15th International Folklore Festival “OHRID – CITY OF LIGHT AND DANCE ”

International Folk Dance & Music Festivals in Ohrid, North Macedonia

Organized by Folklore Dance & Singing Group “Makedonka” – Ohrid

Festival Invitation

Dear friends,

It is our pleasure to inform you that the Folklore Dance & Singing Group “Makedonka” from Ohrid, Republic of North Macedonia, is the organizer of several International Folk Dance and Music Festivals held in the beautiful and historic town of Ohrid.

These international festivals are designed to bring together different cultures through music, dance, and colorful costumes. Participants will enjoy the diversity of world traditions, have the opportunity to express themselves, learn from others, and build unforgettable friendships.

Furthermore, participants will have the chance to experience the beauty of Ohrid, known as the “Town of Pearls” and the “Center of Christianity”, protected by UNESCO together with Lake Ohrid.

For more information about Ohrid, please visit: www.ohrid.com.mk

Festival Conditions

• Open to choirs, orchestras, folklore and modern dance groups from all over the world

• Unlimited number of participants

• No age limits

• Diplomas and gifts for all participants provided by the organizer

• Organization of performances and parade arranged by the festival

Obligations of Participants

1. Each group must consist of dancers, musicians, group managers, and administrators.

2. Prepare a program lasting 10–15 minutes.

3. Performances may be with live music, CD, or USB. Each group must bring its national flag and a banner with the group’s name for the parade.

4. Groups arriving by bus must use their own transportation during the festival.

5. Groups must submit rooming lists no later than one month before the start of the festival.

6. It is recommended to bring 12–15 small gifts for exchange with other groups.

7. To participate, each group must complete an application form. Please include photos, videos, or a brief history of your group if possible. These materials will be used for promotion and advertising (press, flyers, and posters).

8. After receiving the application form and advance payment, the organizer will send an official invitation letter.

9. The remaining payment should be completed immediately upon arrival to take part in the festival.

Provided by the Organizer

• Accommodation in hotels and apartments, according to the selected price category

• Two double rooms per group (one for group leaders and one for the bus driver) included without extra charge

• Remaining rooms with 3–4 beds

• Free bus parking (outside the town center)

• Tourist guides for sightseeing (on request)

• Festival promotion through press, radio, TV, posters, and flyers

• Professional stage for performances (size: 10×8 meters)

• Professional sound system (2 bass speakers, 4 satellite speakers, 2 monitor speakers, etc.)

• For groups arriving by plane: free transfer from Ohrid Airport to hotel

• 1 free place for every 25 participants

Participation Fee – Ohrid Festivals

Basic Category Apartments

Examples: Vila Nikola, Apartments Liljana, Apartments De Lux, and similar.

Advanced Category Hotels – 3★

Examples: Hotel Montenegrin, Hotel Ambassador, Hotel Dimitrie, Hotel Solferino, Hotel Galeb, Hotel City Palas, Hotel Kocarev, Hotel City Inn, Hotel Kongresen, and similar.

Advanced Category Hotels – 4★

Examples: Hotel Mizo, Hotel Internacional, Hotel Prestige, Hotel Pela, Hotel Cingo, Hotel Desaret, and other similar 4-star hotels.

Additional Costs

• Extra double room: +10 € per person/day

• Single room: +20 € per day

• Tourist tax: 2 € per person/day

• Some hotels do not provide towels

• Check-in after 14:00 / Check-out before 09:00

• 1 free place for every 25 participants

Payment Terms

• 10% Guarantee Fee – deducted from the final payment

• The guarantee fee is paid directly at the hotel upon arrival

• Remaining amount paid upon check-in

• Tax and insurance (0.70 € per person per day) are already included in the accommodation price

Festival Program

Day 1

• Arrival and hotel check-in

• Free time for individual activities

• Dinner at the hotel

• Free evening

Day 2

• Breakfast

• Visit to the Old City of Ohrid

  • St. Sophia Museum (3 € per person)

  • Samuil Fortress

  • Ancient Theater (3 € per person)

  • St. Kliment Ohridski – Plaošnik

  • St. Jovan Kaneo (3 € per person)

• Dinner

• First Festival Night

Day 3

• Breakfast

• Boat cruise on Lake Ohrid with visits to the Museum on Water and the Monastery of St. Naum (15 € per person)

• Second Festival Night (optional)

• Dinner

Day 4

• Breakfast

• Visit to Struga and Vevčani (optional) or free time at the beach

• Dinner

Day 5

• Breakfast

• Hotel check-out and departure

The organizer reserves the right to make changes to the festival program.

Contact Information

Folklore Dance & Singing Group “Makedonka” – Ohrid
Email: ansamblmakedonka@hotmail.com
Website: https://ansamblmakedonka.org/
YouTube: Ansembl Makedonka
Contact Person: Lidija Gurceva
Phone: +389 78 232 800

We look forward to your participation and hope to welcome you soon in Ohrid – the Pearl of the Balkans!