WorldFestivalAssociation

INVITATION

With pleasure we INVITE Folk Ensembles, Choral Groups, Brass Bands, Orchestras, Modern Dance Groups, and Majorette Teams (children, youth, and adult groups) participate in XXXII International Music & Dance Festival “CULTURAL BRIDGES”, in Durres, Albania.

The intention of our invitation and the Festival light motive is to present the cultural tradition of different countries and to provide an opportunity for the members of groups to get together, to establish friendships and culture presentation through dance and music.The idea of the Festival is to bring the music closer to the people and to present the music on the streets and the squares.The festival is open for folk and choir ensembles, as well as orchestras and majorettes regardless of the members gender and age.

Durrës, one of Albania’s oldest and most captivating coastal cities, beautifully merges ancient heritage with vibrant seaside life. Situated on the Adriatic Sea, it is known for its long sandy beaches, lively promenade, and rich history dating back over 3,000 years. The city’s centerpiece, the Roman Amphitheatre—one of the largest in the Balkans—stands as a testament to its glorious past. Strolling through Durrës reveals a blend of Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian influences alongside modern cafés, seafood restaurants, and a bustling marina. With its golden sunsets and Mediterranean charm, Durrës offers the perfect mix of history, leisure, and coastal beauty.

General Rules:

This is a non-competitive festival showcasing traditional and modern dances, music, and performances.
Participation is open to folklore, choral, majorette, vocal, and dance groups, regardless of age or gender.
Each country may be represented by a maximum of three groups.
Each group can include up to 70 members, including dancers, musicians, leaders, and family members.

Performance Requirements:
Folk ensembles – at least 2 dances, each lasting 10–15 minutes (with live orchestra or USB).
Choral groups – free program of approximately 15 minutes.

Each group must bring its national flag, submit a short CV, 5 photos, and a video link of its performance.
Groups must arrange their own transportation for arrival and departure.
Budget-friendly flights to Tirana International Airport are available via Wizz Air and Ryanair.

 Accommodation Cost:

Participants will be accommodated in wonderful KOLAVERY RESORT with own beach and swimming pools link: https://kolaveriresort.com/.

Participation Fees:
€125 per person – 3 nights (half board) (3 nights/4 days with 2 measl per day - open buffet)
€159 per person – 4 nights (half board)(4 nights/5 days with 2 measl per day - open buffet)
€189 per person – 5 nights (half board)(5 nights/6 days with 2 measl per day - open buffet)

Additional Options:
Extra night – €35 per person (half board)
Double room – €10 extra per person per day
Single room – €20 extra per person per day

Festival organizers provide:

For 25 dancers – one gratis

- Souvenir and gift for each group

- Welcome cocktail with leaders

- Certificate for attendance

- Drinks during the performance

- Advertising of the festival (press release, social media promotion, posters and flayers) 

Free parking

Insurance: Groups must have their own personal responsibility and health insurance.

First aid and medical services will be available and covered by the group.

A tourist tax of 1 EUR per person per day is an additional cost.

Transportation: for groups who are coming by plane, we can arrange transport from Tirana airport to Durres. (Paid additionally).

Program Information

Day 1
13:00 – Arrival in Durrës, hotel check-in, and free time (beach time)
19:00–21:00 – Dinner (buffet) at the hotel
21:00 – Meeting with festival representatives

Day 2
09:00–10:00 – Breakfast (buffet)
11:00–12:00 – Excursion to Tirana or Durrës (sightseeing)
18:00–19:00 – Dinner (buffet) at the hotel
19:30–21:00 – Festival defile and evening performances on the main square

Day 3
09:00–10:00 – Breakfast (buffet)
10:30–15:00 – Free beach time or visit to Krujë (historic monuments and museums)
19:00–21:00 – Dinner (buffet) at the hotel
21:00 – Dance workshop: learning traditional dances from other cultures

Day 4
09:00–10:00 – Breakfast (buffet)
10:30–15:00 – Free beach time or visit to Krujë (historic monuments and museums)
19:00–21:00 – Dinner (buffet) at the hotel
21:00 – Goodbye party with all participants by the swimming pool

Day 5
09:00–10:00 – Breakfast (buffet)
11:00 – Departure of participants

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 : WOFA coordinator will guide you through the final steps: participant list, travel details, and performance info.

 Important Details

The organizers provide a stage for all performances.
Festival location:https://www.google.com/maps/@41.3138911,19.4462747,83m/data=!3m1!1e3?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDkwNy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

 The official festival program will be provided one month before arrival.

Festival Highlights

See videos of performances on our official YouTube playlist:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8RE8ufsZ316vYNOijWI2d2Rjq-OaT24M

Excursions Information

BERAT – UNESCO Full-Day Tour (min. 15 guests)
Visit the UNESCO-listed city of Berat, known for its white Ottoman houses and hilltop castle overlooking the Osum River.

KRUJA – Half-Day Tour (min. 15 guests)
Explore the historic town of Kruja, home to Albania’s national hero Skanderbeg, and its Ottoman-era bazaar.

TIRANA & KRUJA – Full-Day Tour (min. 15 guests)
Discover the lively capital Tirana and the historic fortress city of Kruja on this combined cultural tour.

TIRANA – Half-Day Tour (min. 15 guests)
Experience Albania’s capital, its colorful boulevards, Skanderbeg Square, and diverse architectural heritage.

DIVJAKË–KARAVASTA NATIONAL PARK – Full-Day Tour (min. 15 guests)
Explore the scenic lagoons, pine forests, and sand dunes of this national park, home to the rare Dalmatian pelican.

 NEWS FROM THE FESTIVAL                                            Published on 10.07.2025

From  04-08 July  2025 in Durres  was held  XXXII International Music & Dance Festival “CULTURAL BRIDGES”,with great success.

At the festival over 400 participants from Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Lithuania, North Macedonia, the Czech Republic, Türkiye, and Poland

On the welcome reception with the leaders of the groups on 04 July director of the festival Mr Zoran Strezovski wished them welcome in the beautiful city and explained the detailed program.

On 06 July festival evening was held on the stage of the city of Bar where all ensembles had their performances. Organizers of the festivals were WOFA - World Festival Association

In 2023 the festival had over 350 participants and 8 ensembles from 6 EU countries..

NUMBER OF SEATS IS LIMITED on 350 participants and 8 ensembles!!

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Reviews from the groups:

This festival has review of 5 groups and average estimation is EXCELLENT - 9,6/10