cultural exchange.
Festival Highlights
- Open to folk, choral, orchestral, majorette, art‑school, ballroom and modern dance groups
- Outdoor parades and stand‑still performances in Durrës city center & ancient amphitheater
- Showcase your country’s traditions in public squares and on stage
- Explore Albania’s heritage: castle walls, museums, theaters, and the Adriatic coast
Participation Details
Eligibility & General Rules
- Non‑competitive festival sample of traditional & modern dance, brass bands, orchestral, choral, ballroom and majorette teams
- Up to 3 groups per country; 10 groups total (max 400 participants)
- Each group max 70 members (performers, managers, musicians, family)
- Performances in evening hours—plan daytime for sightseeing or excursions
- Each ensemble to prepare 2 performances (10–15 min each) with live orchestra or USB; choral groups a 15 min free program
- Submit short CV, 5 photos, and video link
- Bring your national flag
- Groups must arrange own arrival/departure transport (Wizz Air & Ryanair to Tirana; optional transfers—see below)
Application Requirements
- Limited capacity—early registration highly recommended
- No registration fee beyond chosen package
Participation Fee & Package
Hotel Bonita (5★) – hotelbonita.al
- €139 pp (3 nights HB: open‑buffet breakfast & dinner)
- €179 pp (4 nights HB: open‑buffet breakfast & dinner)
- Performers in triple rooms; leaders/drivers in double rooms (extra doubles on request: +€10 pp/night)
- Amenities: private beach, outdoor swimming pool, spa centre & gym
Included:
- Accommodation & daily buffet meals
- Transfers: airport ↔ hotel & hotel ↔ performances
- Festival registration & on‑site assistance
- 1 free package per 24 paying participants
- Souvenir & gift for each group
- Certificate of attendance
- Water during performances
- Free parking
- Full promotional support (press, social media, posters)
Optional Extras:
- Additional nights at €46 pp/night (HB)
- Airport transfers from Tirana or Ohrid (cost depends on group size)
- Tourist tax & insurance: €1 pp/day, payable on arrival
Not Included:
- Flights, personal travel insurance, personal expenses
Festival Program
Day 1 – 25 June
13:00 Arrival & check‑in at Hotel Bonita
Afternoon: beach time/free time
19:00–21:00 Buffet dinner
21:00 Welcome meeting
Day 2 – 26 June
09:00–10:00 Breakfast
11:00–12:00 Sightseeing (Tirana or Durrës)
18:00–19:00 Buffet dinner
19:30–21:00 Parade & evening performances at the Amphitheatre
Day 3 – 27 June
09:00–10:00 Breakfast
10:30–15:00 Beach time or excursion to Krujë
19:00–21:00 Buffet dinner
21:00 Dance workshop (optional)
Day 4 – 28 June
09:00–10:00 Breakfast
10:30–15:00 Beach time or second Krujë visit
19:00–21:00 Buffet dinner
21:00 Farewell party by the pool
Day 5 – 29 June
09:00–10:00 Breakfast
11:00 Departure
Insurance & Liability
All participants must hold personal liability and health insurance. First Aid services will be available; any medical costs are the group’s responsibility.
Media & Memories
After the festival, a link to photos and videos will be shared.
See past highlights:YouTube Video
Application & Payment Details
- Limited to 10 groups / 400 participants
- Early booking advised—spots fill fast
- Detailed payment instructions sent upon confirmation