21th International Folklore Festival “ST. CYRIL AND METHODIUS”

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 festivals are organized to bring together different cultures through music, dance, and traditional costumes. Participants will enjoy a vibrant celebration of cultures and have the opportunity to express themselves, learn from others, and create lasting friendships.

Additionally, 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

• The number of participants is not limited

• No age restrictions

• Diplomas and gifts for participation provided by the organizer

• Organization of performances and festival parade included

Obligations of Participants

1. Each group must include dancers, musicians, group leaders, and administrators.

2. Prepare a program lasting 10–15 minutes.

3. Performances can 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 should use their own transport throughout the festival.

5. Submit rooming lists no later than one month before the start of the festival.

6. It is recommended that each group brings 12–15 small gifts for exchange with other groups.

7. To participate, each group must fill in an application form and, if possible, provide photos, videos, or a brief history of the group. These materials will be used for promotional purposes (press, flyers, and posters).

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

9. The remaining payment should be completed immediately upon arrival at the festival.

Provided by the Organizer

• Accommodation in hotels or apartments, according to selected price category

• Two double rooms per group (one for the group leader and one for the bus driver) without additional payment

• Remaining rooms are with 3–4 beds

• Free bus parking outside the city center

• Tourist guides for sightseeing (on request)

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

• Professional stage (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 similar 4-star hotels.

Payment Terms

• 10% Guarantee Fee – deducted from the final payment

• The guarantee fee is paid directly at the hotel where the group will stay

• The remaining amount is paid upon arrival

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

Festival Program

Day 1

• Hotel check-in

• Free time for personal 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 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 welcoming you to Ohrid and celebrating friendship, music, and tradition together!