International Folk Dance and Music Festival “DURRES SUMMER FEST”

Durrës, Albania – a mix of rich history and modern life…

Durres, the largest seaport in the country, is located 34 km from Tirana. It is the oldest city in Albania or the eternal city on the Adriatic Sea, with almost 3000 years of history. Its establishment dates back to 627 BC. when the Corinthians and settlers from Corcyra penetrated the Illyrian region of the Talents. The city is home to many ancient archaeological sites and finds. The most important tourist attraction in Durrës is the amphitheater of the Roman emperor Hadrian with 15,000 seats, the second largest amphitheater in the Balkans. Some important buildings in Durrës include the main library, the cultural center with the Aleksandar Moisiu Theater, the Estrada Theater, the Puppet Theater and the Philharmonic Orchestra. There are also several museums such as the Archaeological Museum in Durres, the Royal Villa in Durres and the History Museum (Alexander Moisiu’s house).

Participation Fee: 

Hotel accommodation in Basic hotel categories in Durres, Albania as following: 

129 Euro for 3 HB per person (3 nights with 2 meals per day) 

159 Euro for 4 HB per person (4 nights with 2 meals per day) 

It covers hotel accommodation (leaders and drivers in 2 double rooms and others in triple and quadruple rooms) with 2 meals per day in 3* HOTELS in  Durres, Albania. 

Addition day can be booked for 45 euro/person/day  

Groups of 25 persons: One group leader free of charge! 

Hotel Sorento, Blue sky etc. 3 star in Durres, Albania 

Hotel accommodation in Advanced hotel categories in Durres, Albania as following: 

139 Euro for 3 HB per person ( 3 nights with 2 meals per day) 

185 Euro for 4 HB per person (4 nights with 2 meals per day) 

Payment

Considering the current economic situation in Europe, in the event of further price increases, we reserve the right to subsequently correct prices

All bank charges that may arise must be paid by the applicant.

accommodation:

We offer accommodation: We cover organizational costs and accommodation in hotels and apartments.

Groups will be accommodated in triple and quadruple rooms with private bathrooms.

There are only 2 double rooms available per group that can be used for managers and drivers.

For each additional double room, the group needs to pay an additional 10 euros per person per day, and for a single room an additional 20 euros per day.

If the group shows interest in extending the stay, it is necessary to inform the organizers during registration (the price of an additional night on a half-board basis is 35 euros per person).

For a group of 25 people you have 1 free. (24+1)

Groups check in after 12:00 and leave the rooms by 10:00.

Important! Albanian tourist tax and insurance (1.5 euros per person per day) are not included in the price and are payable upon arrival and accommodation.

Conditions of the festival:

Choirs, orchestras, folklore and modern dance groups from all over the world

The number of participants is limited.

There are no age restrictions.

Gifts and diplomas for participation in the festival are provided by the organizer.

Organization of performances and parades of participants.

To participate in this festival, each group needs to fill out an application form. After receiving the application and advance payment, the organizer will send an official invitation to participate in the Festival.

Obligations of participants:

Each group must consist of dancers, musicians, group leader and administration.

Prepare a program lasting 10 to 12 minutes.

You can perform with live music, CD or USB.

You should have a flag and a sign with the name of the group for the Defile.

Groups arriving by bus should use their own transport throughout the duration of the festival.

If the group needs a visa, it is the group’s responsibility to arrange this.

Festival Program:

29 August 2025

• 00 Arriving in Durres, hotel accommodation and meeting with the festival representatives, free time (beach time)
• 00 – 20.00 Diner in hotel
• 00 Welcome reception with the leaders of the groups

30 August 2025

• 30 – 10.00 Breakfast 
• 00 – 15.00 Durres sightseeing with organized local tour guides (optional) or free time in the beach
• 00 – 18.00 Diner in hotel
• 00 Ensemble parade and Official festival evening in the square of Durres city

31 August 2025

• 30 – 10.00 Breakfast 
• 00 – 16.00 Kruje sightseeing with organized local tour guides – visiting historical monuments and museum (optional) with own buses or free beach time
• 00 – 18.00 Diner in hotel
• 00 Second festival evening (optional) 

01 September 2025

• 30 – 10.00 Breakfast 
• 00 – 16.00 Tirana sightseeing with organized local tour guides – visiting historical monuments and museum (optional) with own buses or free beach time
• 00 – 18.00 Diner in hotel
• 30 Closing ceremony of the festival – final party with all participants, discotheque with all the festival participants 

02 September 2025

• 30 – 10.00 Breakfast 
• 00 Departure

Participation Fee does not include: 

• Transport
• Optional Programs
• Insurance
• What is not specified in the above mentioned “the fee includes”

Groups arriving by plane will be transported from the hotels with organized buses and will be accompanied to their departure in the same conditions. The transfer from the airport to the hotel and back is paid additionally.

By applying you confirm that you accept all festival conditions. All detailed information will be supply after your confirmation for participations.

Invitation letter will be provided if needed 

Any group willing to participate must submit an Application form.  
Approved groups pay in advance a 10% guarantee fee, which is to be deducted at the final payment.

Next payment of 20% for booking of accommodation needs to be sent to the organizer.

Rest of the sum will be paid before the beginning of the festival or upon arrival regarding the permission and agreement with organizers.

*Festival organizer keeps the right to change the festival program

Thank you for participating at the Folklore Festival!